Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People

It's Halloween which means we're talking about monsters (complimentary)! We've done devils and witches and an entire season on monsters of all ilk, but we haven't done demons yet, and so here we are! Come one come all as Sarah confesses one of her weirdest (charming) kinks and we discuss the age-old adage: "If a demon's horns aren't sexual organs, why are they even there?" We're heading back to the early 00s on this one, so headphones in because who knows what we're going to talk about?! Definitely not us! This week also marks our 7th anniversary, so we're feeling just a little emotional (grateful). Thank you for being with us, whether this is your first episode or your almost four hundredth. We love you. If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. NotesWe’ve done some serious Halloween episodes and also some silly ones. And all of season one was the Immortals After Dark series. The devil is just the most powerful demon in Christian mythology, and apparently so are incubi and succubi. Tim Curry in Legend is actually nothing at all like David Bowie in Labyrinth. BooksSweet Ruin by Kresley ColeHot as Hades by Alisha RaiSuccubus Blues by Richelle MeadeDealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte SteinPleasure Unbound by Larissa IoneI Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend by Jessica CageKiss of a Demon King by Kresley ColeMacRieve by Kresley ColeDemon from the Dark by Kresley ColeA Rogue’s Proposal by Stephanie LaurensA Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah HawleyThe Devil She Knows by Alexandria BellefleurDemon Lover by Heather GuerreDionysus in Wisconsin by EH LuptonSponsorsHarperCollins, publishers of N.E. Davenport's Our Vicious Oaths, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books, with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited, or wherever you get your books.Rachel Runya Katz, author of Isn't it Obvious, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, or wherever you get your books.Zara Doyle, author of Tori and her Wolf, available in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Jessica Thomas, author of Dare Me, Ellie, available in print, ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

It's Gorilla Twins Week! We couldn't be happier to be talking about The Earl Takes All, a book we love so much we gave it a nickname that all of Romancelandia uses now. Whether you're reading it for the first time or the fiftieth, we're so happy to have you. We talk about Jane Goodall, Romance Gorillas, Lorraine Heath's brilliant mind, how she's easily a top-five romance novelist and possibly the best of them when it comes to writing conflict, and just how much we love a bonkers historical. If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.  NotesIt’s not too late to join the The Fated States Giving Circle, 25 people who give in October will receive a copy of Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen's Unsung Characters, featuring Sarah's novella about Emma's Miss Bates.This is our second Lorraine Heath deep dive episode, because she writes a banger. Listen to our deep dive of Waking Up With the Duke. According to search, we’ve mentioned Gorilla Twins (aka The Earl Takes All) at least 34 times on the podcast. Sorry not sorry.The hallmark movie Adventures in Love & Birding is based on Birding with Benefits by Sarah Dubb. Apparently the birding community has some feedback on the bird situation of the movie. It’s Romance Bird! It’s Romance dormouse! It’s Romance Pig! Rest in Peace Jane Goodall. Famous Last Words is a show where you get to leave your burn book, and Jane Goodall’s was the first episode. Our episodes will be 100 hours each, so plan accordingly. The history of influenza. Vaccines work. Go get a flu shot. Some more information about mountain gorillas. JK. It’s Rune Week! SponsorsCharis Michaels, author of Claiming the Princess, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Elizabeth Roubaix, author of the His Duchess's Lovers collection, available in ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Sotto Voce Scents. Go to sottovocescents.com and use code FATEDMATES2025 for 25% off your order.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/10/21/0806-the-earl-takes-all-by-lorraine-heath-gorilla-twins 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

How is it possible we've never done a governess episode? And how is it possible Louisa Darling hasn't been a guest on the pod yet? We're rectifying both of these injustices this week. We talk about Jane Eyre, The Sound of Music and other primordial governesses, and discuss exactly what kind of buttons these books installed--almost entirely thanks to old school historicals. We also talk about how governess books are some of the only books in which we will suffer a child, and yes, we shout out the nannies, too!Louisa Darling is the pen name of Louisa Edwards and Lily Everett, and the author of Don’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to be Scoundrels, Where Have All the Scoundrels Gone, and Scoundrel, Take Me Away.Our next read along is Gorilla Twins, AKA Lorraine Heath's The Earl Takes All. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. (Apologies for the subpar audio quality.)NotesLearn more about The States Project and donate to the Fated States Giving Circle to keep Virginia blue this November.Welcome historical author Louisa Darling. She’s written contemporary romance as Louisa Edwards and women’s fiction as Lily Everett. She imprinted on Jayne Eyre and worked as an editorial assistant for Leslie Gelbman at Berkley, who edited Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz.Maybe all those early governess books were really about The Sound of Music. We talked about the Molly O’Keefe series that included Wait For It in season 7, and about Vanessa Riley and wet nurses when we had Kennedy Ryan on in season 2. Finally, our next deep dive will be Gorilla Twins. The actual title, of course, is The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath.The BooksDon’t Let Your Dukes Grow Up to be Scoundrels by Louisa DarlingWhere Have All the Scoundrels Gone by Louisa DarlingScoundrel, Take Me Away by Louisa DarlingRules for a Proper Governess by Jennifer AshleyA Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa RileyThe Duke Who Ravished Me by Diana QuincyDeception by Amanda QuickSnowed In with the Viking by Lucy MorrisSins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie JordanThe Game and the Governess By Kate NobleThe Lie and the Lady by Kate NobleThe Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale Married by Morning by Lisa KleypasIt Takes Two to Tumble by Cat SebastianThe Nanny is Off Limits by QB TylerRafe by Rebekah WeatherspoonSponsorsHarpercollins, publishers of Lindsay Kelk's Christmas Fling, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Andie J. Christopher, author of Faster, available in print, ebook, audiobook, with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited, or wherever you get your books.Lumi Labs, creators of Lumi Gummies. Go to lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off your order.Katherine Grant, author of The Widower Without a Will, available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/10/14/s0805-governesses-with-louisa-darling 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

