Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People

#1

07.37: Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

Another deep dive episode, and this one feels like it shouldn't have taken so long! We're reading Run Posy Run, talking about the way Cate C. Wells walks a fine line of mafia romance while keeping the book on the morality chain side of the line from dark romance. We talk about heroines against the wall, heroes who have to suffer, the way violence fits into these romances, and about sex and how it's deployed in these books to enormous effect. We love this one (as you all know), and we were so excited to go back to it and give it the deep read it deserved. You can find all of our deep dives at the Fated Mates Book Club. It's that time of year again--Sarah's next book, These Summer Storms (complete with sexy, silent, deeply competent hero) is out in July and she is going on tour! What's more, there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour! If you can't make the tour, you can preorder These Summer Storms signed with a special romance dust jacket from The Ripped Bodice. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BookRun Posy Run by Cate C. WellsNotesA boat, ship whatever, ran into the Brooklyn Bridge, and here’s a video of a woman who is a mariner explaining what might have happened. The Chicago River is an engineering marvel. In 1887, they reversed the river and sent it out to the Mississippi rather than having it flow into Lake Michigan. They were moving rivers around in Rhode Island because of Mayor SOMEBODY and his desire to turn Providence into the Venice of the United States. Waterfire is a Providence thing, but it isn’t the same as the water fire[...

2025-06-04•2hr 42mins

07.37: Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

Another deep dive episode, and this one feels like it shouldn't have taken so long! We're reading Run Posy Run, talking about the way Cate C. Wells walks a fine line of mafia romance while keeping the book on the morality chain side of the line from dark romance. We talk about heroines against the wall, heroes who have to suffer, the way violence fits into these romances, and about sex and how it's deployed in these books to enormous effect. We love this one (as you all know), and we were so excited to go back to it and give it the deep read it deserved. You can find all of our deep dives at the Fated Mates Book Club. It's that time of year again--Sarah's next book, These Summer Storms (complete with sexy, silent, deeply competent hero) is out in July and she is going on tour! What's more, there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour! If you can't make the tour, you can preorder These Summer Storms signed with a special romance dust jacket from The Ripped Bodice. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BookRun Posy Run by Cate C. WellsNotesA boat, ship whatever, ran into the Brooklyn Bridge, and here’s a video of a woman who is a mariner explaining what might have happened. The Chicago River is an engineering marvel. In 1887, they reversed the river and sent it out to the Mississippi rather than having it flow into Lake Michigan. They were moving rivers around in Rhode Island because of Mayor SOMEBODY and his desire to turn Providence into the Venice of the United States. Waterfire is a Providence thing, but it isn’t the same as the water fire[...

2025-06-04•2hr 42mins

#1

#2

S07.36: Celebrity + Normie Romance

Sarah is over the moon that we're talking about celebrities again, especially because we're keeping it tight this time around and limiting it to celebrity/normal person romance (mostly -- Jen is ungovernable)! Yes, Sarah is going to talk about Perfect, but also we're going to talk about celebrities who fall for stranger normies, for normies they knew before they were celebrities, for normies who work with them, and for normies who protect them. The episode is 1200 books long and honestly, we're not sorry. In case you wondered why Sarah is breaking her rule about talking about her own books, it's that time of year again! Her next book, These Summer Storms (complete with sexy, silent, deeply competent hero) is out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour! If you can't make the tour, you can preorder These Summer Storms signed with a special romance dust jacket from The Ripped Bodice. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Cate C Wells's Run Posy Run, available right now in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon, Apple Books, and Libro.fm.The Books Perfect by Judith McNaughtAll The Feels by Olivia DadeThe Hollywood Jinx by Sariah WilsonFan Service by Rosie DananNot a Bad Boy by Louisa EdwardsLOL by Lucy Lennox & Molly MaddoxThe Mechanic by Reina TorresThe Stand-In by Lily ChuThe Decoy Girlfriend by Lillie Vale32 Days in May by Betty CorrelloThe Bollywood Bride by Sonali DevGhosted by JM DarhowerSmall Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

2025-05-28•1hr 56mins

S07.36: Celebrity + Normie Romance

Sarah is over the moon that we're talking about celebrities again, especially because we're keeping it tight this time around and limiting it to celebrity/normal person romance (mostly -- Jen is ungovernable)! Yes, Sarah is going to talk about Perfect, but also we're going to talk about celebrities who fall for stranger normies, for normies they knew before they were celebrities, for normies who work with them, and for normies who protect them. The episode is 1200 books long and honestly, we're not sorry. In case you wondered why Sarah is breaking her rule about talking about her own books, it's that time of year again! Her next book, These Summer Storms (complete with sexy, silent, deeply competent hero) is out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour! If you can't make the tour, you can preorder These Summer Storms signed with a special romance dust jacket from The Ripped Bodice. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Cate C Wells's Run Posy Run, available right now in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon, Apple Books, and Libro.fm.The Books Perfect by Judith McNaughtAll The Feels by Olivia DadeThe Hollywood Jinx by Sariah WilsonFan Service by Rosie DananNot a Bad Boy by Louisa EdwardsLOL by Lucy Lennox & Molly MaddoxThe Mechanic by Reina TorresThe Stand-In by Lily ChuThe Decoy Girlfriend by Lillie Vale32 Days in May by Betty CorrelloThe Bollywood Bride by Sonali DevGhosted by JM DarhowerSmall Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow

2025-05-28•1hr 56mins

#2

#3

RERUN: S04.43: [Sex on the] Beach Reads

We're on hiatus this week. We planned this long ago, but forgot to tell you about it. Honest! Please visit the original season four episode page for more info.

2025-05-21•1hr 5mins

RERUN: S04.43: [Sex on the] Beach Reads

We're on hiatus this week. We planned this long ago, but forgot to tell you about it. Honest! Please visit the original season four episode page for more info.

2025-05-21•1hr 5mins

#3

#4

S07.35: On the Shelf with Spinsters and Wallflowers

One of the og romance tropes is on the table today -- we're talking about heroines who are on the shelf! It's not quite wallflowers, not quite ruined, not quite spinsters...it's a very particular flavor of unmarried woman, and one we basically only find in historicals (can you tell Sarah is writing?). We're talking about the subtle nuances of heroines on the shelf and honoring some of the classics...but Sarah's got a batch of books we've never talked about before! Also! It's that time of year again! Sarah has a new book out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Cate C Wells's Run Posy Run, available right now in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon, Apple Books, and Libro.fm.BooksNine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanThe Proposition by Judith IvoryThe Viscount Who Loved Me and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia QuinnA Night to Surrender by Tessa DareAn Earl Like You by Caroline LindenAlong Came a Duke by Elizabeth BoyleOne for the Rogue by Manda CollinsHis Wicked Reputation by Madeline HunterLove is a Rogue by Lenora BellTaming His Viking Woman by Michelle StylesNotesCheck out the The Collections Department for fun groups of books, organized by real people. On the shelf, wallflowers, and spinsters.What does being a spinster look like now? - Louisa Darling suggested the...

2025-05-14•1hr 20mins

S07.35: On the Shelf with Spinsters and Wallflowers

One of the og romance tropes is on the table today -- we're talking about heroines who are on the shelf! It's not quite wallflowers, not quite ruined, not quite spinsters...it's a very particular flavor of unmarried woman, and one we basically only find in historicals (can you tell Sarah is writing?). We're talking about the subtle nuances of heroines on the shelf and honoring some of the classics...but Sarah's got a batch of books we've never talked about before! Also! It's that time of year again! Sarah has a new book out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Cate C Wells's Run Posy Run, available right now in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon, Apple Books, and Libro.fm.BooksNine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanThe Proposition by Judith IvoryThe Viscount Who Loved Me and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia QuinnA Night to Surrender by Tessa DareAn Earl Like You by Caroline LindenAlong Came a Duke by Elizabeth BoyleOne for the Rogue by Manda CollinsHis Wicked Reputation by Madeline HunterLove is a Rogue by Lenora BellTaming His Viking Woman by Michelle StylesNotesCheck out the The Collections Department for fun groups of books, organized by real people. On the shelf, wallflowers, and spinsters.What does being a spinster look like now? - Louisa Darling suggested the...

2025-05-14•1hr 20mins

#4

#5

S07.34: The Third Act Break-Up (Complimentary)

We're gonna get people excited with this one (it's us. we're the ones who are getting excited). Back by popular demand, we're talking craft this week--digging deep into the third-act breakup, what it really means, why it's misunderstood, and why it really is essential to romance. Sarah suggests that every romance has one whether people like to admit it or not, Jen is, as always, ready to fight. Strap in! Also! It's that time of year again! Sarah has a new book out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksDreaming of You by Lisa KleypasSomething Wilder and Beautiful Stranger by Christina LaurenHidden Truths by Neva AltajMarrying Winterborne by Lisa KleypasForbidden by Beverly JenkinsThe Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney MilanLead by Kylie ScottKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KangPainted Scars by Neva AltajMacRieve by Kresley ColeNotesWe love Sephora and Ulta, and Sarah has some faves from Dermatology Instagram, like dermangelo and drdrayzday.Sarah’s on tour for These Summer Storms in July, and Fated Mates Live will be in St. Louis!! Sarah recommends the audio of The Hero’s 2 Journeys by Michael HaugeIn our discussion, we identified several types of third act break-ups: Going Home Again, Self-Sacrifice, Who am I?, and You Fucked All the Way Up. An SD card, for you youths.SponsorsDani Francis, author of Silver Elite, available in print or ebook, from

2025-05-07•1hr 28mins

S07.34: The Third Act Break-Up (Complimentary)

We're gonna get people excited with this one (it's us. we're the ones who are getting excited). Back by popular demand, we're talking craft this week--digging deep into the third-act breakup, what it really means, why it's misunderstood, and why it really is essential to romance. Sarah suggests that every romance has one whether people like to admit it or not, Jen is, as always, ready to fight. Strap in! Also! It's that time of year again! Sarah has a new book out in July and is going on tour, and there is a real deal Fated Mates LIVE planned for July 8th in St. Louis, MO! Get tickets to any of these events (Jen will be at a bunch of them, and other pod friends will be popping up along the way) at sarahmaclean.net/tour!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksDreaming of You by Lisa KleypasSomething Wilder and Beautiful Stranger by Christina LaurenHidden Truths by Neva AltajMarrying Winterborne by Lisa KleypasForbidden by Beverly JenkinsThe Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney MilanLead by Kylie ScottKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KangPainted Scars by Neva AltajMacRieve by Kresley ColeNotesWe love Sephora and Ulta, and Sarah has some faves from Dermatology Instagram, like dermangelo and drdrayzday.Sarah’s on tour for These Summer Storms in July, and Fated Mates Live will be in St. Louis!! Sarah recommends the audio of The Hero’s 2 Journeys by Michael HaugeIn our discussion, we identified several types of third act break-ups: Going Home Again, Self-Sacrifice, Who am I?, and You Fucked All the Way Up. An SD card, for you youths.SponsorsDani Francis, author of Silver Elite, available in print or ebook, from

2025-05-07•1hr 28mins

#5

#6

S07.33: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Today we're headed back in the time machine to before the pandemic when everyone but us read this one m/m hockey book and lost their collective minds! Heated Rivalry is one of those books that romance lovers place high up on their keeper shelf, and we're talking about why, about how it really knocks sports romance out of the park (yes, we're aware that there is no knocking out of parks in hockey), and how it might be one of the books that launched a thousand hockey ships. We're talking about erotica vs. erotic romance vs. romance, about sexy secrets, about first names and about why it's always sexy when people say "I love you" in a foreign language. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksHeated RivalryThe Long GameNotesVisit the Fated Mates Collections Department for great romance recommendations organized by micro tropes, characteristics, subgenres, or things like Virgin Heroes. Check out Jen’s collection Hoop! (There It Is) and listen to the 1993 hit song, Whoomp! (There It Is) by Tag Team.Barnes & Noble and Amazon holding sales during Independent Bookstore day felt super icky. If you missed it this year, maybe you can find a great indie to visit next year. It’s always the last Saturday in April. Alan Ritchson is Jack Reacher, Alan Rickman is not.On the road to the NHL, the World Juniors is pretty important. Professional sports are notably homophobic, especially the NHL despite its history of hosting pride nights.

2025-04-30•1hr 34mins

S07.33: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Today we're headed back in the time machine to before the pandemic when everyone but us read this one m/m hockey book and lost their collective minds! Heated Rivalry is one of those books that romance lovers place high up on their keeper shelf, and we're talking about why, about how it really knocks sports romance out of the park (yes, we're aware that there is no knocking out of parks in hockey), and how it might be one of the books that launched a thousand hockey ships. We're talking about erotica vs. erotic romance vs. romance, about sexy secrets, about first names and about why it's always sexy when people say "I love you" in a foreign language. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksHeated RivalryThe Long GameNotesVisit the Fated Mates Collections Department for great romance recommendations organized by micro tropes, characteristics, subgenres, or things like Virgin Heroes. Check out Jen’s collection Hoop! (There It Is) and listen to the 1993 hit song, Whoomp! (There It Is) by Tag Team.Barnes & Noble and Amazon holding sales during Independent Bookstore day felt super icky. If you missed it this year, maybe you can find a great indie to visit next year. It’s always the last Saturday in April. Alan Ritchson is Jack Reacher, Alan Rickman is not.On the road to the NHL, the World Juniors is pretty important. Professional sports are notably homophobic, especially the NHL despite its history of hosting pride nights.

2025-04-30•1hr 34mins

#6

#7

S07.32: Ruination!

We're talking about the worst possible thing that can happen to a romance heroine today (it's always the heroines) -- ruination! Whether the hero did it, another man did it, or society simply decided that she's ruined, there's simply nothing to be done about it...except revenge, a triumphant return, or the crowning of a new reigning queen. We cover all three here, with almost entirely new to the pod books, and even get some contemporaries into the mix!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Books Mentioned In This EpisodeChasing Cassandra by Lisa KleypasThe Duchess Hunt by Lorraine HeathA Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLeanWicked & The Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanMarrying Winterborne by Lisa KleypasThe Magic of You by Joanna LindsayA Little Bit Wild by Victoria DahlThe Harlot Countess by Joanna ShupeAgain the Magic by Lisa KleypasTempt Me at Twilight by Lisa KleypasWild Rain by Beverly JenkinsThe Rake by Suzanne EnochCompromised by Kate NobleRide Steady by Kristen AshleyAfter Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M LopezNotesThe space domination of Katy Perry is depressing compared to the

2025-04-23•1hr 53mins

S07.32: Ruination!