We're thinking about Chicago, DC, and LA this week, and standing in solidarity with the people living and resisting in those cities. While reading isn't action, it can supplement it, and keep us joyful as we do the hard work of standing up. To that end, this week, we're recommending books that feature Chicago, Washington, DC & Los Angeles as settings. We're also sharing resources and ways you can stay informed, help communities of immigrants, and get involved in whatever way possible. Note: We recorded this episode just as the National Guard was sent to Portland, Oregon, which is why Portland-set romances are not included in this episode. Please feel free to share your favorite romances set there in comments or on social media. Tag us so we can share!Our next read along is Gorilla Twins, AKA Lorraine Heath's The Earl Takes All. Find it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. The NotesLearn more about Ramón Ayala, the King of the Accordion.There goes your social life. It's too late to go to The Gothenburg Book Festival this year, but there’s always next year. One of the first internationally known Swedish romance writers is Simona Ahrnstedt. Crime fiction is a big deal in Sweden, and Sarah met Camilla Läckberg and Anders de la Motte.Terrible awful things happening in Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Portland. Many of these raids are apparently being filmed to make propaganda for the regime. Support local, independent news organizations in your town. This is how you can find out information about what is going on across the country. You might start by checking out: Unraveled Press, Block Club Chicago, The Triibe, LA Taco, WBEZ chicago or your local NPR station, The Chicago Sun-Times. You should also find local organizations that do work you care about and find a way to support them. In Chicago, for example, two vital organizations are The Brave Space Alliance and The Love Fridge. And, find out who is supporting immigrants where you live and find out what they need and how you can support their work. For example, The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights in Illinois, and CHIRLA, The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in LA.Find a local Latinx-owned bookstore near you by using this list from the Latinos In Publishing account.  Here's a list of Latinx bookstores in LA if you're looking there.The Chicago North Romance Writers hosts a writing conference called Spring Fling, it’s happening in April of 2026. Some of the great people Jen has met from the group or around town at local romance events: Pamala Knight, Shannyn Schroeder, Kelly Farmer, Victoria Hamel, Kathy Douglass, and Chandra Blumberg. Find other people in your community who are working to fight authoritarianism and tyranny at Mobilize. Not sure how to contact your reps? Try using 5 Calls and Resistbot. You, too, can Run for Something. It’s not too late to donate money to our Giving Circle for the upcoming election in Virginia.Listen to Amanda Litman from Run For Something on Fated MatesListen to Melissa Walker from The States Project on Fated MatesBooksNoelle the First by Nicole FallsI’ll Get Back to You by Becca GrischowThe Matched to Perfection Series by Priscilla OliverasThe Vega Family Love Stories by Natalie CañaThe Crowne Legacy Series by Sherelle GreenThe Bollywood Bride by Sonali DevThe Curse Bearer Series by Veronica RothStars in Your Eyes by Kacen CallenderThe Eastside Brewery Series by Mia HopkinsThe Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene GooThe Girl Who Knew Too Much by Jayne Ann KrentzHis Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee LenkerThe Sapphire Cove Series by C. Travis RiceLove Will Always Remember by Tracey LivesaySomething Cheeky by Thien-Kim LamStreams and Schemes by Rebecca KincadeThe RestFor even more info about this episode, and to...

It's October, which means we're thinking about fall, which comes with spice, heat and hanging out under the blankets! Today, our Fall 2025 romance novel preview, guaranteed to fill your TBR pile. There’s something here for everyone — historicals, contemporaries, a splash of magic, princesses, superheroes, time-travel, widows, F1 drivers...a real ideal dinner party roster.If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com. BooksSeptember ReleasesFaster by Andie J. ChristopherThe Earl That Got Away by Diana QuincyResisting the Forbidden Widow by Maggie WestonThe Scot's Seduction Megan FramptonThe Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior by TK TuckerOctober ReleasesHell's Heresies by Kat D. CoffinFemale Fantasy by Iman Hariri-KiaWrecking Caine by Amelia SheaA Scar in the Bone by Sophie JordanCowboy, It's Cold Outside by Maisey YatesStrings Attached by Noel BaileyA Pack for Winter by Eliana LeeIsn’t It Obvious by Rachel Runya KatzLondon Calling by Rita GordonBackslide by Nora DahliaPlay You For It by Samantha SaldivarThe Devil She Knows by Alexandria BellefleurAll of us Murderers by KJ CharlesOnly Rakes Need Apply by Kate PearceJulia Song Is Undateable by Susan LeeSome Kind of Famous by Ava WilderA Star Is Scorned by Maureen Lee LenkerBlue Collar Billionaire by Amy AndrewsOnce Upon a Courtesan by Jess MichaelsClaiming the Princess by Charis Michaels Heartsick by Kristina ForrestReel Love by Addie WoolridgeNovember ReleasesThe Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose Robyn GreenNot You Again by Erin La RosaThese Violet Delights by Madeleine RouxAll Superheroes Need Photos Ops by Elizabeth StephensViolet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily KrempholtzCall Me Anytime by Max MonroeThe Maid of Sherwood Forest by Sian Ann BesseyPick Me by Victoria SchadeEllie Hayes and the Himbos by Vanessa KingNext Time Will be our Turn by Jesse Q SutantoSon of the Morning by Akwaeke EmeziLadies in Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters Big Sky Safe House by Juno RushdanSnowbound and Royally Forbidden by Maya BlakeThe Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice DavidsonMidnight Book Club by E.W. AndersonDecember ReleasesBodyguard Affair by Amy LeeAudrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis HallSomething Wicked by Falon BallardHer Time Traveling Duke by Bryn DonovanHow to Grieve like a Victorian by Amy Carol ReevesA Most Worthy Husband by Faye DelacourLove letters for Other People by Shaylin GandhiSparks Fly by Zakiya N. JamalSponsorsJaylee Austin, BL Lucas, Tegan Lleuad, Brie Blackmore, RM Fire, & Natasha Wilco, authors of Monsters in Moonlight series, six books available at Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.HarperCollins, publishers of Diana Quincy's The Earl That Got Away, available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Pippa Grant, author of The Spite Date, available at Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Jamie Varon, author of Charlie Quinn Lets Go, available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/9/12/0803-fall-2025-preview 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 other romance readers are talking about books they love (and many other things!) all...

Our fave, Adriana Herrera, is with us this week to talk about feminism, romance, and how the two intersect. We talk about the history of the genre, about the evolution of feminism within it, and about what we want from the texts we're reading now, as the world does whatever it is it's doing. Oh, and we recommend some feminist romance, because of course we do.If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.&nbsp;NotesWelcome back to the podcast, Adriana Herrera. Her first time on the podcast was way back in Season One, talking about Bowen and Mariketa, and then there were all these other times we’ve talked with her or about her books. Her latest project is the After the End kickstarter, which was just ending as this podcast aired. But you might be able to get in on it for a few more days if you act fast.&nbsp;Choice feminism isn’t the way, even if you’re Charlotte from Sex in the City… why did Jen think it was Samantha? Because memory is weird, okay.&nbsp;In 2025, the New York Times reports that 350k Black women have lost their jobs and the goal of the administration broadly seems to be resegregation.&nbsp;We recommend books about feminism below, from beginner to advanced. But we’ve also collected some web-based resources you might want to check out:&nbsp;The Race to Innocence: watch this TikTok or read this 1998 paper by Fellows &amp; Razack which first defined the phenomenon.Intersectionality: This idea was first defined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. You can read more about the basics of intersectionality here, here, or here.Feminist Theory: The Four Waves of Feminism explained; The Uses of the Erotic: the Erotic as Power by Audre Lorde; No Offense by Jia Tolentino.Transmisogyny: Transmisogyny defined; why trans rights are human rights, and why feminism must support trans people. BooksWicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley ColeHold by Claire KentFanta C by Sandra BrownDarling Obstacles by Barbara BoswellA Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana HerreraDangerous Men and Adventurous WomenCareless Whispers by Synithia WilliamsThe Bone King and the Starling by Elizabeth StephensHeart of Blood and Ashes by Milla VaneSpark of the Everflame by Penn Cole&nbsp;Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine GonzalesAin’t She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsThe Bright Falls series by Ashley Herring BlakeTen Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah MacLeanPreferential Treatment by Heather GuerreStreams and Schemes by Rebecca KinkadeAll About Love by bell hooksFeminism, Interrupted by Lola OlufemiThe Portable Feminist ReaderThe Trouble with White Women by Kyla SchullerSponsorsMelody Beckett, author of Alien Desire, available at Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.HarperCollins, publishers of A. T. Qureshi's The Baby Dragon Bakery, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Pippa Grant, author of The Spite Date, available at Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/feminism-in-romance 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on <a...