We're talking about the worst possible thing that can happen to a romance heroine today (it's always the heroines) -- ruination! Whether the hero did it, another man did it, or society simply decided that she's ruined, there's simply nothing to be done about it...except revenge, a triumphant return, or the crowning of a new reigning queen. We cover all three here, with almost entirely new to the pod books, and even get some contemporaries into the mix!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Books Mentioned In This EpisodeChasing Cassandra by Lisa KleypasThe Duchess Hunt by Lorraine HeathA Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLeanWicked & The Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanMarrying Winterborne by Lisa KleypasThe Magic of You by Joanna LindsayA Little Bit Wild by Victoria DahlThe Harlot Countess by Joanna ShupeAgain the Magic by Lisa KleypasTempt Me at Twilight by Lisa KleypasWild Rain by Beverly JenkinsThe Rake by Suzanne EnochCompromised by Kate NobleRide Steady by Kristen AshleyAfter Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M LopezNotesThe space domination of Katy Perry is depressing compared to the

2025-04-23•1hr 53mins

#7

#8

S07.31: Romance on the Run

Yes, Sarah has a longtime fantasy of being on the lam, but let's be honest, she'd be caught reading a book in the nearest diner as soon as anyone got serious about looking for her. This week, we're talking about books in which characters are much more serious about being on the run! We break the category into people on the move and people in hiding, but also talk about secrets, about lies, and about how love really is about telling something all the truths you've got. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books The Master by Kresley ColeRun Posy Run by Cate WellsClaiming the Courtesan by Anna CampbellBurn Down the Night by M. O’KeefeDragon Bound by Thea HarrisonTycoon by Joanna ShupeSomething Wilder by Christina LaurenIf I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae MarvelHunter by Emmy ChandlerStranded by Jennifer D. BokalThe Harpy and the Dragon by Marie LiscombWyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno RushdanBourbon and Lies by Victoria WilderHunted Through Italy by Delaney DiamondDalliances & Devotion by Felicia GrossmanKiss the Girl by Zoraida CordovaUnder Her Skin by Adriana AndersWhiteout by Adriana...

2025-04-16•1hr 34mins

S07.31: Romance on the Run

Yes, Sarah has a longtime fantasy of being on the lam, but let's be honest, she'd be caught reading a book in the nearest diner as soon as anyone got serious about looking for her. This week, we're talking about books in which characters are much more serious about being on the run! We break the category into people on the move and people in hiding, but also talk about secrets, about lies, and about how love really is about telling something all the truths you've got. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books The Master by Kresley ColeRun Posy Run by Cate WellsClaiming the Courtesan by Anna CampbellBurn Down the Night by M. O’KeefeDragon Bound by Thea HarrisonTycoon by Joanna ShupeSomething Wilder by Christina LaurenIf I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae MarvelHunter by Emmy ChandlerStranded by Jennifer D. BokalThe Harpy and the Dragon by Marie LiscombWyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno RushdanBourbon and Lies by Victoria WilderHunted Through Italy by Delaney DiamondDalliances & Devotion by Felicia GrossmanKiss the Girl by Zoraida CordovaUnder Her Skin by Adriana AndersWhiteout by Adriana...

2025-04-16•1hr 34mins

#8

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#9

S07.30: Getting Things Done (to them): Romance with Lists

We're crossing off a classic romance novel structure this week -- the list! Whether life changing to-do lists, bucket lists, or lists for kinky exploration, these romances take characters and readers on remarkable rides, reminding us all that sometimes it really does pay to be organized. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanGet A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia HibbertThe Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie ScottWicked Nights with a Lover by Sophie JordanWhat Heals Us by Maggie GatesThe Ending I Want by Samantha TowleCamera Chemistry by Chelsea Curto30 Days and 30 Nights by Christine d’AboThe Seal’s Rebel Librarian by Anne CalhounHow to Fail at Flirting by Denise WilliamsRockaway Bride by Pippa GrantMr. Swoony by Piper RayneThree Little Mistakes by Nikki SloanAll Played Out by Cora CarmackShow NotesWe’re excited about these author and listener created lists at the Fated Mates Collections Department. And in case you want to see the one from Competitive Yam about Skinny dipping, here it is.

2025-04-09•1hr 32mins

S07.30: Getting Things Done (to them): Romance with Lists

We're crossing off a classic romance novel structure this week -- the list! Whether life changing to-do lists, bucket lists, or lists for kinky exploration, these romances take characters and readers on remarkable rides, reminding us all that sometimes it really does pay to be organized. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanGet A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia HibbertThe Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie ScottWicked Nights with a Lover by Sophie JordanWhat Heals Us by Maggie GatesThe Ending I Want by Samantha TowleCamera Chemistry by Chelsea Curto30 Days and 30 Nights by Christine d’AboThe Seal’s Rebel Librarian by Anne CalhounHow to Fail at Flirting by Denise WilliamsRockaway Bride by Pippa GrantMr. Swoony by Piper RayneThree Little Mistakes by Nikki SloanAll Played Out by Cora CarmackShow NotesWe’re excited about these author and listener created lists at the Fated Mates Collections Department. And in case you want to see the one from Competitive Yam about Skinny dipping, here it is.

2025-04-09•1hr 32mins

#9

#10

S07.29: Spring 2025 New Releases: Teasing Your TBR

It's our quarterly discoverabilibuddy episode! Get your TBR piles structurally sound and exercise that preorder clicking finger, because here are nearly 50 books coming out in the next three months that we're excited to read! Eric said next time we have to split it into two if we're going to keep talking about what's coming for hours... In the meantime, we're ungovernable! Tell us about the books you're waiting for...and if you're a romance novelist and have a book coming this year, please head over and fill out our handy Google form to let us know!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books MARCHWitch of Wall Street by MJ EtkindA Wager at Midnight by Vanessa RileyLush by Tinia MontfordAPRIL Royal Bride Demand by LaQuetteWyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno RushdanAny Trope but You by Victoria LavineWhisk Me Away by Georgia BeersPlaying for Keeps by Lainey DavisThe Nanny is Off Limits by QB TylerMarriage Bargain with the Comte by Parker J. Cole A Lady’s Guide to London by Faye DelecourThe Duke and the Widow by Christina DianeNaked in Naknek by Lolu SinclairFly by Night by Kelly CainThe Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

2025-04-02•1hr 56mins

S07.29: Spring 2025 New Releases: Teasing Your TBR

It's our quarterly discoverabilibuddy episode! Get your TBR piles structurally sound and exercise that preorder clicking finger, because here are nearly 50 books coming out in the next three months that we're excited to read! Eric said next time we have to split it into two if we're going to keep talking about what's coming for hours... In the meantime, we're ungovernable! Tell us about the books you're waiting for...and if you're a romance novelist and have a book coming this year, please head over and fill out our handy Google form to let us know!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry, which you can get in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books MARCHWitch of Wall Street by MJ EtkindA Wager at Midnight by Vanessa RileyLush by Tinia MontfordAPRIL Royal Bride Demand by LaQuetteWyoming Double Jeopardy by Juno RushdanAny Trope but You by Victoria LavineWhisk Me Away by Georgia BeersPlaying for Keeps by Lainey DavisThe Nanny is Off Limits by QB TylerMarriage Bargain with the Comte by Parker J. Cole A Lady’s Guide to London by Faye DelecourThe Duke and the Widow by Christina DianeNaked in Naknek by Lolu SinclairFly by Night by Kelly CainThe Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

2025-04-02•1hr 56mins

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#11

S07.28: Everything We Know About Horses Comes From Romance

This week, for some reason, we're talking about romance novels with horses in them! Do we know anything about horses? Of course not! Do we let that stop us? It never has before! We're talking about the ones where the horse dies, the ones where they do it on a horse, the ones where she's a horse whisperer, and the ones where she just really likes horses. Giddyup! If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Take the Fated Mates Season 7 listener survey at fatedmates.net/surveyThe BooksA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtA Very Private Love by Melinda CrossThis Fierce Splendor by Iris JohansenThe Secret by Julie GarwoodBlack Lyon by Jude DeverauxMontana Sky and Irish Thoroughbred by Nora RobertsThe Siren of Sussex by Mimi MatthewsThe Trouble with Anna by Rachel GriffithsCold-Hearted Rake by Lisa KleypasLegends Lake by JoAnn RossAll Night Long with a Cowboy by Caitlin CrewsThe Wildest Ride by Marcella Bell A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah WeatherspoonSanctuary Island by Lily EverettThe NotesWho Did it Better… on a Horse? In an elevator? In the library? At Thanksgiving? And on a pool table? “It’s a fun book, there’s no sex in it,” is something Sarah said about Pride and Prejudice, which is just funny. In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the MacFayden/Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, they are releasing it again in theaters the weekend of...

2025-03-25•2hr 16mins

S07.28: Everything We Know About Horses Comes From Romance

This week, for some reason, we're talking about romance novels with horses in them! Do we know anything about horses? Of course not! Do we let that stop us? It never has before! We're talking about the ones where the horse dies, the ones where they do it on a horse, the ones where she's a horse whisperer, and the ones where she just really likes horses. Giddyup! If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Take the Fated Mates Season 7 listener survey at fatedmates.net/surveyThe BooksA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtA Very Private Love by Melinda CrossThis Fierce Splendor by Iris JohansenThe Secret by Julie GarwoodBlack Lyon by Jude DeverauxMontana Sky and Irish Thoroughbred by Nora RobertsThe Siren of Sussex by Mimi MatthewsThe Trouble with Anna by Rachel GriffithsCold-Hearted Rake by Lisa KleypasLegends Lake by JoAnn RossAll Night Long with a Cowboy by Caitlin CrewsThe Wildest Ride by Marcella Bell A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah WeatherspoonSanctuary Island by Lily EverettThe NotesWho Did it Better… on a Horse? In an elevator? In the library? At Thanksgiving? And on a pool table? “It’s a fun book, there’s no sex in it,” is something Sarah said about Pride and Prejudice, which is just funny. In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the MacFayden/Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, they are releasing it again in theaters the weekend of...

2025-03-25•2hr 16mins

#11

#12

S07.27: What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules

It's deep dive day here at Fated Mates and we're reading an absolute banger of a historical -- Julie Anne Long's fifth Pennyroyal Green book, What I Did for a Duke. We talk about great romance kisses, about age gaps and how they operate in books, about house parties and art and sacrifice and how sexy it is when someone actually sees you for who you are. If you haven't read this one yet, do yourself a favor and do it right now. It's so great.If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksWhat I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long The Pennyroyal Green SeriesShow NotesThe main building you think of when you think of the New York Public Library with the lions is officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. From what I can tell, it didn’t actually have anything to do with Andrew Carnegie, but he did donate $5 million to ensure that the New York Public Library had branch libraries in communities around the city. He also donated a lot of money to other things, that’s a fun thing billionaires used to do. Read more about doing the forbidden kind of “romance stuff” in the library. Jen talked to the New York Public Library's Best New Romance List Committee Co-Chairs Kate Fais and Grace Loiacon back in February.In 2022, we recorded our “Break in case of emergency” episode, and it was in fact two sisters, Cait and Kara who requested the episode. PS: We are in emergency. Feel free to break those out now.Julie Anne Long’s The Beast Takes a Bride was on our Best of 2024 episode. What I Did for a Duke is the 5th book in her Pennyroyal Green series. “It must have been a lie,” is what Jen’s grandma Betty used to say if you lost your train of thought and couldn’t remember what you were saying. This is a good speech from Crash Davis, the...

2025-03-19•1hr 26mins

S07.27: What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules

It's deep dive day here at Fated Mates and we're reading an absolute banger of a historical -- Julie Anne Long's fifth Pennyroyal Green book, What I Did for a Duke. We talk about great romance kisses, about age gaps and how they operate in books, about house parties and art and sacrifice and how sexy it is when someone actually sees you for who you are. If you haven't read this one yet, do yourself a favor and do it right now. It's so great.If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksWhat I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long The Pennyroyal Green SeriesShow NotesThe main building you think of when you think of the New York Public Library with the lions is officially called the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. From what I can tell, it didn’t actually have anything to do with Andrew Carnegie, but he did donate $5 million to ensure that the New York Public Library had branch libraries in communities around the city. He also donated a lot of money to other things, that’s a fun thing billionaires used to do. Read more about doing the forbidden kind of “romance stuff” in the library. Jen talked to the New York Public Library's Best New Romance List Committee Co-Chairs Kate Fais and Grace Loiacon back in February.In 2022, we recorded our “Break in case of emergency” episode, and it was in fact two sisters, Cait and Kara who requested the episode. PS: We are in emergency. Feel free to break those out now.Julie Anne Long’s The Beast Takes a Bride was on our Best of 2024 episode. What I Did for a Duke is the 5th book in her Pennyroyal Green series. “It must have been a lie,” is what Jen’s grandma Betty used to say if you lost your train of thought and couldn’t remember what you were saying. This is a good speech from Crash Davis, the...

2025-03-19•1hr 26mins

#12

#13

S07.26: Romance Novels With a Ticking Clock

This one's for those of you who've been asking us to talk more about craft on the podcast! We're talking romances with ticking clocks and clear time frames, about how this impacts conflict and makes books more breathless, and of course about the books that deploy this strategy perfectly. Inside, you'll find road trips and adventures, vacation romances and romantic suspense, house parties and that classic romance chestnut: "I have 30 days to get pregnant." It's going to be fun.If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Next week, we're reading Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The BooksIt Had to Be You and Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsHot Touch by Deborah SmithWhiteout by Adriana AndersWaking up with the Duke by Lorraine HeathPerfect by Judith McNaughtFiasco by Constance FayOne Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLeanHer Night with the Duke by Diana QuincyAlong Came Amor by Alexis DariaCurvy Girl Summer by Danielle AllenSexy in Stilettos by Nana MaloneFan Service by Rosie DananAgain the Magic by Lisa KleypasOne Last Night by Lauren FordTycoon by Joanna ShupeInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayOne Stormy Night by Jules BennettSins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan

2025-03-12•1hr 45mins

S07.26: Romance Novels With a Ticking Clock

This one's for those of you who've been asking us to talk more about craft on the podcast! We're talking romances with ticking clocks and clear time frames, about how this impacts conflict and makes books more breathless, and of course about the books that deploy this strategy perfectly. Inside, you'll find road trips and adventures, vacation romances and romantic suspense, house parties and that classic romance chestnut: "I have 30 days to get pregnant." It's going to be fun.If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Next week, we're reading Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The BooksIt Had to Be You and Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsHot Touch by Deborah SmithWhiteout by Adriana AndersWaking up with the Duke by Lorraine HeathPerfect by Judith McNaughtFiasco by Constance FayOne Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLeanHer Night with the Duke by Diana QuincyAlong Came Amor by Alexis DariaCurvy Girl Summer by Danielle AllenSexy in Stilettos by Nana MaloneFan Service by Rosie DananAgain the Magic by Lisa KleypasOne Last Night by Lauren FordTycoon by Joanna ShupeInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayOne Stormy Night by Jules BennettSins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan

2025-03-12•1hr 45mins

#13

#14

S07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

Maybe you're rooting for the asteroid, but you gotta have a plan! To help, this week, we're keeping track of what romance is looking like off-planet--it's Romance! In! Space! (Part 2, but the first episode we did was six years ago, so we figured it's time.) Headphones in, loves, this one covers space scavengers, aliens, anatomy, crash landings, abductions, talking lions and people in Space Army (what happens in Space Army stays there, unless it's here). If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books Fiasco and Chaos by Constance FayFull Speed to a Crash Landing and How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis Space Deputy by Jenny SchwartzI Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly LemmingWinter’s Orbit by Everina MaxwellHeart Song by Heather GuerreRuling Sikthand by Victoria AvelineStranded by Heather Fox Raw Desires by Cynthia SaxCathian by Laurann DohnerSpace Army Recruits by Kinley GreyThe Murderbot Diaries by Martha WellsThe NotesBad news: the asteroid can’t save us, so we’ll just have to save ourselves. You can read Jen’s newsletter here, she’ll be writing about the grand gesture...