Season Eight! How is it possible you're all still here?! We're so incredibly thrilled to have you all with us for another season. We've got big plans for talking to your favorite people, getting under the hood of your favorite tropes, and filling your TBR pile with your new favorite books. We quickly find ourselves in the deep end, talking about craft, criticism, and romance’s place in 2025. But first, we share what we did on our summer vacations. Season Eight. Wowzer. Honestly, we love knowing you're out there. Thank you so much for listening.If you'd like more romance chat in your life, please consider joining our Patreon, which comes with an extremely busy and fun Discord community! There, magnificent firebirds hang out, talk romance, and be cool together in a private group full of excellent people. Learn more at patreon.com.&nbsp;NotesIf you’re a writer looking to learn more about in person events for romance craft, check out Romancing the Craft in Anaheim this fall or Spring Fling which will be hosted by Chicago North Romance Writers in spring of 2026.&nbsp;Australia is not actually a land of criminals, but Tasmania is a dark place…the sky we mean. On the This is Love podcast, there was an episode about it! Check out the Night Sky app, which will help you identify the stars you are seeing in the night sky.&nbsp;Martha’s Vineyard is great, actually. But watch out for ticks and sharks. Speaking of Jaws, it’s a different vibe without that music and here’s more about John Williams and the power of the score.AP isn’t doing book reviews anymore, and that means that there will be less book news in papers across America. We talked about the decline of cultural criticism this week. Read more about music criticism and film criticism. This goes hand in hand with news that less Americans are reading for pleasure. Across storytelling mediums, people are noticing a breakdown in the ability to tell a story. Here’s a great essay about the difference between premise and narrative in film. Here’s a really interesting thread from Blue Sky wondering if Sci-Fi is a genre that’s dying.Ten years ago gay marriage passed and it felt like the world had changed, but they’re determined to roll them back. Keep fighting.--SponsorsBlue Box Press, publishers of Kristen Ashley's Finding the One, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.HarperCollins, publishers of Laurie Gilmore's The Gingerbread Bakery, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Vasilisa Drake, author of A Bargain So Bloody, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, or Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Get the audiobook wherever you listen.Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.&nbsp;The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/9/10/0801-season-eight-the-state-of-the-romance-union 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

This year's Fated Mates Live was a little different than those we've hosted before, as it was also launch day for Sarah's These Summer Storms! We celebrated in style in the Midwest, hosted by the fabulous team at indie bookstore (and romance lovers), Novel Neighbor and joined by our absolute favorite, Kate Clayborn. So many Firebirds turned out to celebrate with us from across the midwest to help Sarah learn the intricacies of Midwestern Romance Heroes™️, to talk about Derek Craven and others, and to celebrate Storms in style. The audience was, unfortunately, without microphones, so some of the event has been edited from this recording, but we hope you'll get the vibes -- and learn a little about the midwest! (We apologize for the Indiana and Connecticut shade within.) Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us -- we couldn't have asked for a better event, or a better launch day for These Summer Storms. Thank you for reading, for hanging, and for standing in an endless line to meet us and spend a little of your rainy Tuesday with us!

We’re wrapping up season seven by asking ourselves a simple question. Do we like this stuff? Yes? No? Maybe so?&nbsp;We’ll be back in two weeks for the start of Season Eight of the podcast. Honestly, we remain amazed that y’all are with us on this journey. In a world full of madness, you bring us calm, joy and purpose, and we couldn’t be more grateful for you. Thank you so much for listening.While you’re waiting for Season Eight, you’re welcome to 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.&nbsp;NotesThe Komboucha Girl was sick of seeing her face back in 2019, and yet here we are.&nbsp;Hozier in concert was great, even if his parents were not stars on the NBC soap, Days of Our Lives. That was John and Marlena. The visuals on Eat Your Young and Nina Cried Power were especially moving and inspiring. Someone made a playlist of the Nina Cried power songs, and now is a great time to listen to protest music.&nbsp;The impact 50 Shades had on the sales of ties (and other things) was real.&nbsp;An article from MEL about the wet problem, not just in romance, I guess. (that’s a NSFW link based on the headline and content, okay.) Butts tie these two clips together: Miranda on SATC on “are we doing this now?”&nbsp; and Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle thinking&nbsp; “some lady is going to want to do it her.” But overall, spit is important.&nbsp;Fucking her ass, saving her life is a quote from a Shayla Black book and this amazing review from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Truly a Romancelandia classic.&nbsp;EM Forester described flat and round characters in Aspects of the Novel (1927).“The second shift” is a phrase used by author Arlie Russell Hochschild to describe the housework and childrearing responsibilities faced by women after coming home from their day jobs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commuting is really bad for your wallet and bad for your health.&nbsp;Go to a farmer’s market if you must. BooksFifty Shades of Grey by EL JamesWhat I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsThese Summer Storms by Sarah MacLeanNever Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLeanThe Devil of Downtown by Joanna ShupeHans by SJ TillyThe Club by Lauren RoweMerrily Ever After by Jenny Holiday&nbsp;Lothaire by Kresley ColeRide Steady by Kristen AshleyStuck Up Suit by Vi Keeland and Penelope WardThe Opposite of You by Rachel HigginsonSponsorsBlue Box Press, publishers of the Hearts and Hidden Secrets: A Family Romance Collection featuring Devney Perry, Helena Hunting, Lauren Blakely and Tijan, available at Amazon.Rose Prendeville, author of Grace on the Rocks, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Avery Flynn, author of Head Witch in Charge, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, or Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/8/21/0749-season-seven-ends-with-the-kombucha-gif 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

Joanna Shupe joins us this week to celebrate her new book, The Gilded Heiress, and talk about one of our favorite things—baddies with a heart of gold! We talk about the book, about our mutual love of criminals, of noble scoundrels, of con artists and basically anyone willing to do crime in the name of love. We also talk about how everything Gilded Age is back again, which…ugh. We love Joanna and her book – come see us with her in Chicago on August 28th and in Brooklyn on September 9th.You can get The Gilded Heiress right now in print, ebook or audio at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;NotesWelcome Joanna Shupe, who writes mafia romance as Mila Finelli. Next week, her historical The Gilded Heiress comes out next week. Earlier this summer, she released her latest in the New York State of Mafia series, Empire of Seduction. You can see her on book tour starting the week of August 26th, including with Jen in Chicago on August 28th.&nbsp;Pinkertons &amp; Bow Street Runners were early cops and private investigators.&nbsp;Check out Joanna’s TikTok, which explores how the history of the Gilded Age is very relevant again: Tariffs are pretty bad, actually; the attempt to build an all white town in Arkansas, inspired by Apartheid South Africa, you can learn about Sundown Towns, Redlining, and racist housing covenants.&nbsp;Al Swearengen is a character on the show Deadwood based on a real person.The Gilded Heiress pays homage to Anastasia the Disney movie, which is itself a retelling of the story of Anastasia Romanov. The novel also explores the famous crime of the kidnapped Lindbergh Baby.BooksGilded Heiress by Joanna ShupeEmpire of Seduction by Mila FinelliThe Devil of Downtown by Joanna ShupeAny Old Diamonds by KJ CharlesThe Player by Kresley ColeScoundrel, Take Me Away by Louisa DarlingFaking It by Jennifer CrusieThe Highwayman by Kerrigan ByrneDuke of Sin by Elizabeth HoytBaron by Joanna Shupe&nbsp;A Good Rogue is Hard to Find by Kelly BowenThe Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat SebastianHidden Sins by Selena MontgomeryThe Unwanted Wife by Natasha AndersPrivate Arrangements by Sherry ThomasThe Windflower by Laura LondonSomething Wilder by Christina LaurenDestiny’s Captive by Beverly JenkinsCaptured by Beverly JenkinsTo Catch a Raven by Beverly JenkinsSponsors:&nbsp;Amy Andrews, Pippa Roscoe, Rachael Stewart and Clare Connelly, authors of The Karma Club series, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Maureen Lee Lenker, author of His Girl Hollywood, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.&nbsp;The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/8/18/0748-criminals-and-noble-scoundrels-with-joanna-shupe 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on <a...

It’s Bodyguard Romance week, which feels impossible, honestly, considering we’ve definitely done this before, haven’t we? According to Eric and also the internet, we haven’t, which means we get to talk for the first time in seven seasons about why Bodyguards work so well for so many romance readers, including us! We talk about the basics – the innate joy of having an Exasperated Man™️ willing to put himself in front of a bullet for you, the absolute delight of the books that turn the whole thing on its head and make the protector the protected, and yes, Whitney Houston. Also, Jen makes a brilliant observation on surveillance culture and how it’s impacting romance. We’re keeping you safe from the baddies this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;NotesIn a recent interview Kevin Costner talked about his feelings about Whitney Houston. Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston’s versions of I Will Always Love You, Whitney’s isolated vocals on How Will I Know, and Whitney sang the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl in 1991 and the New Yorker article about it.&nbsp;Caroline has created a bodyguard collection featuring books across subgenres.&nbsp;The Big Easy is a movie with Dennis Quaid (he’s crazy now) and Ellen Barkin where he is a cop who uncovers corruption on the force.&nbsp;Everyone, it looks like this thing about not needing a PI license in the state of Wyoming is legit, go forth and spread the news. BooksPrincess by Galen FoleyHans by SJ TillyWyoming Bodyguard by Danielle HaasThe Wilde Ways Series by Cynthia EdenTough Luck by Annabeth AlbertThe Billionaire’s Bodyguard by Emma HollySexy/Dangerous and Rare Danger by Beverly JenkinsBurned Dreams by Neva AltajA Duke to Remember by Kelly BowenAce of Hearts by Renee RoseKeep Her Safe QB TylerSponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;Blue Box Press, publishers of the Duty and Desire: A Uniformed Heroes &amp; Bodyguard anthology featuring Aurora Rose Reynolds, Kristen Ashley, Kylie Scott &amp; Rebecca Zanetti available at Amazon.&nbsp;Hunter Snow, author of Gone Country, available at Amazon, B&amp;N or wherever you get your books.&nbsp;Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.&nbsp;The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/8/12/0747-bodyguards 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now. &nbsp;

We're back with a deep dive episode on one of our favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips books, Natural Born Charmer. Jen thinks this one marks SEP's Imperial Period, and Sarah looks askance at the term romcom to describe romance novels. We're back on our bullsh*t, is what we're saying. We're talking plot, character, risk-taking, and how romances can feel wildly expansive.This is our last deep dive of Season 7 -- more in Season 8, which begins in September. If you want to talk in depth about specific books, though, maybe you'd enjoy being a member of 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. NotesYou can get Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Natural Born Charmer at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.In season 2, we did a deep dive of an earlier Chicago Stars book, Nobody’s Baby But Mine. We also did an episode with Susan in season 3. It’s the interview that made us realize we should keep interviewing romance trailblazers. Jen was on Learning the Tropes to talk about another SEP book, Kiss an Angel.&nbsp;In 2003, the song Hey Ya by Outkast was number 1 for 9 weeks at the end of that year and into early 2004. In 2018, Rolling Stone ranked the song #4 in the top 100 songs of the 21st Century So Far.&nbsp;This article from Spin describes what it means when an artist is in their imperial period.&nbsp;Sleazy Burt Reynolds guy.Almost Famous (2000) is amazing movie about the rise and fall of a 70s rock band. A great thing happened during the baby races halftime show last week at a Las Vegas Aces game last week. Also at the Indiana Fever game. SponsorsScarlett Xavier, author of Irish Fire and Forbidden Love, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Avon Books, publishers of Mason Deaver's The Build-a-Boyfriend Project, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Claire Trella Hill, author of Black and Deep Desires, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, or Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Avon Books, publishers of Holly Michelle's Last Night Was Fun, available in print, ebook or audio from Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/8/4/0746-natural-born-charmer-by-susan-elizabeth-phillips 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