2025-03-05•1hr 39mins

S07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

Maybe you're rooting for the asteroid, but you gotta have a plan! To help, this week, we're keeping track of what romance is looking like off-planet--it's Romance! In! Space! (Part 2, but the first episode we did was six years ago, so we figured it's time.) Headphones in, loves, this one covers space scavengers, aliens, anatomy, crash landings, abductions, talking lions and people in Space Army (what happens in Space Army stays there, unless it's here). If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The Books Fiasco and Chaos by Constance FayFull Speed to a Crash Landing and How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis Space Deputy by Jenny SchwartzI Got Abducted By Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly LemmingWinter’s Orbit by Everina MaxwellHeart Song by Heather GuerreRuling Sikthand by Victoria AvelineStranded by Heather Fox Raw Desires by Cynthia SaxCathian by Laurann DohnerSpace Army Recruits by Kinley GreyThe Murderbot Diaries by Martha WellsThe NotesBad news: the asteroid can’t save us, so we’ll just have to save ourselves. You can read Jen’s newsletter here, she’ll be writing about the grand gesture...

2025-03-05•1hr 39mins

#14

#15

S07.24: He's NOT a Billionaire

It's been the longest month of our lives and as self-care, we're not thinking about billionaires this week (or at least for the duration of this episode). Instead, we're talking about those men who are rich in other ways, in throwing a punch, chasing a tornado, camping, playing an instrument, you get it. We've got a bunch of books we love and not a ten-figure bank account to be seen!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook of Charlotte Stein's My Big Fat Fake Marriage.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The BooksForbidden by Beverly JenkinsThirsty by Mia Hopkins Stealing the Rogue’s Heart by Erica MonroeA Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter by Alice ColdbreathIn the Morning Sun by Lena HartAn Unseen Attraction by KJ CharlesWhirlwind by Kayla GrossGone Too Deep by Katie RuggleTake Me Home Tonight by Erika KellyInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayDrilled by Brill HarperSinner (was Sinful Temptation) by London Hale Pardon my Frenchie by Farrah RochonSleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie CañaCommon Ground by Melanie GreeneDemon from the Dark by Kresley ColeMorning Glory Milking Farm by CM Nascosta

2025-02-25•1hr 54mins

S07.24: He's NOT a Billionaire

It's been the longest month of our lives and as self-care, we're not thinking about billionaires this week (or at least for the duration of this episode). Instead, we're talking about those men who are rich in other ways, in throwing a punch, chasing a tornado, camping, playing an instrument, you get it. We've got a bunch of books we love and not a ten-figure bank account to be seen!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook of Charlotte Stein's My Big Fat Fake Marriage.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The BooksForbidden by Beverly JenkinsThirsty by Mia Hopkins Stealing the Rogue’s Heart by Erica MonroeA Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter by Alice ColdbreathIn the Morning Sun by Lena HartAn Unseen Attraction by KJ CharlesWhirlwind by Kayla GrossGone Too Deep by Katie RuggleTake Me Home Tonight by Erika KellyInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayDrilled by Brill HarperSinner (was Sinful Temptation) by London Hale Pardon my Frenchie by Farrah RochonSleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie CañaCommon Ground by Melanie GreeneDemon from the Dark by Kresley ColeMorning Glory Milking Farm by CM Nascosta

2025-02-25•1hr 54mins

#15

#16

S07.23: Long Live Historicals!

Historicals are dead! Long live historicals! This week, we're talking about fourteen (and change) historical romances that we've never talked about before -- all published recently, some already this year. Every book we talk about is available right now for download and reading pleasure--and we have a stack of them ready to talk about in future episodes! We're so excited to be your discoverabilibuddies on this one! If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepsteakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook of Stephanie Burgis's Wooing the Witch Queen.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The Books Lyon’s Lover Maggie SimsThe Sapphire Heiress by Ella LeonA Shore Thing by Joanna LowellThe Duke’s Bartered Mistress by Caroline LeeThe Villain by Victoria ValeExit, Pursued by a Baron by Aydra RichardsSeduced in a Storm By Royaline SingA Bloomy Head by J. Winifred ButterworthNever Woo the Wrong Lady by Charlie LaneDionysus in Wisconsin by EH LuptonAll About That Duke by Merry FarmerThe Wayward Duke by Katrina KendrickWhere Have All the Scoundrels Gone by Louisa DarlingWinnie West has an Agenda by Kat SterlingThe NotesCheck out Bookshop’s Black Romance List and you might want to use

2025-02-16•2hr 8mins

S07.23: Long Live Historicals!

Historicals are dead! Long live historicals! This week, we're talking about fourteen (and change) historical romances that we've never talked about before -- all published recently, some already this year. Every book we talk about is available right now for download and reading pleasure--and we have a stack of them ready to talk about in future episodes! We're so excited to be your discoverabilibuddies on this one! If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepsteakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook of Stephanie Burgis's Wooing the Witch Queen.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The Books Lyon’s Lover Maggie SimsThe Sapphire Heiress by Ella LeonA Shore Thing by Joanna LowellThe Duke’s Bartered Mistress by Caroline LeeThe Villain by Victoria ValeExit, Pursued by a Baron by Aydra RichardsSeduced in a Storm By Royaline SingA Bloomy Head by J. Winifred ButterworthNever Woo the Wrong Lady by Charlie LaneDionysus in Wisconsin by EH LuptonAll About That Duke by Merry FarmerThe Wayward Duke by Katrina KendrickWhere Have All the Scoundrels Gone by Louisa DarlingWinnie West has an Agenda by Kat SterlingThe NotesCheck out Bookshop’s Black Romance List and you might want to use

2025-02-16•2hr 8mins

#16

#17

S07.22: Adriana Herrera on the Power of Historical Romance: When We’re Up Against a Corner, Baby, Let’s Fight.

There's a new Adriana Herrera book out this month, so that means we get to have one of our very favorites back on the pod to talk about not only her banger of a book, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, but also about historical in general! This week, we talk about historicals, in general, about why everyone seems to think they're dying (spoiler: they're not!), and do some myth busting on perceptions of the historical romance. We're extremely grateful to friend of the pod Alexandria Bellefleur for offering up her collected data on historical romance and readers -- check out her books (listed below), as well, and come back next week for more historical recs!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Chloe C. Peñaranda's The Night is Defying. The Books A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana HerreraPerks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley Proper English by KJ CharlesMy Lady’s Lover by Nicola Davidson The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine HeathThe Gilded Heiress by Joanna ShupeThe Duke Gets Desperate by Diana QuincyLove, Death, and Lanterns by Jeanne LinA Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley The Duke Gets Even by Joanna ShupeThe Magpie Lord by KJ CharlesWicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanThe Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry ThomasThe Prince of Broadway by Joanna ShupeThe Bride by Julie GarwoodLet Us...

2025-02-11•2hr 5mins

S07.22: Adriana Herrera on the Power of Historical Romance: When We’re Up Against a Corner, Baby, Let’s Fight.

There's a new Adriana Herrera book out this month, so that means we get to have one of our very favorites back on the pod to talk about not only her banger of a book, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, but also about historical in general! This week, we talk about historicals, in general, about why everyone seems to think they're dying (spoiler: they're not!), and do some myth busting on perceptions of the historical romance. We're extremely grateful to friend of the pod Alexandria Bellefleur for offering up her collected data on historical romance and readers -- check out her books (listed below), as well, and come back next week for more historical recs!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Chloe C. Peñaranda's The Night is Defying. The Books A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana HerreraPerks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley Proper English by KJ CharlesMy Lady’s Lover by Nicola Davidson The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine HeathThe Gilded Heiress by Joanna ShupeThe Duke Gets Desperate by Diana QuincyLove, Death, and Lanterns by Jeanne LinA Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley The Duke Gets Even by Joanna ShupeThe Magpie Lord by KJ CharlesWicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanThe Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry ThomasThe Prince of Broadway by Joanna ShupeThe Bride by Julie GarwoodLet Us...

2025-02-11•2hr 5mins

#17

#18

New York Public Library Best New Romance List

Jen had a great time chatting with the New York Public Library's Best New Romance List Committee Co-Chairs Kate Fais and Grace Loiacono this week. They talk about the list and how they built it, about the power of libraries, and, as always, about joy. See the full listVisit the New York Public Library

2025-02-11•22mins

New York Public Library Best New Romance List

Jen had a great time chatting with the New York Public Library's Best New Romance List Committee Co-Chairs Kate Fais and Grace Loiacono this week. They talk about the list and how they built it, about the power of libraries, and, as always, about joy. See the full listVisit the New York Public Library

2025-02-11•22mins

#18

#19

S07.21: Meet My Vibe Criteria: V.E. Schwab on writing, obsession, and romance outside of Romance

We're mixing it up today with a fabulous special guest! The brilliant V.E. Schwab joins us for a far-reaching chat about writing romance outside of romance novels™️, about the difference between obsession and love, about the way we can't help but ship characters who will never get together, and about writing in general...and how we tackle character, conflict, and power in storytelling. We had a great time, and you will, too. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Emma Lord's The Rival. The BooksBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. SchwabVicious and Vengeful by V.E. SchwabA Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. SchwabThe Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. SchwabThis is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max GladstoneThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyBabel by RF KuangThe Midnight Line by Lee ChildSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoWhen Among Crows by Veronica Roth A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla VaneChaos by Constance FayMurderbot Diaries by Martha WellsThe NotesWelcome V.E. Schwab to the podcast! You can check out her podcast about writing called No Write Way, and you can click her to

2025-02-04•1hr 37mins

S07.21: Meet My Vibe Criteria: V.E. Schwab on writing, obsession, and romance outside of Romance

We're mixing it up today with a fabulous special guest! The brilliant V.E. Schwab joins us for a far-reaching chat about writing romance outside of romance novels™️, about the difference between obsession and love, about the way we can't help but ship characters who will never get together, and about writing in general...and how we tackle character, conflict, and power in storytelling. We had a great time, and you will, too. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Emma Lord's The Rival. The BooksBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. SchwabThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. SchwabVicious and Vengeful by V.E. SchwabA Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. SchwabThe Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. SchwabThis is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max GladstoneThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyBabel by RF KuangThe Midnight Line by Lee ChildSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoWhen Among Crows by Veronica Roth A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla VaneChaos by Constance FayMurderbot Diaries by Martha WellsThe NotesWelcome V.E. Schwab to the podcast! You can check out her podcast about writing called No Write Way, and you can click her to

2025-02-04•1hr 37mins

#19

#20

A Taste of Craven

It's February 4th, the most important romance holiday in February: Derek Craven Day! We're celebrating this year with a little reminiscing of the past years' episodes, and a close reading of the first chapter of that classic, Lisa Kleypas's Dreaming of You. Read Dreaming of You at: Bookshop, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books, or wherever you get your books. Learn more about the holiday, and the man who inspired it, and listen to past Derek Craven Day episodes on the Fated Mates website. If you want more discussion of Derek Craven in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.

2025-02-04•22mins

A Taste of Craven

It's February 4th, the most important romance holiday in February: Derek Craven Day! We're celebrating this year with a little reminiscing of the past years' episodes, and a close reading of the first chapter of that classic, Lisa Kleypas's Dreaming of You. Read Dreaming of You at: Bookshop, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books, or wherever you get your books. Learn more about the holiday, and the man who inspired it, and listen to past Derek Craven Day episodes on the Fated Mates website. If you want more discussion of Derek Craven in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.

2025-02-04•22mins

#20

#21

S07.20 Tarot, Astrology, and Psychics in Romance

We'll be honest, we don't know what the heck is going on, either. If we could find someone or something to make all this chaos make sense, we'd be very very happy. And so, we're reading books this week about people and things that make sense of chaos--that realign the universe. It's tarot, astrology and psychics this week!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Jenny Elder Moke's She Doesn't Have a Clue.The BooksTemperance by Cassia Leo Queen of Wands by Suzanne HallidayFive of Cups by TriciaWolf Outsider by Cora BrentThe Lovers by Rebekah FaubianIn on the Action by Elle DiazThe Arcana Chronicles by Kresley ColeLord Lightning by Jenny BrownLunar Love Laura Kung JessenSeducing The Colonel’s Daughter by Amy AndrewsWritten in the Stars by Alexandria BellefleurThe Kismat Connection by Ananya DevarajanBaron by Joanna ShupeThe Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer AshleyProof by Seduction by Courtney MilanSensing Danger by Wendy VellaCarolina Moon by Nora RobertsThe Third Circle By Amanda QuickThe...

2025-01-27•1hr 36mins

S07.20 Tarot, Astrology, and Psychics in Romance

We'll be honest, we don't know what the heck is going on, either. If we could find someone or something to make all this chaos make sense, we'd be very very happy. And so, we're reading books this week about people and things that make sense of chaos--that realign the universe. It's tarot, astrology and psychics this week!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free audiobook copies of Jenny Elder Moke's She Doesn't Have a Clue.The BooksTemperance by Cassia Leo Queen of Wands by Suzanne HallidayFive of Cups by TriciaWolf Outsider by Cora BrentThe Lovers by Rebekah FaubianIn on the Action by Elle DiazThe Arcana Chronicles by Kresley ColeLord Lightning by Jenny BrownLunar Love Laura Kung JessenSeducing The Colonel’s Daughter by Amy AndrewsWritten in the Stars by Alexandria BellefleurThe Kismat Connection by Ananya DevarajanBaron by Joanna ShupeThe Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie by Jennifer AshleyProof by Seduction by Courtney MilanSensing Danger by Wendy VellaCarolina Moon by Nora RobertsThe Third Circle By Amanda QuickThe...

2025-01-27•1hr 36mins

#21

#22

S07:19 Back in Time with Harlequin Blaze

We're getting into the romance time machine and setting the course for 2001, when Harlequin decided that those Temptations could get scorching hot and become a Blaze. We scoured ebay for boxes and boxes of old Blazes, dug deep into the back catalogues of our Kindles, and are celebrating the OG one-handed read, the Harlequin Blaze. We had a great time, but we knew what to expect -- if you need content warnings, make sure you check them. And let us know if you want us to explore some other category lines!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The Books Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany ReiszGetting Physical by Jade Lee Just Watch Me Julie LetoToo Wicked to Keep by Julie LetoAnything Goes by Debbi RawlinsThe Fantasy Factor by Kimberly RayeWhisper by Nancy WarrenShameless by Toni CarringtonWhat a Girl Wants by Jamie SobratoSilent Desires by Julie KennerCertified Male by Kristin HardyHot Island Nights by Sarah MayberryThe NotesSarah is teaching her beginner Start Your Romance Today class virtually on February 23rd at 1pm eastern.What is a category romance? Maybe listen to our episode from season 5.The Blaze line, from 2001-2017, was a spin off from the Harlequin Temptation line.

2025-01-21•1hr 43mins

S07:19 Back in Time with Harlequin Blaze

We're getting into the romance time machine and setting the course for 2001, when Harlequin decided that those Temptations could get scorching hot and become a Blaze. We scoured ebay for boxes and boxes of old Blazes, dug deep into the back catalogues of our Kindles, and are celebrating the OG one-handed read, the Harlequin Blaze. We had a great time, but we knew what to expect -- if you need content warnings, make sure you check them. And let us know if you want us to explore some other category lines!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.Our next read along is Julie Anne Long's What I Did For a Duke, available in print, ebook and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The Books Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany ReiszGetting Physical by Jade Lee Just Watch Me Julie LetoToo Wicked to Keep by Julie LetoAnything Goes by Debbi RawlinsThe Fantasy Factor by Kimberly RayeWhisper by Nancy WarrenShameless by Toni CarringtonWhat a Girl Wants by Jamie SobratoSilent Desires by Julie KennerCertified Male by Kristin HardyHot Island Nights by Sarah MayberryThe NotesSarah is teaching her beginner Start Your Romance Today class virtually on February 23rd at 1pm eastern.What is a category romance? Maybe listen to our episode from season 5.The Blaze line, from 2001-2017, was a spin off from the Harlequin Temptation line.

2025-01-21•1hr 43mins

#22

#23

S07:18 Winter 2025 New Releases: The Quarterly Edging Episode

We're toppling TBR piles and preorder lists today with our quarterly "Books we're excited to read" list! We're name-checking more than 50 romance novels we're looking forward to, and looking forward to hearing about the ones you're waiting for, too! If you're a romance novelist and have a book coming this year, please head over and fill out this Google form to let us know!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The NotesLos Angeles, we are thinking of you. After our very silly firefighter episode, we chatted with magnificent firebird and wildland firefighter, Emma, who gave us the lay of the land as a woman firefighter. You can listen to that conversation on YouTube. Emma recommends the following resources: the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters account on Instagram, and you can make donations to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. If you are looking for factual, reliable information, check out the website of the National Interagency Fire Center, inciweb is the national situation report with information from wildland firefighters. If you are looking to make donations to aid those impacted by the fires, we recommend World Central Kitchen, Baby2Baby, the Pasadena Humane Society, and Octavia’s Bookshelf which has details mutual aid collection efforts on their Instagram. The Ripped Bodice has free wifi and period products .If you have a 2025 release you have written or you are a reader looking forward to something this year, please use our handy form to submit books for upcoming episodes in spring, summer, and fall.For more Romantasy recs, follow Jen’s friend Gabriella Guava on Instagram.The BooksJanuary Empire of Temptation by Mila Finelli Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

2025-01-13•1hr 44mins

S07:18 Winter 2025 New Releases: The Quarterly Edging Episode

We're toppling TBR piles and preorder lists today with our quarterly "Books we're excited to read" list! We're name-checking more than 50 romance novels we're looking forward to, and looking forward to hearing about the ones you're waiting for, too! If you're a romance novelist and have a book coming this year, please head over and fill out this Google form to let us know!If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The NotesLos Angeles, we are thinking of you. After our very silly firefighter episode, we chatted with magnificent firebird and wildland firefighter, Emma, who gave us the lay of the land as a woman firefighter. You can listen to that conversation on YouTube. Emma recommends the following resources: the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters account on Instagram, and you can make donations to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. If you are looking for factual, reliable information, check out the website of the National Interagency Fire Center, inciweb is the national situation report with information from wildland firefighters. If you are looking to make donations to aid those impacted by the fires, we recommend World Central Kitchen, Baby2Baby, the Pasadena Humane Society, and Octavia’s Bookshelf which has details mutual aid collection efforts on their Instagram. The Ripped Bodice has free wifi and period products .If you have a 2025 release you have written or you are a reader looking forward to something this year, please use our handy form to submit books for upcoming episodes in spring, summer, and fall.For more Romantasy recs, follow Jen’s friend Gabriella Guava on Instagram.The BooksJanuary Empire of Temptation by Mila Finelli Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

2025-01-13•1hr 44mins

#23

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#24

S07.17: The Proposition by Judith Ivory

Happy New Year, Magnificent Firebirds! We don’t know what 2025 is going to bring, so we’re starting with a bang—the long awaited deep-dive of Judith Ivory's The Proposition, featuring that rakish rat catcher, that ferret-loving firebrand, the man himself, Mr. Mick Tremore! We’re talking sexual tension so overwhelming it makes a girl cry, horse-faced ladies who bring men to their knees, kissing on omnibuses and legs! All that, and Sarah and Jen disagree heartily on the issue of mustaches, but agree heartily that lionhearted virility is the energy we want this year. Get the book at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The NotesWe did some holiday movie watching, as one does: Moonstruck, Sleepless in Seattle, and some scenes in particular were great to watch with our kids, the bus scene in Almost Famous and the underwear scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary.Lil Romance and Jen also watched When Harry Met Sally. There’s a new book called Nora Ephron at the Movies you might like, and this TikTok is great. Sometimes I just find cool stuff when I’m working on show notes, like this 2014 article from The Cut about the visual storytelling in When Harry Met Sally. A rolodex, including Marie’s portable version. Sarah was wrong about Nightime radio host Delilah, but you know. We aren’t apologizing for anything in 2025. Judith Ivory published 6 historicals, and then another 4 as Judy Cuevas. The Proposition is a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady retelling with a side of Trading Places.Do we think the dormouse is Ravishing the Heiress was inspired by Mick?

2025-01-06•1hr 44mins

S07.17: The Proposition by Judith Ivory

Happy New Year, Magnificent Firebirds! We don’t know what 2025 is going to bring, so we’re starting with a bang—the long awaited deep-dive of Judith Ivory's The Proposition, featuring that rakish rat catcher, that ferret-loving firebrand, the man himself, Mr. Mick Tremore! We’re talking sexual tension so overwhelming it makes a girl cry, horse-faced ladies who bring men to their knees, kissing on omnibuses and legs! All that, and Sarah and Jen disagree heartily on the issue of mustaches, but agree heartily that lionhearted virility is the energy we want this year. Get the book at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The NotesWe did some holiday movie watching, as one does: Moonstruck, Sleepless in Seattle, and some scenes in particular were great to watch with our kids, the bus scene in Almost Famous and the underwear scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary.Lil Romance and Jen also watched When Harry Met Sally. There’s a new book called Nora Ephron at the Movies you might like, and this TikTok is great. Sometimes I just find cool stuff when I’m working on show notes, like this 2014 article from The Cut about the visual storytelling in When Harry Met Sally. A rolodex, including Marie’s portable version. Sarah was wrong about Nightime radio host Delilah, but you know. We aren’t apologizing for anything in 2025. Judith Ivory published 6 historicals, and then another 4 as Judy Cuevas. The Proposition is a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady retelling with a side of Trading Places.Do we think the dormouse is Ravishing the Heiress was inspired by Mick?

2025-01-06•1hr 44mins

#24

#25

S07.16: Hear Me Out: New Year's Eve 2024

It's New Year's Eve, and we're ringing it in with our standard silliness, this year with brilliantly funny duo Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne, playing the current internet sensation game, Hear Me Out, where we share the people, illustrations, and vibes that can get it in our respective corners of the world. While there is no specific call for headphones in on this episode, you may choose to wear them to save yourself having to explain what exactly you're listening to!If you are looking for something a bit more headphones in, you should try one of our past episodes! Breeding Kink with Mila Finelli (2023)Omegaversity with Adriana Herrera and Ali Hazelwood (2022)Jessa Kane extravaganza with Andie Christopher, Alexis Daria, Adriana Herrera, LaQuette, Tracey Livesay, Nisha Sharma, and Joanna Shupe (2020)Pegging in Romance with Sierra Simone (2019)In 2021 we released the Season 2 Ted Lasso Roy Kent lovefest on New Year's Eve, but we were still pandemic-ing, so please don't blame us for the detour in brand that year.The NotesNikki Payne and Adriana Herrera are friends of Fated Mates, but they are also the hosts of their own romance podcast, Unbound Pod. The first season was all about the Western and was six episodes. You can listen on all the podcasting apps. Preorder Adriana’s upcoming release, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke or go see her on tour. She will be at The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn, NY with Sarah and Joanna Shupe on February 11th! This TikTok thing, who knows what will happen! Hear Me Out is a fun meme, but in our case, no cakes were involved. That’s not my praxis is a funny thing to say in a text thread. Sorry Bambi’s Dad, from Abe Froman, the sausage king of Chicago. Listen, everyone was hot in Romeo + Juliet, so they aren’t in the photo array below. But the real ones know. Same with the NBA:

2024-12-31•3hr 7mins

S07.16: Hear Me Out: New Year's Eve 2024

It's New Year's Eve, and we're ringing it in with our standard silliness, this year with brilliantly funny duo Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne, playing the current internet sensation game, Hear Me Out, where we share the people, illustrations, and vibes that can get it in our respective corners of the world. While there is no specific call for headphones in on this episode, you may choose to wear them to save yourself having to explain what exactly you're listening to!If you are looking for something a bit more headphones in, you should try one of our past episodes! Breeding Kink with Mila Finelli (2023)Omegaversity with Adriana Herrera and Ali Hazelwood (2022)Jessa Kane extravaganza with Andie Christopher, Alexis Daria, Adriana Herrera, LaQuette, Tracey Livesay, Nisha Sharma, and Joanna Shupe (2020)Pegging in Romance with Sierra Simone (2019)In 2021 we released the Season 2 Ted Lasso Roy Kent lovefest on New Year's Eve, but we were still pandemic-ing, so please don't blame us for the detour in brand that year.The NotesNikki Payne and Adriana Herrera are friends of Fated Mates, but they are also the hosts of their own romance podcast, Unbound Pod. The first season was all about the Western and was six episodes. You can listen on all the podcasting apps. Preorder Adriana’s upcoming release, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke or go see her on tour. She will be at The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn, NY with Sarah and Joanna Shupe on February 11th! This TikTok thing, who knows what will happen! Hear Me Out is a fun meme, but in our case, no cakes were involved. That’s not my praxis is a funny thing to say in a text thread. Sorry Bambi’s Dad, from Abe Froman, the sausage king of Chicago. Listen, everyone was hot in Romeo + Juliet, so they aren’t in the photo array below. But the real ones know. Same with the NBA:

2024-12-31•3hr 7mins

#25

#26

07.15: Holiday Romances for 2024: Put It in the Lilly Library

It's the holiday season, which means holiday romance! This year, we're talking about Princes of Christmas falling for heirs to Halloween, Hanukkah treats, retellings ofThe Holiday, sexy cabins in the woods, second chances, Harlequin Presents, and yes, an online site called OnlySantas. It's truly something for everyone!We are taking next week off, but we’ll be back with some special guests for our annual New Years Eve episode, which promises to be a banger. In the meantime, we hope you get everything you want from whomever you believe in. After New Years, our first read along of 2025 is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksThe Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sarah RaaschPregnant Enemy, Christmas Bride by Maisey YatesKingpin’s Nanny by Evie RoseFrom Meltdown to Mistletoe by Jessica TerryMerry Little Mishap by Vivian MaeSnowed In by Catherine WalshYou’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy JanovskyI’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. BooneThe Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKayGrounded for Christmas by Savannah J. FriersonReturn to Love by Tara PammiDeadlines, Donuts, and Dreidels by Jennifer WilckFortune’s Holiday Surprise by Jennifer WilckThe NotesIt’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve had lots of previous episodes around the winter holidays, as well. Rare book dealer Rebecca Romney was on the podcast back in season 4, talking about how to collect books. You an read the catalogue for her collection,

2024-12-18•1hr 50mins

07.15: Holiday Romances for 2024: Put It in the Lilly Library

It's the holiday season, which means holiday romance! This year, we're talking about Princes of Christmas falling for heirs to Halloween, Hanukkah treats, retellings ofThe Holiday, sexy cabins in the woods, second chances, Harlequin Presents, and yes, an online site called OnlySantas. It's truly something for everyone!We are taking next week off, but we’ll be back with some special guests for our annual New Years Eve episode, which promises to be a banger. In the meantime, we hope you get everything you want from whomever you believe in. After New Years, our first read along of 2025 is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. If you want more Fated Mates in your life, please join our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! Join other magnificent firebirds to hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.The BooksThe Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sarah RaaschPregnant Enemy, Christmas Bride by Maisey YatesKingpin’s Nanny by Evie RoseFrom Meltdown to Mistletoe by Jessica TerryMerry Little Mishap by Vivian MaeSnowed In by Catherine WalshYou’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy JanovskyI’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. BooneThe Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKayGrounded for Christmas by Savannah J. FriersonReturn to Love by Tara PammiDeadlines, Donuts, and Dreidels by Jennifer WilckFortune’s Holiday Surprise by Jennifer WilckThe NotesIt’s the most wonderful time of the year. We’ve had lots of previous episodes around the winter holidays, as well. Rare book dealer Rebecca Romney was on the podcast back in season 4, talking about how to collect books. You an read the catalogue for her collection,

2024-12-18•1hr 50mins

#26

#27

S07:14 Excellent 2024 Debut Romance Novels

We're so excited to be talking about some of the bright new voices in romance this week -- every book we talk about in this episode is a debut romance from 2024. We're introducing you to eighteen new authors, all of whom you'll be able to meet years from now and say, "I've been reading you from the beginning!" From chefs to film directors, baseball players to librarians, spies to playwrights, there's a little something here for everyone. You're going to love it. Guess what? There's a debut romance in the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA! There's still time to order...and get a box of our favorite books of the year and support booksellers at a fantastic indie bookstore all at the same time! If you want to talk romance more ofte, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. The BooksThe Prospects by K.T. HoffmanUnsteady by Peyton CorinneThe Next Best Fling by Gabriella GamezThe Kiss Countdown by Etta EastonSunshine and Spice by Aurora PalitBut How Are You, Really? By Ella DawsonWhen I Think of You by Myah Ariel Showmance by Chad BeguelinThe Lovers by Rebecca FaubionSay You’ll be Mine by Naina KumarThe Slowest Burn by Sarah ChamberlainThe Spy and I by Tiana SmithRules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay ShoreHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangPick-Up by Nora DahliaTemple of Persephone by Isabella Kamal

2024-12-10•1hr 35mins

S07:14 Excellent 2024 Debut Romance Novels

We're so excited to be talking about some of the bright new voices in romance this week -- every book we talk about in this episode is a debut romance from 2024. We're introducing you to eighteen new authors, all of whom you'll be able to meet years from now and say, "I've been reading you from the beginning!" From chefs to film directors, baseball players to librarians, spies to playwrights, there's a little something here for everyone. You're going to love it. Guess what? There's a debut romance in the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA! There's still time to order...and get a box of our favorite books of the year and support booksellers at a fantastic indie bookstore all at the same time! If you want to talk romance more ofte, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon. The BooksThe Prospects by K.T. HoffmanUnsteady by Peyton CorinneThe Next Best Fling by Gabriella GamezThe Kiss Countdown by Etta EastonSunshine and Spice by Aurora PalitBut How Are You, Really? By Ella DawsonWhen I Think of You by Myah Ariel Showmance by Chad BeguelinThe Lovers by Rebecca FaubionSay You’ll be Mine by Naina KumarThe Slowest Burn by Sarah ChamberlainThe Spy and I by Tiana SmithRules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay ShoreHow to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangPick-Up by Nora DahliaTemple of Persephone by Isabella Kamal

2024-12-10•1hr 35mins

#27

#28

S07:13 Getting Pearl Jammed: Romance After 40

Let's talk about the over 40s and how they deserve love, too! This week, we're diving into what the industry calls "seasoned" romance, though we're not wild about this phrasing and prefer "Women over forty can get it!" We're talking about romances where, yes, the heroines are older, but they still get to go on adventures, in and out of the bedroom...and with rock stars and incubi, even!Guess what? There's a romance with a heroine over 40 in the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA! You can get a box of our favorite books of the year and support booksellers at a fantastic indie bookstore all at the same time! If you were shouting book names at your car stereo during this episode and want to shout them at other people, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The Books Mr. Loverman by Bernardine EvaristoBecoming Crone by Lydia M. HawkePick-Up by Nora DahliaGray Hair Don’t Care by Karen BoothRemember When by Mary BaloghCome As You Are by Jess K. HardyReaper’s Stand by Joanna WyldeThe Art Collector by Katelyn BrehmLosing Sight by Tati RichardsonRole Playing by Cathy YardleyThe Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan BannenCandidly Yours by Reese RyanDirty Little Midlife Mistake by Lilian MonroeBeautifully Unexpected by Lily MortonChieftain by Annie LucasTalk me Down by Victoria Dahl