By request (and because Sarah needed books for her upcoming trip), we're talking about romance novels by Australian authors this week, with a nod to some New Zealanders as well. We discuss how historical romance has much maligned Australia, recommend some absolutely terrific books, many of which we've actually done deep dives on, and we talk about why so many Australian romances hit the spot with American readers. 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 (next week!) is Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Natural Born Charmer. You can get it at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.NotesFrench Kiss is not available on streamers and it's very upsetting for those of us who know the deep magic of Kevin Kline &amp; Meg Ryan.Australia is not&nbsp;the nation of criminals historical romance novels would like you to believe, but a lot of criminals did get sent there over an 80 year period from 1788-1868.Sarah is going to talk to the Romance Writers of Australia and the&nbsp; Romance Writers of New Zealand next month. Yes, she'll be going to Port Arthur in Tasmania to check out the place where all those criminals were sent.Victor Gadino illustrated the stepback for Dream Fever by Katherine SutcliffeMills &amp; Boon is a British romance imprint, in North America these books are published under the name Harlequin. When Sarah talked about The Australians in the early years of Mills &amp; Boon, she was wrong, and likely thinking of Diana Palmer's 1985 The Australian. The Australians series was a 12 book series in the early 2010s from Harlequin Presents. The book Raising the Stakes by Jess Dee is no longer available in Kindle, but maybe it is in other countries or maybe you downloaded it in the past? Check out her available titles here. BooksDream Fever by Katherine SutcliffeThe Sydney Smoke Series by Amy AndrewsClaiming the Courtesan by Anna CampbellDevil’s Bride and the Cynster family by Stephanie Laurens (listen to the deep dive)Wildflowers, Lies, and It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time by Kylie Scott (listen to the deep dive of Kylie's Stage Dive series)Captivated and Act Your Age by Eve DangerfieldOffice Affair by Jess DeeThe Milvus Files by NR WalkerThe Last Binding Series by Freya MarskeA Baby in his In-Tray by Michelle DouglasThe Autumn Bride by Anne GracieThe Return of Her Billionaire Husband by Melanie MilburneFugitive Bride by Miranda Lee&nbsp;Home by Jezz De SilvaCaressed by Ice by Nalini Singh (listen to the deep dive)The Devil’s Submission by Nicola DavidsonSponsorsWorld Gone Wrong: A fictional chat show about friendship at the end of the world, available at audaciousmachinecreative.com and wherever you listen to podcasts.Sophie Morgan, author of Season of the Witch, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Louisa Darling, author of Scoundrel Take Me Away, available at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, or Apple Books. The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/7/29/0745-australian-romance-authors 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If

It's been several years since the last time we talked about the allure of competency in romance, but it's a topic we adore, so here we are again, talking about characters with relentless competence and the characters who love them beyond measure. If you're new here, welcome! We're happy to have you!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 Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Natural Born Charmer. You can get it at Amazon, B&amp;N, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.NotesThe These Summer Storms tour is a wrap, ending with Sarah in conversation with&nbsp; Rebecca Baumann from the Lilly Library at the Mallow Run vineyard. That one movie with Keanu Reeves and a vineyard is called A Walk in the Clouds (1995). You can’t grow grapes anywhere, but you can grow them in a lot more places than you’d think.&nbsp;The Nora Roberts book about fossils called Birthright, and here’s the manga Dreaming of You. Look at all these editions of&nbsp;Wuthering Heights.The Airmont career series. Here’s a recent update on the search for Amelia Earhart’s plane from just a few weeks ago. Watch the video of Delta’s flight crew uniforms over time. Jen was interviewed by Lauren Sarner from the New York Post for an article about love triangles in pop culture because of the return of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Ranger vs Morelli has been going on for far too long, or maybe it’s over?We last officially talked about careers back in Season 2, episode 8.Speaking of fixers, you might enjoy the movie Michael Clayton.Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.&nbsp;Our next deep dive is Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.BooksGeorgie All Along by Kate ClaybornOut with Lanterns by Hillary BowenA Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera&nbsp;&nbsp;Single Player by Tara TaiDuke of My Heart by Kelly BowenPugs &amp; Kisses by Farrah RochonWanted, A Gentleman by KJ CharlesCowboy, It’s Cold Outside by Maisey YatesEvernight by Kristen CallihanQueen Move by Kennedy RyanThe Fixer by Helenkay DimonKing by SJ TillySponsorsHillary Bowen, author of Out With Lanterns, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org.Wattpad Books, publisher of Z.W. Taylor's The Pack, available in print, ebook and audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org.Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/7/22/0744-jobs-careers-and-fixers-in-romance 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

Our Trailblazer series continues with Pamela Sanderson, the first Native American author to write contemporary romance about Native characters in Native community. Pamela joins us to talk about her writing journey, about her decision to write and independently publish romance, about the need for more Native American romance in the world. We so enjoyed this conversation, and we’re grateful to Pamela for joining us to tell her story.Listen to all the Trailblazer episodes.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. NotesPamela Sanderson is an enrolled citizen of the Karuk Tribe, located in northwest California on the Klamath River. Pamela also publishes in other genres as Pamela Rentz.&nbsp;People Mentioned this Episode: Louise Erdrich, N. Scott Momaday, Johanna Lindsay, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Stephen King, Anne Rice, On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves, Courntey Milan, Sarina Bowen, Love is a War Song by Danica Nava, Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Dare, Alexis Hall, Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman, the TV show North of North, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, and Rebecca Roanhorse.Writing Workshops: Clarion West and Romancing the CraftThe Dear Author blog was an early, vocal fan of Pamela’s work. If you are interested in KidLit or have children, you should be familiar with Debbie Reese and her blog, American Indians in Children’s Literature. Pamela's BooksHeartbeat BravesLovesick BravesSweetheart BravesCrooked Rock BravesSponsorsBlue Box Press, publishers of Jennifer Probst's The Reluctant Flirt, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org. Kylie Scott, author of Wildflowers: An End of the World romance, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org.World Gone Wrong: A fictional chat show about friendship at the end of the world, available at audaciousmachinecreative.com and wherever you listen to podcasts. Renée Ahdieh, author of Park Avenue, available in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org. The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/7/15/0743-trailblazer-pamela-sanderson 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

Last night’s Fated Mates Live was so much fun, but now we’re back in your earholes. It’s time again for our annual Sarah MacLean deep dive (with no spoilers!). As per tradition, Jen asks Sarah a bunch of fun questions and forces Sarah to talk about her book. And it all ends with Julia Whalen reading two chapters of These Summer Storms! It was a delight to see so many of you in St. Louis yesterday, and to everyone else, we’re just as glad you’re here with us today. NotesIt’s finally time for These Summer Storms! And it might not be too late to see Sarah on book tour! Mary Kay Andrews is very fierce on Instagram, and we love her for it. You can also see her with Renee Adiah, author of the forthcoming Park Avenue, which she mentions at the end of the show.When the New York Times published their Best Books of the 21st Century so far, Sarah shared her ballot.&nbsp;Rhode Island has a long history of being associated with big money.On Inside the Actors Studio, the host James Lipton always ended with the same list of questions, known as the Pivot questions after their originator Bernard Pivot. Similarly, the New York Times column By the Book (Jen called it Get Booked, sorry for any confusion!) has a rotating list of questions, but some are very common. If you are interested in reading some of these columns, check out By The Book: Writers on Literature and the Literary Life, published in 2015. The books on Sarah’s nightstand were: The Second Coming by Carter Sherman, It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan, Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan, and Full Bloom by Francesca Serritella.&nbsp; SponsorsKylie Scott, author of Wildflowers: An End of the World romance, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org.1001 Dark Nights, publisher of Midnight Myths and Magic, available in print and ebook from Amazon. Mina Brower, author of A God of Moonlight and Stardust, available in print, ebook, and with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Avon Books, publisher of Scotch on the Rocks, available in print, ebook, and audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and Bookshop.org. The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