2024-12-03•1hr 53mins

S07:13 Getting Pearl Jammed: Romance After 40

Let's talk about the over 40s and how they deserve love, too! This week, we're diving into what the industry calls "seasoned" romance, though we're not wild about this phrasing and prefer "Women over forty can get it!" We're talking about romances where, yes, the heroines are older, but they still get to go on adventures, in and out of the bedroom...and with rock stars and incubi, even!Guess what? There's a romance with a heroine over 40 in the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA! You can get a box of our favorite books of the year and support booksellers at a fantastic indie bookstore all at the same time! If you were shouting book names at your car stereo during this episode and want to shout them at other people, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The Books Mr. Loverman by Bernardine EvaristoBecoming Crone by Lydia M. HawkePick-Up by Nora DahliaGray Hair Don’t Care by Karen BoothRemember When by Mary BaloghCome As You Are by Jess K. HardyReaper’s Stand by Joanna WyldeThe Art Collector by Katelyn BrehmLosing Sight by Tati RichardsonRole Playing by Cathy YardleyThe Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan BannenCandidly Yours by Reese RyanDirty Little Midlife Mistake by Lilian MonroeBeautifully Unexpected by Lily MortonChieftain by Annie LucasTalk me Down by Victoria Dahl

2024-12-03•1hr 53mins

#28

#29

S07:12 Bookstores and Booksellers

It's Thanksgiving week in the United States, which means capitalism! We're skipping (mainly) the talk of the midnight electronics runs, and heading straight to Small Business Saturday, when your local independent bookseller is doing their very best to put great books in your hands. Ever been in your local bookstore and thought -- I wish this place was the setting of a romance novel? We've got you, friends. We talk about the magic of bookstores, about the importance of small businesses, about bookshops as sites for revolution, and about the appeal of running your own little shop around the corner. And we recommend a bunch of books that are...honestly? Charming AF. Want more indie bookstore content? Support some booksellers at a bookstore we really love by purchasing the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Threads or Bluesky when you unbox! If you were shouting book names at your car stereo during this episode and want to shout them at other people, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.BooksMeet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall by Alexandra LangeThe Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLeanThe Vampire in the Bookstore by Elle M. DrewBooked on a Feeling by Jayci LeeOnce Upon a Charming Bookshop by Heatherly BellA Seditious Affair by KJ CharlesLove in Winter Wonderland by Abiola BelloTaken by Charlotte SteinRock Chick by Kristen AshleyBetter than Fiction by Alexa MartinNice Girls Don’t Live Forever by Molly HarperThe Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine HeathSeven Secrets of Seduction by...

2024-11-24•1hr 28mins

S07:12 Bookstores and Booksellers

It's Thanksgiving week in the United States, which means capitalism! We're skipping (mainly) the talk of the midnight electronics runs, and heading straight to Small Business Saturday, when your local independent bookseller is doing their very best to put great books in your hands. Ever been in your local bookstore and thought -- I wish this place was the setting of a romance novel? We've got you, friends. We talk about the magic of bookstores, about the importance of small businesses, about bookshops as sites for revolution, and about the appeal of running your own little shop around the corner. And we recommend a bunch of books that are...honestly? Charming AF. Want more indie bookstore content? Support some booksellers at a bookstore we really love by purchasing the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Threads or Bluesky when you unbox! If you were shouting book names at your car stereo during this episode and want to shout them at other people, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.BooksMeet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall by Alexandra LangeThe Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLeanThe Vampire in the Bookstore by Elle M. DrewBooked on a Feeling by Jayci LeeOnce Upon a Charming Bookshop by Heatherly BellA Seditious Affair by KJ CharlesLove in Winter Wonderland by Abiola BelloTaken by Charlotte SteinRock Chick by Kristen AshleyBetter than Fiction by Alexa MartinNice Girls Don’t Live Forever by Molly HarperThe Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine HeathSeven Secrets of Seduction by...

2024-11-24•1hr 28mins

#29

#30

S07:11 Best Romance Novels of 2024

The Best Romance Novels of 2024! This is our favorite episode of the year, where we get to shout at you about the terrific books we read this year, and tell you all the ways romance continues to excite us. It's the best and worst job, because we get to shout about books we love, but we are limited to only ten! And choosing ten favorites is very difficult! That said, we persevered, and here they are: Ten books we loved, books that delivered all the things we love in romance: bold heroines, big heroes, banter, complexity, conflict, impossible situations, and stories that swing for the fences. You're going to love these books.This year, you can buy the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA, and get eight of the traditionally published books on the list and a Fated Mates sticker! A Love Song For Ricki Wilde (hardcover) and Lips Like Sugar (independently published) can be added to the box for an extra fee. As always, you can add other 2024 books by some of our favorite people (or a signed Sarah MacLean book!) to the box if you’d like. We love the idea of you gifting yourself this box (you deserve it!), but maybe you’d like to slide into someone’s text messages with the link as a very excellent gift for you! Or…you can do what Sarah does, and buy the box and spread the love around—sending each of the books to someone on your list. Let us know what you end up doing with these fabulous books, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Threads or Bluesky when you unbox! Check out our “Best Romance Novels” lists from previous years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (We were 5 minutes old in 2018 and didn’t do a list that year), and please tell us what your favorite books of 2024 were!If you want other people to discuss this list with, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more ...

2024-11-19•1hr 29mins

S07:11 Best Romance Novels of 2024

The Best Romance Novels of 2024! This is our favorite episode of the year, where we get to shout at you about the terrific books we read this year, and tell you all the ways romance continues to excite us. It's the best and worst job, because we get to shout about books we love, but we are limited to only ten! And choosing ten favorites is very difficult! That said, we persevered, and here they are: Ten books we loved, books that delivered all the things we love in romance: bold heroines, big heroes, banter, complexity, conflict, impossible situations, and stories that swing for the fences. You're going to love these books.This year, you can buy the Fated Mates Best of 2024 Book Pack from our friends at Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA, and get eight of the traditionally published books on the list and a Fated Mates sticker! A Love Song For Ricki Wilde (hardcover) and Lips Like Sugar (independently published) can be added to the box for an extra fee. As always, you can add other 2024 books by some of our favorite people (or a signed Sarah MacLean book!) to the box if you’d like. We love the idea of you gifting yourself this box (you deserve it!), but maybe you’d like to slide into someone’s text messages with the link as a very excellent gift for you! Or…you can do what Sarah does, and buy the box and spread the love around—sending each of the books to someone on your list. Let us know what you end up doing with these fabulous books, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram or Threads or Bluesky when you unbox! Check out our “Best Romance Novels” lists from previous years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019. (We were 5 minutes old in 2018 and didn’t do a list that year), and please tell us what your favorite books of 2024 were!If you want other people to discuss this list with, maybe you want to join our Patreon? You get an extra monthly episode from us and access to the incredible readers and brilliant people on the Fated Mates Discord! Support us and learn more ...

2024-11-19•1hr 29mins

#30

#31

S07:10 Comfort Reads and Finding Solace in Romance

Like many people, we don't have much to say this week, and whatever we might have said probably wouldn't have been very eloquent, so we've decided to talk about something we know about: Comfort reading and the way romance provides us solace, peace and hope. This week's books are our old reliables--books that we turn to again and again for a reminder that love triumphs, hope sings and romance is resolute. We're so happy you're here; we are, too, for as long as you'll have us. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The Books The Earl Takes All by Lorraine HeathSweet Ruin by Kresley ColeA Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla VaneButcher & Blackbird by Brynn WeaverA Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie CanaScoring Off the Field by Naima SimoneOn the Hustle by Adriana HerreraRun Posy Run by Cate C. WellsChain Lightning by Elizabeth LowellSecret Santa & All He Wants for Christmas by Kati WildeThe Proposition by Judith IvoryTycoon by Joanna Shupe The NotesWe’ve talked about “Break in Case of Emergency” reads on an episode back from 2022, and comfort reads with Dani Lacey back in 2020.Kaitlyn Greenidge sent out a substack with

2024-11-12•1hr 20mins

S07:10 Comfort Reads and Finding Solace in Romance

Like many people, we don't have much to say this week, and whatever we might have said probably wouldn't have been very eloquent, so we've decided to talk about something we know about: Comfort reading and the way romance provides us solace, peace and hope. This week's books are our old reliables--books that we turn to again and again for a reminder that love triumphs, hope sings and romance is resolute. We're so happy you're here; we are, too, for as long as you'll have us. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Our next read along is Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a terrific Pygmalion retelling and one of Sarah's favorites. Find it at your local independent bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The Books The Earl Takes All by Lorraine HeathSweet Ruin by Kresley ColeA Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla VaneButcher & Blackbird by Brynn WeaverA Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie CanaScoring Off the Field by Naima SimoneOn the Hustle by Adriana HerreraRun Posy Run by Cate C. WellsChain Lightning by Elizabeth LowellSecret Santa & All He Wants for Christmas by Kati WildeThe Proposition by Judith IvoryTycoon by Joanna Shupe The NotesWe’ve talked about “Break in Case of Emergency” reads on an episode back from 2022, and comfort reads with Dani Lacey back in 2020.Kaitlyn Greenidge sent out a substack with

2024-11-12•1hr 20mins

#31

#32

November 2024 Bantr+

It’s just a very normal first Tuesday in November, and you need — and deserve — a distraction! We’re here to help with an episode that not only avoids discussing anything that might or might not be happening in the US today, but also lacks anything remotely of consequence (we promise 100% vibes!). Today, we’re releasing the November 2024 Bantr+, which is usually exclusive to the Patreon, in the main feed, in case you need it. For no particular reason. (But for real, if you haven’t yet, please go out and vote. Don’t wait! Or, better yet, bring us with you and listen to us while you’re in line!) If you need further distraction/comfort/community (and more Bantr+ episodes), you might find what you’re looking for over at the Patreon.

2024-11-05•1hr 12mins

November 2024 Bantr+

It’s just a very normal first Tuesday in November, and you need — and deserve — a distraction! We’re here to help with an episode that not only avoids discussing anything that might or might not be happening in the US today, but also lacks anything remotely of consequence (we promise 100% vibes!). Today, we’re releasing the November 2024 Bantr+, which is usually exclusive to the Patreon, in the main feed, in case you need it. For no particular reason. (But for real, if you haven’t yet, please go out and vote. Don’t wait! Or, better yet, bring us with you and listen to us while you’re in line!) If you need further distraction/comfort/community (and more Bantr+ episodes), you might find what you’re looking for over at the Patreon.

2024-11-05•1hr 12mins

#32

#33

S07:09 Mermaid Romance with Zoraida Córdova/Zoey Castile

Today we're talking mermaids with our friend, Zóraida Cordova, an author of many genres who also writes romance under the name Zoey Castile. We talk about the appeal of mermaids, why we're so drawn to them as creatures, their history in mythologies around the globe, and yes, we get into biology, because we give the people what they want. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. The Books The Captive Merman’s Promise by Zoey CastileMermaids Never Drown edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. ParkerKiss the Girl by Zoraida CórdovaThe Penguin Book of MermaidsFathomfolk by Eliza ChanWitchful Thinking by Celestine MartinThe Mermaid’s Knight by Jill MylesSoul Song by Marjorie M. LiuTentacles and Triathlons by Ashley BennettOne Night Standard by E.F. DoddSiren’s Secret by Debbie HerbertWhispers of the Deep by Emma HammWish out of Water by Holley TrentUpon a Starlit Tide by Kell WoodsTo Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra ChristoThe NotesWelcome Zoraida Cordóva, our resident mermaid expert. Well, everyone’s mermaid expert. Laura Von Holt is another one of our faves, and she has a mermaid podcast you might want to check out.The ocean is so deep, we don’t even know what’s down there! Have you ever googled a whale penis? Merman christmas ornaments. What a world. A huge group of YA books sold all at once: Wake by Amanda Hocking, Fins are Forever by Tera Lynne Childs, Tempest Rising by Tracy Wolff, Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, Sirena by Donna Jo NapoliMaybe you’ve read a Namor comic, or watched

2024-11-05•1hr 25mins

S07:09 Mermaid Romance with Zoraida Córdova/Zoey Castile

Today we're talking mermaids with our friend, Zóraida Cordova, an author of many genres who also writes romance under the name Zoey Castile. We talk about the appeal of mermaids, why we're so drawn to them as creatures, their history in mythologies around the globe, and yes, we get into biology, because we give the people what they want. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. The Books The Captive Merman’s Promise by Zoey CastileMermaids Never Drown edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. ParkerKiss the Girl by Zoraida CórdovaThe Penguin Book of MermaidsFathomfolk by Eliza ChanWitchful Thinking by Celestine MartinThe Mermaid’s Knight by Jill MylesSoul Song by Marjorie M. LiuTentacles and Triathlons by Ashley BennettOne Night Standard by E.F. DoddSiren’s Secret by Debbie HerbertWhispers of the Deep by Emma HammWish out of Water by Holley TrentUpon a Starlit Tide by Kell WoodsTo Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra ChristoThe NotesWelcome Zoraida Cordóva, our resident mermaid expert. Well, everyone’s mermaid expert. Laura Von Holt is another one of our faves, and she has a mermaid podcast you might want to check out.The ocean is so deep, we don’t even know what’s down there! Have you ever googled a whale penis? Merman christmas ornaments. What a world. A huge group of YA books sold all at once: Wake by Amanda Hocking, Fins are Forever by Tera Lynne Childs, Tempest Rising by Tracy Wolff, Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, Sirena by Donna Jo NapoliMaybe you’ve read a Namor comic, or watched

2024-11-05•1hr 25mins

#33

#34

S07:08 I Read Dead People: Ghosts, Morticians, and the Dead in Romance

This is a bit different than our usual Halloween adjacent episodes -- we're talking about the rise of romance centered around ghostly secondary characters (Jen) and funeral homes and mortuaries (Sarah). These two themes have become more and more prevalent in romance over the last few years, and we talk about how and why they've risen and what they might mean -- considering the way romance reflects the world we live in. We talk about the pandemic, about grief, about community and about the way humor and love find their ways into the cracks left by death.If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Also! We stay phonebanking! Join us this Saturday and next to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksThe Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan BannenThe Dead Romantics by Ashley PostonMorbidly Yours by Ivy FairbanksPumpkin Spice & Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford & K. Elle MorrisonRules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay ShoreA Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese BeharrieUndertaking Love by Megan MontgomeryInheritance and The Mirror by Nora RobertsTemple of Persephone by Isabella KamalHaunted Ever After by Jen DeLucaMourning Wood by Heather OrgeronBig Witch Energy by Molly HarperThe NotesWe have one more Fated States phone bank, or maybe you want to try ballot curing phone banking, which might feel less stressful.Reborn Yesterday by Tessa Bailey was released on March 16th, 2020. Three days...

2024-10-27•1hr 53mins

S07:08 I Read Dead People: Ghosts, Morticians, and the Dead in Romance

This is a bit different than our usual Halloween adjacent episodes -- we're talking about the rise of romance centered around ghostly secondary characters (Jen) and funeral homes and mortuaries (Sarah). These two themes have become more and more prevalent in romance over the last few years, and we talk about how and why they've risen and what they might mean -- considering the way romance reflects the world we live in. We talk about the pandemic, about grief, about community and about the way humor and love find their ways into the cracks left by death.If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Also! We stay phonebanking! Join us this Saturday and next to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksThe Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan BannenThe Dead Romantics by Ashley PostonMorbidly Yours by Ivy FairbanksPumpkin Spice & Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford & K. Elle MorrisonRules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay ShoreA Ghost in Shining Armor by Therese BeharrieUndertaking Love by Megan MontgomeryInheritance and The Mirror by Nora RobertsTemple of Persephone by Isabella KamalHaunted Ever After by Jen DeLucaMourning Wood by Heather OrgeronBig Witch Energy by Molly HarperThe NotesWe have one more Fated States phone bank, or maybe you want to try ballot curing phone banking, which might feel less stressful.Reborn Yesterday by Tessa Bailey was released on March 16th, 2020. Three days...

2024-10-27•1hr 53mins

#34

#35

S07:07 The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia

Happy anniversary, Firebirds! Seven years ago this week, we launched Fated Mates with our first Episode, "A Wolf Without a Foot," in which we planned a tight 18 episode series, here and gone before you'd know it. Seven years later, we're still here, and we're celebrating by doing the obvious: Talking about Sin! We've taken the seven deadly sins and assigned a great romance novel to each one, and we've dug deep into the dark recesses of our minds, our bookshelves and our psyches to do it. This is a long one (obviously), and full of some real "abandon all hope, ye who enter here" vibes. Thanks for being with us new listeners and longstanding ones...we love you! If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Also! We stay phonebanking! Join us this Saturday and next to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksEnvyBarbarian’s Taming by Ruby DixonSin and Ink by Naima SimoneStaying in Vegas by Sam MarianoThe Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath LustUncivilized by Sawyer BennettBass-Ackwards by Eris AdderlyStolen Desire by Robin LovettGluttonyFury on Fire by Sophie JordanCajun Hot by Nikita BlackBeautiful Stranger by Christina LaurenGreedClaiming the Courtesan by Anna CampbellWelcome to Temptation by Jennifer CrusieOne and Done by Cynthia Sax SlothHook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa BaileyFan Service by Rosie DananDon’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to be Scoundrels by Louisa DarlingScandalous D...

2024-10-23•1hr 56mins

S07:07 The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia

Happy anniversary, Firebirds! Seven years ago this week, we launched Fated Mates with our first Episode, "A Wolf Without a Foot," in which we planned a tight 18 episode series, here and gone before you'd know it. Seven years later, we're still here, and we're celebrating by doing the obvious: Talking about Sin! We've taken the seven deadly sins and assigned a great romance novel to each one, and we've dug deep into the dark recesses of our minds, our bookshelves and our psyches to do it. This is a long one (obviously), and full of some real "abandon all hope, ye who enter here" vibes. Thanks for being with us new listeners and longstanding ones...we love you! If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon. Also! We stay phonebanking! Join us this Saturday and next to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksEnvyBarbarian’s Taming by Ruby DixonSin and Ink by Naima SimoneStaying in Vegas by Sam MarianoThe Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath LustUncivilized by Sawyer BennettBass-Ackwards by Eris AdderlyStolen Desire by Robin LovettGluttonyFury on Fire by Sophie JordanCajun Hot by Nikita BlackBeautiful Stranger by Christina LaurenGreedClaiming the Courtesan by Anna CampbellWelcome to Temptation by Jennifer CrusieOne and Done by Cynthia Sax SlothHook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa BaileyFan Service by Rosie DananDon’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to be Scoundrels by Louisa DarlingScandalous D...

2024-10-23•1hr 56mins

#35

#36

S07:06 The Everything I Left Unsaid duology

We're starting our Season 7 read alongs off with a bang! M. O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology is some of the best contemporary romance out there, and if you need proof, here it is: The first book ends on a cliffhanger and it holds a prime spot on Jen's keeper shelf. We're talking about all the ways this book works, the way O'Keefe wields tension and description and narrative voice and point of view like an absolute master and delivers a series that is not only deeply representative of the contemporary romance of the mid 2010s, but also a near perfect example of how contemporary can fire on all cylinders. Clear your calendar, you're going to want to read all four books in this series back to back.If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The Books Everything I Left Unsaid by M. O'KeefeThe Truth About Him by M. O'KeefeBurn Down the Night by M. O'KeefeWait for It by M. O'KeefeThe NotesRaise a glass to the Old School Romance Book Club on Facebook. They had their final zoom on October 14, 2024.Problematic vs. Dated originated with a discussion of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Twitter, a conversation that has been ongoing for a long time. Just to be clear, when Jen said “it’s 2015 so it’s in past” she’s referencing that alt...

2024-10-16•1hr 55mins

S07:06 The Everything I Left Unsaid duology

We're starting our Season 7 read alongs off with a bang! M. O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology is some of the best contemporary romance out there, and if you need proof, here it is: The first book ends on a cliffhanger and it holds a prime spot on Jen's keeper shelf. We're talking about all the ways this book works, the way O'Keefe wields tension and description and narrative voice and point of view like an absolute master and delivers a series that is not only deeply representative of the contemporary romance of the mid 2010s, but also a near perfect example of how contemporary can fire on all cylinders. Clear your calendar, you're going to want to read all four books in this series back to back.If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The Books Everything I Left Unsaid by M. O'KeefeThe Truth About Him by M. O'KeefeBurn Down the Night by M. O'KeefeWait for It by M. O'KeefeThe NotesRaise a glass to the Old School Romance Book Club on Facebook. They had their final zoom on October 14, 2024.Problematic vs. Dated originated with a discussion of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Twitter, a conversation that has been ongoing for a long time. Just to be clear, when Jen said “it’s 2015 so it’s in past” she’s referencing that alt...

2024-10-16•1hr 55mins

#36

#37

S07.05: Some Light Kidnapping: Restraints are for Amateurs

An episode for the old school romance readers in the audience, we're talking about kidnapping this week! A trope that either absolutely works for readers (aka us) or absolutely doesn't, we talk about why that is, how the original romances of the 80s and 90s installed these buttons and how we still see the bones of old school kidnapping in delicious romances of today. That, and Jen reminds Sarah of books wrote one time. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Next week, our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksA Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLeanIt Happened One Autumn by Lisa KleypasThe Master by Kresley Cole Gentle Rogue by Johanna LindseyThe Windflower by Laura LondonA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtPerfect by Judith McNaughtDemon Lover by Kathleen CreightonPrisoner of My Desire by Johanna LindseyKiss of a Demon King by Kresley ColeThe Outlaw and the Lady by Lorraine HeathThe Hawk by Monica McCartyBurn for Me by Ilo...

2024-10-07•1hr 50mins

S07.05: Some Light Kidnapping: Restraints are for Amateurs

An episode for the old school romance readers in the audience, we're talking about kidnapping this week! A trope that either absolutely works for readers (aka us) or absolutely doesn't, we talk about why that is, how the original romances of the 80s and 90s installed these buttons and how we still see the bones of old school kidnapping in delicious romances of today. That, and Jen reminds Sarah of books wrote one time. If you want more romance content, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Next week, our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksA Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLeanIt Happened One Autumn by Lisa KleypasThe Master by Kresley Cole Gentle Rogue by Johanna LindseyThe Windflower by Laura LondonA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtPerfect by Judith McNaughtDemon Lover by Kathleen CreightonPrisoner of My Desire by Johanna LindseyKiss of a Demon King by Kresley ColeThe Outlaw and the Lady by Lorraine HeathThe Hawk by Monica McCartyBurn for Me by Ilo...

2024-10-07•1hr 50mins

#37

#38

S07.04 Trailblazer Meg Cabot

We are so thrilled to have thee Meg Cabot with us, one of the original queens of YA romance. We talk about her longstanding writing career, about the authors who inspired her, about her early historical romances, written as Patricia Cabot, about her pivot into young adult romance and the power of the subgenre, about her own love story, and, of course, about The Princess Diaries of it all. It will surprise absolutely no one that Meg is a delight as a guest--we're so grateful for her time and her insight, and she's welcome back any time. If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. Looking for Sarah's Conflict Writing class? It starts this Sunday--find it right here. The BooksWhere Roses Grow WildAn Improper Proposal The Princess Diaries The Black Canary: Ignite The Mediator: ShadowlandEducating CarolineThe Boy Next DoorEnchanted to Meet You All-American GirlShow NotesMeg Cabot. has written over 50 young adult ...

2024-10-01•1hr 51mins

S07.04 Trailblazer Meg Cabot

We are so thrilled to have thee Meg Cabot with us, one of the original queens of YA romance. We talk about her longstanding writing career, about the authors who inspired her, about her early historical romances, written as Patricia Cabot, about her pivot into young adult romance and the power of the subgenre, about her own love story, and, of course, about The Princess Diaries of it all. It will surprise absolutely no one that Meg is a delight as a guest--we're so grateful for her time and her insight, and she's welcome back any time. If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. Looking for Sarah's Conflict Writing class? It starts this Sunday--find it right here. The BooksWhere Roses Grow WildAn Improper Proposal The Princess Diaries The Black Canary: Ignite The Mediator: ShadowlandEducating CarolineThe Boy Next DoorEnchanted to Meet You All-American GirlShow NotesMeg Cabot. has written over 50 young adult ...

2024-10-01•1hr 51mins

#38

#39

S07.03 Wife Guys in Romance: Just Look at Her!

There's a particular kind of romance hero who makes us feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy, because all he wants to do is stare in awe at his partner and tell everyone in the world to do the same. The Wife Guy is everything we love when it's done right, and we're so very excited to share a list of books that deliver this straight shot of serotonin every single time.If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The Books The Bride by Julie GarwoodA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsThe Secret by Julie GarwoodKnockout by Sarah MacLeanWorked Up by Tessa BaileyBombshell by Sarah MacLeanNaked In Death by JD RobbAmerican Royalty by Tracey LivesayThe Favor by Suzanne WrightWild Pitch by Cat GiraldoThe House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie ChinSuddenly You by Lisa KleypasThe Hating Game by Sally ThorneSweet Ruin by Kresley ColeDark Needs at Night’s Edge by Kresley ColeDemon from t...

2024-09-23•1hr 43mins

S07.03 Wife Guys in Romance: Just Look at Her!

There's a particular kind of romance hero who makes us feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy, because all he wants to do is stare in awe at his partner and tell everyone in the world to do the same. The Wife Guy is everything we love when it's done right, and we're so very excited to share a list of books that deliver this straight shot of serotonin every single time.If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers. Jen & Sarah are joined by special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The Books The Bride by Julie GarwoodA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsThe Secret by Julie GarwoodKnockout by Sarah MacLeanWorked Up by Tessa BaileyBombshell by Sarah MacLeanNaked In Death by JD RobbAmerican Royalty by Tracey LivesayThe Favor by Suzanne WrightWild Pitch by Cat GiraldoThe House on Mulberry Street by Jeannie ChinSuddenly You by Lisa KleypasThe Hating Game by Sally ThorneSweet Ruin by Kresley ColeDark Needs at Night’s Edge by Kresley ColeDemon from t...

2024-09-23•1hr 43mins

#39

#40

S07.02 Fall 2024 New Releases

Everything is new and crisp in the fall, as F. Scott Fitzgerald likes to say, and the romance novels are no different! We're starting to think about cozy fall reads under warm blankets with cider and pumpkin spice...and we're talking today about our massive autumn TBR piles! There’s something here for everyone — chefs, witches, sexy anthologies, vampires, sports, dragons, hot air balloons and, of course, dukes. If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksContemporary I’ll Have What He’s Having by Abib KhorramMarriage and Masti by Nisha SharmaA Legend in the Baking by Jamie WesleyDeja Brew by Celestine MartinBest Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi Love in Bloom by Lucy EdenAdam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora NguyenGive It To Me by Angelina Lopez Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff / 831 StoriesPrime Time Romance by Kate RobbWished by Sarah ReadyFang Fiction by Kate Stayman-LondonAll Signs Point to Malibu by Jennifer...

2024-09-18•2hr 1mins

S07.02 Fall 2024 New Releases

Everything is new and crisp in the fall, as F. Scott Fitzgerald likes to say, and the romance novels are no different! We're starting to think about cozy fall reads under warm blankets with cider and pumpkin spice...and we're talking today about our massive autumn TBR piles! There’s something here for everyone — chefs, witches, sexy anthologies, vampires, sports, dragons, hot air balloons and, of course, dukes. If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. If phonebanking isn't your thing, we're also raising money for downticket house and senate races, because state legislatures may not be sexy, but they sure hold all the power. Learn more, and give what you can at fatedmates.net/givingcircle. The BooksContemporary I’ll Have What He’s Having by Abib KhorramMarriage and Masti by Nisha SharmaA Legend in the Baking by Jamie WesleyDeja Brew by Celestine MartinBest Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi Love in Bloom by Lucy EdenAdam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora NguyenGive It To Me by Angelina Lopez Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff / 831 StoriesPrime Time Romance by Kate RobbWished by Sarah ReadyFang Fiction by Kate Stayman-LondonAll Signs Point to Malibu by Jennifer...

2024-09-18•2hr 1mins

#40

#41

S07.01 The Magnificent (Season) Seven with Kate Clayborn and Adriana Herrera

Seven is heaven! Today, we are celebrating seven seasons of Fated Mates and this genre that we just can't get enough of with two people we just can't get enough of--Kate Clayborn and Adriana Herrera! We're talking about books, about the tropes we love, about the little bits of romance that make it the very very best. We're also thanking you for listening for seven seasons--and also being the very very best.If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates.The BooksThe Other Side of Disappearing by Kate ClaybornLuck of the Draw by Kate ClaybornOn the Hustle by Adriana HerreraAn Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana HerreraClan of the Cave Bear by Jean AuelHollywood Wives by Jackie collins The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCulloughBet Me by Jennifer CrusieThe Gift by Julie GarwoodRun Posy Run by Cate WellsThe Devil in Winter by Lisa KleypasFlowers From the Storm by Laura KinsaleMagic Rises by Ilona AndrewsLover Eternal by JR WardDarkfever by Karen Marie MoningTexas Destiny by Lorraine Heath Only You by Elizabeth LowellLothaire by Kresley ColeThe NotesWelcome Kate Clayborn and

2024-09-11•1hr 45mins

S07.01 The Magnificent (Season) Seven with Kate Clayborn and Adriana Herrera

Seven is heaven! Today, we are celebrating seven seasons of Fated Mates and this genre that we just can't get enough of with two people we just can't get enough of--Kate Clayborn and Adriana Herrera! We're talking about books, about the tropes we love, about the little bits of romance that make it the very very best. We're also thanking you for listening for seven seasons--and also being the very very best.If you also love romance, maybe you want to join our Patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates.The BooksThe Other Side of Disappearing by Kate ClaybornLuck of the Draw by Kate ClaybornOn the Hustle by Adriana HerreraAn Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana HerreraClan of the Cave Bear by Jean AuelHollywood Wives by Jackie collins The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCulloughBet Me by Jennifer CrusieThe Gift by Julie GarwoodRun Posy Run by Cate WellsThe Devil in Winter by Lisa KleypasFlowers From the Storm by Laura KinsaleMagic Rises by Ilona AndrewsLover Eternal by JR WardDarkfever by Karen Marie MoningTexas Destiny by Lorraine Heath Only You by Elizabeth LowellLothaire by Kresley ColeThe NotesWelcome Kate Clayborn and

2024-09-11•1hr 45mins

#41

#42

Stop Book Banning 2024

While we're off this week, we're encouraging everyone to listen to our Stop Book Banning episode, rereleased with new content! This week, we're talking to Maggie Tokuda-Hall, one of the founders of Authors Against Book Bans about the growth of book bans around the country in 2024. Book bans in United States schools and libraries are at their highest since the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom started collecting data, happening around the country, in every state, and disproportionately affecting books by and about LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people. What’s more, challenges are likely underreported, because librarians who are resisting them are facing unprecedented workplace retribution and in some cases physical danger.Book Bans are on the ballot this year in every state and local election, up and down the ticket. State legislatures, local town councils, county leadership and school boards are being overrun with candidates supported by conservative activists looking to limit access to books and ideas that offer identity, empathy, awareness, and power to young people around the country. We’re concerned, so today, we’re releasing a special episode of Fated Mates focused on book bans across the country. We interview three experts on what’s happening, who is most impacted, and how we can all help. Show notes are extensive, and we hope you’ll take a look at them. The GuestsMaggie Tokuda-Hall, author, activist, podcaster and founding member of Authors Against Book BansJarett Dapier, librarian, activist and author of Mr. Watson’s Chickens. Jarrett is offering his complete stage adaption of Chris Crutcher's YA novel "The Sledding Hill" to the Office for Intellectual Freedom in support of Banned Books Week as a free download to read. Schools and communities interested in performing the play can do so with a $75 donation to the ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom. Lily Freeman, activist and student in Central Bucks County, PA. Read Lily’s op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer and fol...