We're thrilled to have audiobook queen and Voice of the Summer (USA Today), Julia Whelan with us today! Aside from being the voice of Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid, VE Schwab and Kristen Hannah, she's also an author of her own delicious books and the founder of Audiobrary, an audio book company that pays narrators on a royalty structure. She's here to talk about her journey to writing and to narrating, about the way she thinks about her work, her advocacy, and the world of audiobooks. We are so incredibly thrilled to have her!Julia is also the narrator for Sarah's book, These Summer Storms, available next week wherever books are sold. The audiobook is perfection, and you can read it on Audible, LibroFM or Apple Music...or wherever you get your audiobooks. There are still tickets to see Sarah on tour in NYC, Chicago, Winston-Salem, NC, Newport, RI, Cambridge, MA, Decatur, GA, or Franklin, IN. There are a handful of tickets still available for Fated Mates Live in St. Louis, MO on July 8th! Join us!If you can't make the tour, you can preorder&nbsp;These Summer Storms&nbsp;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.NotesWelcome Julia Whelan, USA Today's voice of the summer, audiobook narrator extraordinaire and the founder of Audiobrary.&nbsp; A Netflix movie of her book My Oxford Year is coming soon.Sarah wants you to know that she realized later that she was remembering the plot of The Girl on the Train when she was talking about the audiobook Gone Girl, but that they're both bangers. Like everything, AI is creeping into the audiobook world.An audiobook Julia recommends is Jess Walters’s Beautiful Ruins, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. BooksThese Summer Storms by Sarah MacLeanThank You for Listening by Julia WhelanMy Oxford Year by Julia WhelanCasanova LLC by Julia WhelanGone Girl by Gillian FlynnAnimal Bodies by Suzanne RobertsHeroine by Mary Jane WellsAmerican Queen by Sierra SimoneSponsorsAvon Books, publishers of Alexandra Paige's An Irish Summer, available in print, ebook or audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Chelsea Fagan, author of The High Dive, available in print, ebook or audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books, Kobo or wherever you get your books.Alyxandra Harvey, author of A Deal with the Devil, available in print, ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.MA Wardell, author of Stirring Spurs, available in print, ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/7/1/0741-a-conversation-with-audiobook-narrator-julia-whelan 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

We're both staying very still in front of air conditioners this week, so that means we're very very happy to have a pile of summer reads at the ready! We're teeing up your piles of summer reads this week with our quarterly romance roundup! As a reminder, we haven't read most of these books -- but they're the ones toppling our TBR! As a reminder, preorders mean a lot more than they should these days, so if there's anything on this list that makes you go "oh, yes. that's for me," and you're able to preorder from your local bookstore (or from Pocket Books Bookshop with the code PREORDER) or reserve at your local library. The authors on this list thank you.As a reminder, Sarah has a new book out on July 8th -- go see her on tour in NYC, Chicago, Winston-Salem, NC, Newport, RI, Cambridge, MA, Decatur, GA, or Franklin, IN. There are a handful of tickets still available for Fated Mates Live in St. Louis, MO on July 8th! Join us!If you can't make the tour, you can preorder&nbsp;These Summer Storms&nbsp;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 BooksJuneWhen Javi Dumped Mari by Mia SosaBest Summer Ever by Jessica CunsoloKeeping the Countess by Lille MooreAn Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Ceclia EdwardsSunny Side Up by Katie SturinoParty of Three by C. Travis RiceEliza and the Duke by Harper St. GeorgeSteel Horses &amp; Leather Roads by Cher TeraisJuly&nbsp;These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLeanEnemies with an Earl by Lizzie C. KozThe Summer You Were Mine by Jill FrancisGive Me a Reason by Jayci LeeBehind Frenemy Lines by Zen ChoHow Freaking Romantic by Emily HardingOne More Time by Emily S. MorrisTotally and Completely Fine by Elissa SussmanLove is a War Song by Danica NavaAugust Lane by Regina BlackOnly Lovers in the Building by Nadine GonzalezSweet Thing by Kate MeaderBad Luck Bride by Laura Lee GuhrkeScotch on the Rocks by Elliot FletcherRoll for Romance by Lenora WoodsNot Part of the Plan by Lucy ScoreSoulgazer by Maggie RapierThe Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick by S. IsabelleCoffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by CB LeeA Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan&nbsp;August&nbsp;Heart Strings by Ivy FairbanksA Promise of Forever by Sheryl ListerThe Sea Witch by Eva LeighHis Forgotten Wife by Tara PammiYou’ve Got a Place Here, Too: An Anthology of Black Love Stories Set at HBCUsThe Fortune Hunter’s Guide to Love by Emma-Claire SundayMy Big Fat Vampire Wedding&nbsp; by Jessica GadzialaZom Romcom by Olivia DadeKiss &amp; Collide by Amanda WeaverThe Gilded Heiress by Joanna ShupeHere For a Good Time by Pyae Moe Thet WarThe Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara RaaschLove is an Open Book by Chandra BlumbergGabriela and His Grace by Liana De La RosaOnce Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley JordanA Waltz on the Wide Side by Erica RidleyMy Best Friend’s Earl by Bethany BennettSeptemberTime for You by Elizabeth DavisBy the Horns by Ruby DixonIt Had to be Him by Adib KhorramDead Poet Sorority by Sofia ShelleyThe Haunting of William Thorn by Ben Alderson&nbsp;The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne&nbsp;Tracing Her Stolen Identity by Katie MettnerTo Heist and to Hold by Christina BrittonHoney and Heat by Aurora Palit<a href="https://amzn.to/4n7XLJH" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

This week, we're talking about romance's most common family: the dysfunctional one! Sarah wrote a book about one, so we're thinking about what makes them special to romance, and what sets the romantic dysfunctional family apart from the ones that live outside of the genre. Jen has five categories. There's a game involved. You can play along at home! If you love this one, you can listen to our Daddy Issues (not the fun kind) episode with C. Travis Rice. And if you just want to listen to an episode about Daddies (the fun kind), we've got you. Sarah's book, These Summer Storms is out in three weeks 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&nbsp;These Summer Storms&nbsp;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 Books The Filthy Rich Americans series by Nikki Sloan&nbsp;The Uptown Girls Series by Joanna ShupeThe Dukes in Disguise Series by Louisa DarlingAmerican Royalty by Tracey LivesayAlong Came Amor by Alexis Daria&nbsp;One and Only by Jenny HolidayThe Billionaire’s Bargain by Naima SimoneLead by Kylie ScottAfter Hours on Milagro Street by Angelina M. LopezDark Needs at Night’s Edge by Kresley ColeThe Player by Kresley ColePreferential Treatment by Heather GuerreDarkest Sins and Sweet Prison by Neva AltajThe Dangerous Royals Series by Annika MartinNatural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsDream a Dream by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsA Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaughtBeautiful Beast by Neva AltajWelcome to Temptation by Jennifer CrusieThe Scandal and Scoundrel Series by Sarah MacLeanThe Proposition by Judith IvoryThe Blue Cedar Falls Series by Jeanne ChinJust for the Summer by Abby JimenezThe Takeover Effect by Nisha SharmaThe Vega Family Love Stories Series by Natalie CanaMistakes Were Made by Meryl WilsnerNotesIf you love Derek Craven, check out&nbsp; the newest entry at the Fated Mates Collections Department, Spectacular Spectacles courtesy of Sanj.&nbsp;You can listen to our Susan Elizabeth Phillips episode as you do your “one a days.” (When we recorded all the eBooks were on sale, but they aren’t anymore. SORRY.)According to Psychology Today, there are 5 specific types of dysfunctional families.Taking the Finger, explained&nbsp;Jen called it a Drive-Thru in Dream a Little Dream, but she meant a DRIVE-IN. Maybe go to one if you want and report back, idk! Or the new version is this Rooftop Cinema Club, where you sit together with bluetooth headphones.A great discussion of why it’s problematic or damaging to always redeem the family, read this powerful essay about why queer people have the right to leave their harmful family members behind by Nathan Burgoine.&nbsp;SponsorsKristen Jennings, author of Lessons From a Tour Guide, available in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Amy James, author of Crash Test, available in print, ebook, or audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple or wherever you get your books.JL Birchwood, author of Power Ballad, available in print, ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/6/17/0739-romances-dysfunctional-families 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably...

We're taking a second run at second chance romance this week, and while we intended to recommend a million books, we ended up talking about all the ways this trope really works and really doesn't work for us! We're talking about rekindling love, unrequited love, resurrecting old wounds, the unforgivable stuff and of course, pining. It's a long one, and yes, Jen is talking about present tense. If you love this one, you can listen to our first Second Chance Romance episode with Priscilla Oliveras here. It's that time of year again--Sarah's next book, These Summer Storms 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&nbsp;These Summer Storms&nbsp;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 BooksLove’s Encore by Rachel RyanQueen Move by Kennedy RyanRavishing the Heiress by Sherry ThomasDay of the Duchess by Sarah MacLeanDaring and the Duke by Sarah MacLeanBefore I Let Go by Kennedy RyanIf I Told You, I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae MarvelLeft of Forever by Tarah DeWittDesigning his Duchess by Gabrielle CarrA Lot Like Adios by Alexis DariaBroken by the Horde King by Zoey DravenIt Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time by Kylie ScottMake Me Hate You by Kandi SteinerDreams of Dark Warrior by Kresley ColeNotesEveryone watches women’s sports. You can watch basketball, women’s soccera, and the new softball league. Get out there, go do stuff in your town!&nbsp;We had a second chance romance episode back in season 3 with Priscilla Oliveras. Sponsors1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Dark Clouds and Bright Skies: A Grumpy Sunshine Collection, with novellas by Joanna Wylde, Kristen Proby, Larissa Ione and Laura Kaye, available in ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Ava Miles, author of The Hockey Experiment, available in print, ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Meghan Quinn, author of Till Summer Do Us Part, available in print, ebook, or audiobook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Avon Books, publishers of Holly Michelle's Last Night Was Fun, available in print, ebook or audio from Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/6/9/0738-a-second-chance-on-second-chance-romance 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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&nbsp;These Summer Storms&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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[s] in Cleveland. The greatest of the Great Lakes is Lake Superior, to be honest, and it’s not afraid to tell everyone about it. Station Eleven is a great book set in and around the Great Lakes. No one ever talks about Lake Huron except for Jenny Holiday. Great Lakes, Great Times!The New Jersey mob loved The Sopranos.&nbsp;There is a short story now available about Dario &amp; Posy’s daughter called Made Man.The psychopath vs. sociopath continuum.&nbsp; You can listen to our previous episodes for more about the difference between morality chain and dark romance.&nbsp; SponsorsPatricia Grayhall, author of A Place for Us, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Underlined: Where Books Are Life, a place for young readers to explore find their next book obsession along with quizzes, reading lists, book trailers and more. Visit getunderlined.com.Darci St. John, author of Racing Heart, available in print, ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Avon Books, publishers of Alexis Daria's Along Came Amor, available in print, ebook or audio from Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/6/3/0737-run-posy-run-by-cate-c-wells 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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 HarlowJust Playing House by Farah HeronJust for the Holidays by Adriana HerreraWhen I Think of You by Myah ArielWhat I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsJust the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie JamesInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayNora Goes Off Script by Annabel MonaghanSet Piece by Lana SchwartzFunny You Should Ask by Elissa SussmanThe Mixtape by Brittainy CherryThe Bodyguard by Katherine CenterKeep Her Safe by QB TylerThe NotesPilsen is a great Chicago neighborhood that has historically been home to Mexican-Americans, including stunning murals throughout the neighborhood. But also, that Chicago dust bowl of 2025 was not so great!&nbsp;&nbsp;Summer book tour is upon us. Check out Sarah’s book tour, including dates for Fated Mates Live. In Chicago, Jen will be at The Last Chapter with Mia Sosa for her book When Javie Dumped Mari on June 30th and the Books in Bloom Event hosted by the Chicago North Romance Writers in July.Jen went out for Kennedy Ryan’s tour for her new book, Can’t Get Enough.We’ve had versions of the celebrity romance in previous seasons: the celebrity romance in season 4, way back in season 1 we did an episode on rock star romance, and sports romance with Jenny Nordbak in season 1, with Farrah Rochon in season 3, and Jessica Luther in season 6.&nbsp;And no, we haven't done a bodyguard episode, but check out Caroline's "I Can Be Your Bodyguard" collection! The primordial celebrity/normie romance for Jen is the movie Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. For Sarah, the primordial celebrity normie book was Perfect by Judith McNaught. As it turns out, Hugh Grant and Hugh Jackman are not the same person. The SponsorsAlice Murphy, author of A Showgirl's Rules for Falling in Love, available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple or wherever you get your books. Blue Box Press, publishers of Lexi Blake's Built to Last, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple, <a...