2024-09-04•2hr 26mins

Stop Book Banning 2024

While we're off this week, we're encouraging everyone to listen to our Stop Book Banning episode, rereleased with new content! This week, we're talking to Maggie Tokuda-Hall, one of the founders of Authors Against Book Bans about the growth of book bans around the country in 2024. Book bans in United States schools and libraries are at their highest since the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom started collecting data, happening around the country, in every state, and disproportionately affecting books by and about LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people. What’s more, challenges are likely underreported, because librarians who are resisting them are facing unprecedented workplace retribution and in some cases physical danger.Book Bans are on the ballot this year in every state and local election, up and down the ticket. State legislatures, local town councils, county leadership and school boards are being overrun with candidates supported by conservative activists looking to limit access to books and ideas that offer identity, empathy, awareness, and power to young people around the country. We’re concerned, so today, we’re releasing a special episode of Fated Mates focused on book bans across the country. We interview three experts on what’s happening, who is most impacted, and how we can all help. Show notes are extensive, and we hope you’ll take a look at them. The GuestsMaggie Tokuda-Hall, author, activist, podcaster and founding member of Authors Against Book BansJarett Dapier, librarian, activist and author of Mr. Watson’s Chickens. Jarrett is offering his complete stage adaption of Chris Crutcher's YA novel "The Sledding Hill" to the Office for Intellectual Freedom in support of Banned Books Week as a free download to read. Schools and communities interested in performing the play can do so with a $75 donation to the ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom. Lily Freeman, activist and student in Central Bucks County, PA. Read Lily’s op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer and fol...

2024-09-04•2hr 26mins

#42

#43

S06.51: College Bound: New Adult Romance

Everything old is new again...or young again? We're talking about New Adult romance today, that is, romance novels where the love story is set at or during college! We're hopping in the time machine and headed a generation or two back in romance to talk about the first time New Adult came around changing the contemporary romance game. We're getting to the bottom of why these particular love stories work so well when it comes to feelings, and asking that eternal question -- has anyone involved in this subgenre actually met a 19 year old man? (JK, we support you!) We're taking next week off, but we'll be back the week after for the start of our Seventh Season! If you'd like more romance chatter in the meantime, we encourage you to join our patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates.The Books50 Shades of Grey by EL JamesWait for You by Jennifer ArmentroutThe Wild Seasons Series by Christina LaurenButterfly by Jo BrennerFirst Semester by QB Tyler Losing It by Cora CarmackNever Sweeter and The Professor by Charlotte SteinThe Unrequited by Saffron KentSincerely, Carter by Whitney GThe Boys Next Door by Miranda SilverThe Game On Series by Kristen CallihanThe Deal by Elle KennedyForeplay by Sophie JordanLick and...

2024-08-27•1hr 24mins

S06.51: College Bound: New Adult Romance

Everything old is new again...or young again? We're talking about New Adult romance today, that is, romance novels where the love story is set at or during college! We're hopping in the time machine and headed a generation or two back in romance to talk about the first time New Adult came around changing the contemporary romance game. We're getting to the bottom of why these particular love stories work so well when it comes to feelings, and asking that eternal question -- has anyone involved in this subgenre actually met a 19 year old man? (JK, we support you!) We're taking next week off, but we'll be back the week after for the start of our Seventh Season! If you'd like more romance chatter in the meantime, we encourage you to join our patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Our first read along of Season 7 will be Molly O'Keefe's Everything I Left Unsaid duology, selected by Jen which despite the first book being a cliffhanger should not surprise you because she contains multitudes. The second book is The Truth About Him. Read them both and get ready for Jen to talk to you for hours. You will thank us.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates.The Books50 Shades of Grey by EL JamesWait for You by Jennifer ArmentroutThe Wild Seasons Series by Christina LaurenButterfly by Jo BrennerFirst Semester by QB Tyler Losing It by Cora CarmackNever Sweeter and The Professor by Charlotte SteinThe Unrequited by Saffron KentSincerely, Carter by Whitney GThe Boys Next Door by Miranda SilverThe Game On Series by Kristen CallihanThe Deal by Elle KennedyForeplay by Sophie JordanLick and...

2024-08-27•1hr 24mins

#43

#44

S06.50: Daddy Issues (not the fun kind) with Christopher Rice

We're back with Christopher Rice celebrating one of the longest running themes in romance: Daddy Issues (not the good kind)! Christopher writes romance under the pen name C. Travis Rice, and today, we're talking about his recent banger, Sapphire Dawn. We talk about the longstanding history of characters with terrible fathers, about why romance seems to love a bad dad, about our favorite characters with terrible fathers, and about why terrible fathers make the best heroes? (we know! it's problematic!) All that, and we're talking about Nora Roberts and (gasp!) Janet Dailey! We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), and so incredibly grateful to you for listening. If you'd like more romance chatter, we encourage you to join our patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. The BooksSapphire Sunset by C Travis RiceSapphire Spring by C Travis RiceSapphire Storm by C Travis RiceSapphire Dawn by C Travis RiceThe Dream Trilogy by Nora RobertsIn Death by JD RobbThe Kate Daniels Series by Ilona AndrewsThe Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ CharlesLove in the Time of Scandal by Caroline LindenKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsFix Her Up by Tessa Bailey52 Reasons to Hate my Father by Jessica BrodyA Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia WilliamsHer Naughty Holiday by Tiffany Reisz This Calder Range by Janet DaileyDuke of Desire by Elizabeth HoytThe NotesWelcome author Christopher Rice who writes gay romance as C. Travis Rice. His current series is called Sapphire Cove, and his most recent release is Sapphire Dawn. Christopher ...

2024-08-20•1hr 41mins

S06.50: Daddy Issues (not the fun kind) with Christopher Rice

We're back with Christopher Rice celebrating one of the longest running themes in romance: Daddy Issues (not the good kind)! Christopher writes romance under the pen name C. Travis Rice, and today, we're talking about his recent banger, Sapphire Dawn. We talk about the longstanding history of characters with terrible fathers, about why romance seems to love a bad dad, about our favorite characters with terrible fathers, and about why terrible fathers make the best heroes? (we know! it's problematic!) All that, and we're talking about Nora Roberts and (gasp!) Janet Dailey! We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), and so incredibly grateful to you for listening. If you'd like more romance chatter, we encourage you to join our patreon, where you get another episode from us each month, and access to the incredible readers and listeners and brilliant people on the Fated Mates discord! Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon.Also! We're back on the phonebanking train this election season! Join us on Saturdays between now and Election Day to phonebank with fellow romance lovers, Jen, Sarah, and special guests who will knock your socks off! Learn more and register at fatedmates.net/fatedstates. The BooksSapphire Sunset by C Travis RiceSapphire Spring by C Travis RiceSapphire Storm by C Travis RiceSapphire Dawn by C Travis RiceThe Dream Trilogy by Nora RobertsIn Death by JD RobbThe Kate Daniels Series by Ilona AndrewsThe Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ CharlesLove in the Time of Scandal by Caroline LindenKiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsFix Her Up by Tessa Bailey52 Reasons to Hate my Father by Jessica BrodyA Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia WilliamsHer Naughty Holiday by Tiffany Reisz This Calder Range by Janet DaileyDuke of Desire by Elizabeth HoytThe NotesWelcome author Christopher Rice who writes gay romance as C. Travis Rice. His current series is called Sapphire Cove, and his most recent release is Sapphire Dawn. Christopher ...

2024-08-20•1hr 41mins

#44

#45

S06.49 Mafia Romance Reasons

This week, we're back to Mafia books, because it's been a few years since we've tackled this one and the landscape has changed drastically. We're talking about the appeal of the organized criminal, the way the genre is the direct descendant of the Medieval romance, and the fact that it underscores some of the deepest seeded patriarchy in the genre--for good and bad. Sarah shows off the Italian and the Italian American in her past, and tells a few stories about people and places she doesn't name because did she see anything? No she didn't. If you wish you had six more days in a week of people talking about romance, may we suggest joining our Patreon? Aside from an additional episode every month you get access to our Discord, where 1000 other romance readers are talking about books they love (and many other things!) all the time. It’s so fun! Learn more about the Patreon and go join those cool people who love romance as much as we do at patreon.com/fatedmates.The BooksDeviant Hearts by Jagger ColeMafia Virgin by Mila FinelliBound in Honor by Cora ReillyScorned Vows by Victoria PaigeBecause You’re Mine by Claire ContrerasGoing Rogue by Amelia SheaNever Seduce a Scot by Maya BanksHer Dark Salvation by Katelyn BrehmVow of Revenge by P. Rayne7th Circle by Tate JamesRuthless People by JJ MacAvoyNero and Hans by SJ TillyThe NotesBack in 2020, we recorded our first mafia romance interstitial with author Nisha Sharma, that season we also had a dark romance interstitial, and those two genres have only become more popular over time.If you’re interested in the real life story of how Providence RI was a hotbed of organized crim activity, check out season one of the Crimetown Podcast. But every town has their famous mobsters: Al Capone in Chicago, John Gotti in New York, etc, etc. As Jen was preparing show notes for this episode, she discovered there is a Mob Museum,

2024-08-14•1hr 39mins

S06.49 Mafia Romance Reasons

This week, we're back to Mafia books, because it's been a few years since we've tackled this one and the landscape has changed drastically. We're talking about the appeal of the organized criminal, the way the genre is the direct descendant of the Medieval romance, and the fact that it underscores some of the deepest seeded patriarchy in the genre--for good and bad. Sarah shows off the Italian and the Italian American in her past, and tells a few stories about people and places she doesn't name because did she see anything? No she didn't. If you wish you had six more days in a week of people talking about romance, may we suggest joining our Patreon? Aside from an additional episode every month you get access to our Discord, where 1000 other romance readers are talking about books they love (and many other things!) all the time. It’s so fun! Learn more about the Patreon and go join those cool people who love romance as much as we do at patreon.com/fatedmates.The BooksDeviant Hearts by Jagger ColeMafia Virgin by Mila FinelliBound in Honor by Cora ReillyScorned Vows by Victoria PaigeBecause You’re Mine by Claire ContrerasGoing Rogue by Amelia SheaNever Seduce a Scot by Maya BanksHer Dark Salvation by Katelyn BrehmVow of Revenge by P. Rayne7th Circle by Tate JamesRuthless People by JJ MacAvoyNero and Hans by SJ TillyThe NotesBack in 2020, we recorded our first mafia romance interstitial with author Nisha Sharma, that season we also had a dark romance interstitial, and those two genres have only become more popular over time.If you’re interested in the real life story of how Providence RI was a hotbed of organized crim activity, check out season one of the Crimetown Podcast. But every town has their famous mobsters: Al Capone in Chicago, John Gotti in New York, etc, etc. As Jen was preparing show notes for this episode, she discovered there is a Mob Museum,

2024-08-14•1hr 39mins

#45

#46

S06.48: Wicked and the Wallflower: The Bareknuckle Bastards Begin

It's coming up on the end of Season 6, and that means we're talking about one of Sarah's books! We're finishing up (or beginning?) the Bareknuckle Bastards series today with a deep dive of Sarah's Wicked and the Wallflower, the first in her Bareknuckle Bastards series--part Rumplestiltskin retelling, part Peaky Blinders fic, all justifiable face punching and ode to the darkness. This is the series she loves the best, and Jen just might agree. You can get Wicked and the Wallflower in print, ebook and audiobook at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books. It's also currently free with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The BooksWicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanBrazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLeanDaring and the Duke by Sarah MacLeanThe Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLeanThe NotesWicked and the Wallflower was so early in the life of the podcast that we didn’t do a deep dive, so here you go! You can follow up by listening to deep dives of Brazen and the Beast and Daring and the Duke, both available wherever you get your books, and free with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Last week, Sarah and Jen were at Steamy Lit Con in Anaheim. There was a terrific panel on the 30th anniversary of the publication of Beverly Jenkins's Night Song. Artist Shannon Donahue made a very cool sketch of the panel, which along with Beverly Jenkins included Jeanne Lin, Adriana Herrera, Diana Quincy, and Alyssa Cole. Some of the influences on Wicked and the Wallflower include the fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin, Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, the 99% Invisible podcast about Perfect Security, the Disney movie Frozen, and Gavin Weightman's The Frozen Water Trade. The SponsorsKayla Grosse, author of Silver Foxed, available in print, ebook, and audiobook, or with your...

2024-08-07•2hr 40mins

S06.48: Wicked and the Wallflower: The Bareknuckle Bastards Begin

It's coming up on the end of Season 6, and that means we're talking about one of Sarah's books! We're finishing up (or beginning?) the Bareknuckle Bastards series today with a deep dive of Sarah's Wicked and the Wallflower, the first in her Bareknuckle Bastards series--part Rumplestiltskin retelling, part Peaky Blinders fic, all justifiable face punching and ode to the darkness. This is the series she loves the best, and Jen just might agree. You can get Wicked and the Wallflower in print, ebook and audiobook at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books. It's also currently free with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The BooksWicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLeanBrazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLeanDaring and the Duke by Sarah MacLeanThe Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLeanThe NotesWicked and the Wallflower was so early in the life of the podcast that we didn’t do a deep dive, so here you go! You can follow up by listening to deep dives of Brazen and the Beast and Daring and the Duke, both available wherever you get your books, and free with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Last week, Sarah and Jen were at Steamy Lit Con in Anaheim. There was a terrific panel on the 30th anniversary of the publication of Beverly Jenkins's Night Song. Artist Shannon Donahue made a very cool sketch of the panel, which along with Beverly Jenkins included Jeanne Lin, Adriana Herrera, Diana Quincy, and Alyssa Cole. Some of the influences on Wicked and the Wallflower include the fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin, Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, the 99% Invisible podcast about Perfect Security, the Disney movie Frozen, and Gavin Weightman's The Frozen Water Trade. The SponsorsKayla Grosse, author of Silver Foxed, available in print, ebook, and audiobook, or with your...

2024-08-07•2hr 40mins

#46

#47

S06.47: Romance Novels with Paris 2024 Olympics Vibes

We're back this week living Olympic vibes and recommending books with big Olympic vibes! Whether you're drawn to the sports of it all or the France of it all or you just really love Flavor Flav stanning women's water polo, or you were very drawn to the wild, exciting, perplexing opening ceremony and just want to read a romance with beheading, we've got you covered.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower next week, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.Books Mentioned This EpisodeA Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana HerreraLove Me in the Dark by Mia AsherKayla in Paris by Theodora TaylorBroken French by Tasha BoydLord of Scoundrels by Loretta ChaseSweet Filthy Boy by Christina LaurenThe Brightest Star in Paris by Diana BillerWe’ll Never Have Paris by Adriana AndersDuchess by Night by Eloisa JamesA Bride Unveiled by Jillian HunterNine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanLet the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith MazaruraNothing But Trouble by P. DangelicoStroked by Meghan QuinnJust This Once by Rosalind JamesHeart Breaker by Elle KennedyHeart and Hand by Rebel CarterTake Me by Bella AndreShadow’s Claim by Kresley ColeToo Hot to Handle by Elizabeth LowellRemember Summer by Elizabeth LowellPardon My Frenchie by Farrah RochonShow NotesIt’s the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and we’re having a ball.

2024-07-29•1hr 9mins

S06.47: Romance Novels with Paris 2024 Olympics Vibes

We're back this week living Olympic vibes and recommending books with big Olympic vibes! Whether you're drawn to the sports of it all or the France of it all or you just really love Flavor Flav stanning women's water polo, or you were very drawn to the wild, exciting, perplexing opening ceremony and just want to read a romance with beheading, we've got you covered.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower next week, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.Books Mentioned This EpisodeA Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana HerreraLove Me in the Dark by Mia AsherKayla in Paris by Theodora TaylorBroken French by Tasha BoydLord of Scoundrels by Loretta ChaseSweet Filthy Boy by Christina LaurenThe Brightest Star in Paris by Diana BillerWe’ll Never Have Paris by Adriana AndersDuchess by Night by Eloisa JamesA Bride Unveiled by Jillian HunterNine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanLet the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith MazaruraNothing But Trouble by P. DangelicoStroked by Meghan QuinnJust This Once by Rosalind JamesHeart Breaker by Elle KennedyHeart and Hand by Rebel CarterTake Me by Bella AndreShadow’s Claim by Kresley ColeToo Hot to Handle by Elizabeth LowellRemember Summer by Elizabeth LowellPardon My Frenchie by Farrah RochonShow NotesIt’s the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and we’re having a ball.

2024-07-29•1hr 9mins

#47

#48

S06.46: Romance and The New York Times Best 100 Books List

This week, we are doing something a little different, talking about the New York Times's Best 100 Books of the 21st Century, a list that Sarah was asked to contribute a ballot for. We talk about how Sarah made her list, what she put on it, and why...and why we think there are no romance novels on the final top 100 list. Don't fret, though -- on the Discord, FM listeners have started collecting nominations for the 100 Best Modern Romance Novels (since the publication of The Flame and the Flower)! Join the group to submit your own nominations and vote on the final list throughout August.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The BooksWe talk about lots of books today, but most of them aren't romance novels. The nine romances on Sarah's list for the New York Times are: Kate Clayborn's Georgie, All AlongKresley Cole's Dark Needs at Night's EdgeJennifer Crusie's Bet MeUzma Jalaluddin's Hana Khan Carries OnBeverly Jenkins's ForbiddenLisa Kleypas's Again the MagicAngelina M. Lopez's After Hours on Milagro StreetSherry Thomas's Ravishing the HeiressMilla Vane's A Heart of Blood and AshesShow NotesIn between the recording of this episode, about two hours after Biden dropped out of the race, and the time we released it on Wednesday: Kamala Harris has locked up the delegates for the nomination and raised 100 million dollars from small donors, a majority of whom are first time donors. Click here to express your interest in joining us for Fated States phonebanking. If you’re an author who would like to donate books to phonebankers, please fill out this form.We’re mad at Aaron Sorkin for writing a boneheaded oped in the New York Times, which was truly the dumbest thing, and then retracting it late...

2024-07-24•1hr 44mins

S06.46: Romance and The New York Times Best 100 Books List

This week, we are doing something a little different, talking about the New York Times's Best 100 Books of the 21st Century, a list that Sarah was asked to contribute a ballot for. We talk about how Sarah made her list, what she put on it, and why...and why we think there are no romance novels on the final top 100 list. Don't fret, though -- on the Discord, FM listeners have started collecting nominations for the 100 Best Modern Romance Novels (since the publication of The Flame and the Flower)! Join the group to submit your own nominations and vote on the final list throughout August.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The BooksWe talk about lots of books today, but most of them aren't romance novels. The nine romances on Sarah's list for the New York Times are: Kate Clayborn's Georgie, All AlongKresley Cole's Dark Needs at Night's EdgeJennifer Crusie's Bet MeUzma Jalaluddin's Hana Khan Carries OnBeverly Jenkins's ForbiddenLisa Kleypas's Again the MagicAngelina M. Lopez's After Hours on Milagro StreetSherry Thomas's Ravishing the HeiressMilla Vane's A Heart of Blood and AshesShow NotesIn between the recording of this episode, about two hours after Biden dropped out of the race, and the time we released it on Wednesday: Kamala Harris has locked up the delegates for the nomination and raised 100 million dollars from small donors, a majority of whom are first time donors. Click here to express your interest in joining us for Fated States phonebanking. If you’re an author who would like to donate books to phonebankers, please fill out this form.We’re mad at Aaron Sorkin for writing a boneheaded oped in the New York Times, which was truly the dumbest thing, and then retracting it late...

2024-07-24•1hr 44mins

#48

#49

S06.45: Our Favorite Episodes, Tropes we Love, and Books that Take the Finger

Jen and Sarah are together at last (again), and we’re taking your questions! Listen as we revisit some of our favorite past episodes of the podcast, as we discuss our favorite books with our least favorite tropes, and recommend a bunch of books that take the finger. We’re also talking about historical romance, and why it remains an absolute bop.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The BooksThe Next Best Fling by Gabby GamezChef’s Kiss by TJ alexanderUnmasked by the Marquess by Cat SebastianSomething Spectacular by Alexis HallThe Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica RidleyLove and Other Disasters by Anita KellyAn unsuitable Heir by KJ CharlesThe Ghost Town East Series by Amelia SheaIsland Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana HerreraThe Duchess Hunt by Lorriane HeathMorning Glory Milking Farm by CM NacostaJust Playing House by Farah HeronThe Duke Gets Even by Joanna ShupeMystery Man by Kristen AshleyPreacher Man by Jessa KaneThe Show NotesJen went to go see Illinoise when she was in New York, and the Fated Mates team ate at Claro in Brooklyn.Some of our favorite episodes of the podcast: the Derek Craven episode with Kate, the first category romance interstitial, and trailblazers

2024-07-16•1hr 42mins

S06.45: Our Favorite Episodes, Tropes we Love, and Books that Take the Finger

Jen and Sarah are together at last (again), and we’re taking your questions! Listen as we revisit some of our favorite past episodes of the podcast, as we discuss our favorite books with our least favorite tropes, and recommend a bunch of books that take the finger. We’re also talking about historical romance, and why it remains an absolute bop.We're coming up on the end of Season 6 (what?! how!?), which means a deep dive of one of Sarah's books, even though she doesn't have a new one this year! We're talking Wicked & the Wallflower, the first of her Bareknuckle Bastards series. Get it at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The BooksThe Next Best Fling by Gabby GamezChef’s Kiss by TJ alexanderUnmasked by the Marquess by Cat SebastianSomething Spectacular by Alexis HallThe Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica RidleyLove and Other Disasters by Anita KellyAn unsuitable Heir by KJ CharlesThe Ghost Town East Series by Amelia SheaIsland Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana HerreraThe Duchess Hunt by Lorriane HeathMorning Glory Milking Farm by CM NacostaJust Playing House by Farah HeronThe Duke Gets Even by Joanna ShupeMystery Man by Kristen AshleyPreacher Man by Jessa KaneThe Show NotesJen went to go see Illinoise when she was in New York, and the Fated Mates team ate at Claro in Brooklyn.Some of our favorite episodes of the podcast: the Derek Craven episode with Kate, the first category romance interstitial, and trailblazers

2024-07-16•1hr 42mins

#49

#50

S06:44 Summer Romance Bingo Recommendations 2024

For the last few years, The Ripped Bodice bookstore has published a Summer Romance Bingo Card and this year, we're helping you win! With absolutely no prep, we're recommending books for every bit of the game, from Lost Treasure to Time Travel to the Olympics. Head to The Ripped Bodice's instagram feed to see the bingo card and get reading! Books Mentioned Only and Forever by Chloe LieseA Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston One Last Shot by Betty CayouetteRemember Summer by Elizabeth LowellFire on the Ice by Tamsen ParkerSeduction on the Slopes by Tamsen ParkerFrom Lukov with Love by Mariana ZapataThe Amorous Education of Celia Seaton by Miranda NevilleHottie Scotty and Mr. Porter by R. Cooper Breath of Magic by Theresa MedierosOutlander by Diana GabaldonCrazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay AdamsShaken and Stirred by Kathleeen O’ReillyDouble Down by Katie PorterCopper by Lily AtlasSanta’s Baby by Chloe MaineLighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori WildeDragged to the Wedding by Andrew GreyLooking for a Sign by Susie DumondStar Crossed Seduction by Jenny BrownaA Touch Magical by Sonia HartlReaper’s Property by Joanna WyldeWaylon by Theodora TaylorDo Your Worst by Rosie DananThis Scot of Mine by Sophie JordanSummertime Punchline by Betty CorrelloWild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob MayerSomething Wilder by Christina Lauren

2024-07-08•1hr 28mins

S06:44 Summer Romance Bingo Recommendations 2024

For the last few years, The Ripped Bodice bookstore has published a Summer Romance Bingo Card and this year, we're helping you win! With absolutely no prep, we're recommending books for every bit of the game, from Lost Treasure to Time Travel to the Olympics. Head to The Ripped Bodice's instagram feed to see the bingo card and get reading! Books Mentioned Only and Forever by Chloe LieseA Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston One Last Shot by Betty CayouetteRemember Summer by Elizabeth LowellFire on the Ice by Tamsen ParkerSeduction on the Slopes by Tamsen ParkerFrom Lukov with Love by Mariana ZapataThe Amorous Education of Celia Seaton by Miranda NevilleHottie Scotty and Mr. Porter by R. Cooper Breath of Magic by Theresa MedierosOutlander by Diana GabaldonCrazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay AdamsShaken and Stirred by Kathleeen O’ReillyDouble Down by Katie PorterCopper by Lily AtlasSanta’s Baby by Chloe MaineLighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori WildeDragged to the Wedding by Andrew GreyLooking for a Sign by Susie DumondStar Crossed Seduction by Jenny BrownaA Touch Magical by Sonia HartlReaper’s Property by Joanna WyldeWaylon by Theodora TaylorDo Your Worst by Rosie DananThis Scot of Mine by Sophie JordanSummertime Punchline by Betty CorrelloWild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob MayerSomething Wilder by Christina Lauren

2024-07-08•1hr 28mins

#50

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Podcast Summary

07.37: Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

07.37: Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

S07.36: Celebrity + Normie Romance

S07.36: Celebrity + Normie Romance

RERUN: S04.43: [Sex on the] Beach Reads

RERUN: S04.43: [Sex on the] Beach Reads

S07.35: On the Shelf with Spinsters and Wallflowers

S07.35: On the Shelf with Spinsters and Wallflowers

S07.34: The Third Act Break-Up (Complimentary)

S07.34: The Third Act Break-Up (Complimentary)

S07.33: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

S07.33: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

S07.32: Ruination!

S07.32: Ruination!

S07.31: Romance on the Run

S07.31: Romance on the Run

Listen to your favourite podcasts.

S07.30: Getting Things Done (to them): Romance with Lists

S07.30: Getting Things Done (to them): Romance with Lists

S07.29: Spring 2025 New Releases: Teasing Your TBR

S07.29: Spring 2025 New Releases: Teasing Your TBR

S07.28: Everything We Know About Horses Comes From Romance

S07.28: Everything We Know About Horses Comes From Romance

S07.27: What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules

S07.27: What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules

S07.26: Romance Novels With a Ticking Clock

S07.26: Romance Novels With a Ticking Clock

S07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

S07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

S07.24: He's *NOT* a Billionaire

S07.24: He's *NOT* a Billionaire

S07.23: Long Live Historicals!

S07.23: Long Live Historicals!

S07.22: Adriana Herrera on the Power of Historical Romance: When We’re Up Against a Corner, Baby, Let’s Fight.

S07.22: Adriana Herrera on the Power of Historical Romance: When We’re Up Against a Corner, Baby, Let’s Fight.

New York Public Library Best New Romance List

New York Public Library Best New Romance List

S07.21: Meet My Vibe Criteria: V.E. Schwab on writing, obsession, and romance outside of Romance

S07.21: Meet My Vibe Criteria: V.E. Schwab on writing, obsession, and romance outside of Romance

A Taste of Craven

A Taste of Craven

S07.20 Tarot, Astrology, and Psychics in Romance

S07.20 Tarot, Astrology, and Psychics in Romance

S07:19 Back in Time with Harlequin Blaze

S07:19 Back in Time with Harlequin Blaze

S07:18 Winter 2025 New Releases: The Quarterly Edging Episode

S07:18 Winter 2025 New Releases: The Quarterly Edging Episode

Listen to your favourite podcasts.

S07.17: The Proposition by Judith Ivory

S07.17: The Proposition by Judith Ivory

S07.16: Hear Me Out: New Year's Eve 2024

S07.16: Hear Me Out: New Year's Eve 2024

07.15: Holiday Romances for 2024: Put It in the Lilly Library

07.15: Holiday Romances for 2024: Put It in the Lilly Library

S07:14 Excellent 2024 Debut Romance Novels

S07:14 Excellent 2024 Debut Romance Novels

S07:13 Getting Pearl Jammed: Romance After 40

S07:13 Getting Pearl Jammed: Romance After 40

S07:12 Bookstores and Booksellers

S07:12 Bookstores and Booksellers

S07:11 Best Romance Novels of 2024

S07:11 Best Romance Novels of 2024

S07:10 Comfort Reads and Finding Solace in Romance

S07:10 Comfort Reads and Finding Solace in Romance

November 2024 Bantr+

November 2024 Bantr+

S07:09 Mermaid Romance with Zoraida Córdova/Zoey Castile

S07:09 Mermaid Romance with Zoraida Córdova/Zoey Castile

S07:08 I Read Dead People: Ghosts, Morticians, and the Dead in Romance

S07:08 I Read Dead People: Ghosts, Morticians, and the Dead in Romance

S07:07 The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia

S07:07 The Seven Deadly Sins: Let's Fire Up Wikipedia

S07:06 The Everything I Left Unsaid duology

S07:06 The Everything I Left Unsaid duology

S07.05: Some Light Kidnapping: Restraints are for Amateurs

S07.05: Some Light Kidnapping: Restraints are for Amateurs

S07.04 Trailblazer Meg Cabot

S07.04 Trailblazer Meg Cabot

S07.24: He's NOT a Billionaire

S07.24: He's NOT a Billionaire