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.&nbsp;On the shelf, wallflowers, and spinsters.What does being a spinster look like now? - Louisa Darling suggested the French Guy who made a TikTok about “dating a girl who is used to being alone.”- A contemporary example (other than Bridget Jones) is Gracie from Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.&nbsp;Author Madeline Hunter died in April and was an important member of the romance community. A professor and historian, for many years, Madeline was chair of the RWA Academic Grant Committee, ensuring that researchers and academics had access to funds to research and write about romance. She wrote this piece about spinsters for USA Today in 2015. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and readers.SPONSORSAva Rani, author of The Charmer, available in print, ebook, and audio from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and Libro.fm. 1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Sparks and Surrender: An Enemies-To-Lovers Collection, available in print or ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited from Amazon. Susan Lee, author of The Romance Rivalry, available in print, ebook, or audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, Bookshop.org, and Libro.fm.Stephanie Rose, author of A Whole New Ball Game, available in print or ebook, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, or Bookshop.org.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/5/12/s0735-on-the-shelf-with-spinsters-amp-wallflowers 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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!!&nbsp;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.&nbsp;An SD card, for you youths.SponsorsDani Francis, author of Silver Elite, available in print or ebook, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Cara Dion, author of Claim to Fame, available in print or ebook from Amazon.Rachel Griffiths, author of The Trouble with Anna, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Anna Todd, author of The Last Sunrise, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/5/5/0734-the-third-act-break-up-complimentary 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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.&nbsp;Professional sports are notably homophobic, especially the NHL despite its history of hosting pride nights. Luke Prokop is the only openly gay professional hockey player, but he does not play in the NHL at this time.&nbsp; The professional sports league with the most openly queer players is the WNBA, which also has a past history of enforcing certain gender norms and gender presentation for its players.Leagues create rivalries between players and teams in order to promote their brand and ratings. A WNBA case study is Angel Reese &amp; Caitlin Clark.SponsorsMeasured &amp; Slow, purveyors of unique crafted products for people who love books and whimsy. Visit the shop at measuredandslow.studio.Jillian David, author of Paging Dr. Breakup, available in print or ebook, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.LaQuette, author of Royal Bride Demand, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/4/28/0733-heated-rivalry-by-rachel-reid 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 space demotion happening to real women scientists.&nbsp;&nbsp;In terms of plotting and the hero, Anne Stuart’s Breathless (2010) might be a good precursor to what we call dark romance today.Actually, you say ratafia like this.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out the 2025 Lift for Autism auction, sponsored by Kennedy Ryan.Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a sneak peek of the audiobook of Piper Rayne's The One I Didn't See Coming. Sponsors1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Pride and Passion: A LGBTQIA+ Love Collection, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Jess K Hardy, author of Wish You Were Here, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Mara Moody, author of The Reunion Recipe, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble or wherever you get your books.Piper Rayne, author of The One I Didn't See Coming, available in print, audiobook or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/4/21/0732-ruination 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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 &amp; Devotion by Felicia GrossmanKiss the Girl by Zoraida CordovaUnder Her Skin by Adriana AndersWhiteout by Adriana AndersKink Camp: Hunted by Adriana AndersThe NotesFill out the survey, check out our quests on Pagebound, and the Fated Mates Collections Department.Thanks @kimonlyreadsromance from Threads for coming up with the name “discoverabilitybuddies” -- and for submitting a Collection for Books with Secret Tattoos!We’ve done deep dives of The Master and Dragon Bound. Run Posy Run and Whiteout have both appeared on one of our year end “Best of” Lists.Mr. and Mrs Smith is a great movie and a great tv show.&nbsp;Just make some time to read The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell.The SponsorsMichelle McCraw, author of Conspiracies and Chemistry, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books, Kobo or wherever you get your books.SE McPherson, author of A King's Trust, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books, Kobo or wherever you get your books.Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off your order.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/4/13/0731-romance-on-the-run 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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.Kelsey Plum’s cigar photos went viral and now she models for a cigar company. We love this for her.The Bucket List (2007) stars two terminally ill men, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. They are out checking items off their list before the “kick the bucket.”&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ve done deep dives of several of the books on this episode: Nine Rules, Chloe Brown, and Three Little Mistakes.The Sponsors1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Vows &amp; Veils: A Celebration of Love, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Elizabeth Bright, author of Wild, Wild Cowboy, available in print, or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Rachel Griffiths, author of The Trouble with Anna, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Andrea Jenelle, author of Spine of Steel, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/4/7/0730-romances-with-a-bucket-list 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 SaeedAnywhere You Go by Bridget MorrisseyOnce Upon You &amp; Me by Timothy JanovskyGold Coast Dilemma by Nana MaloneThe Last Guy You Kiss by Carla de GuzmanMAYLeft of Forever by Tarah deWittTime Loops &amp; Meet Cutes by Jackie LauThe Singular Life of Aria Patel By Samira AhmedBad Publicity by Bianca GillamA Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice MurphyLove in Focus by Lyla LeeA Simple Twist of Fate by April AsherHis Dark Vendetta by Katelyn BrehmDigging Dr. Jones by Olivia JacksonAll Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth StephensThe Romance Rivalry by Susan LeeSlipstream by Madge MarilKatheryn by SM LaVioletteAlong Came Amor by Alexis DariaHunted through Italy by Delaney DiamondMarked by Moonlight by Sophie JordanJUNEWorth Fighting For by Jesse Q. SutantoEmpire of Seduction by Milla Finelli&nbsp;Never been Shipped by Alicia ThompsonWriting Mr. Right by Alina KhawajaParty of Three by C. Travis RicePlus Sized Player by Danielle AllenWhen Javi Dumped Mari by Mia SosaCruel Summer by Maisy YatesA Rare Find by Joanna LowellGloves Off by Stephanie ArcherSavannah Royals by Lindsey BarrettHe’s to Die For by Erin DunnSounds like Love By Ashely PostonWriting Mr. Wrong by Kelley ArmstrongBits and PiecesWe’ve collected our 76 (and counting!) deep dives at fatedmates.net/bookclub, making it a fine place to discover your next great romance read. And if you’re the type of person who’s always believed you deserve a medal for your reading prowess, you can visit our friends at Pagebound.co, where you can join our Fated Mates Book Club Challenge. Don’t forget to tell us what you think of us in via our annual survey. We’re dying to know what you think. The Arc browser is almost a religion for Eric, but you should feel comforted by the fact that a normie like Sarah likes, too. We love these great indie bookstores: Montgomery &amp; Taggert (in our new favorite small town, Chester CT) and Heartleaf Books in Providence, RI. Nearly all of these titles are available at Bookshop.org. We created a collection to make it easy for you. We shared the full...

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&nbsp;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?&nbsp;“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 April 20th.&nbsp;Horses get stressed out on&nbsp; movie sets, and that’s why there are so many regulations about how to care for them. There was an HBO show that got cancelled because so many horses died! Why horses have to be put down when they break a leg. Based on some research, it was clear that Jen’s friend Bridget said that Lou Diamond Phillips DID know how to ride a horse in Young Guns. But, here’s an interview of him talking about a horse accident on the set of Young Guns 2! LDP, still hot, by the way!&nbsp;We did an episode on A Kingdom of Dreams if you want to listen.&nbsp;In A Very Private Love, the horse is like Secretariat or some shit like that.The Budweiser Clydesdales are real horses, and I’m just gonna say, you come across some weird information about the world when you write show notes.&nbsp;Here's an article about them being at the bar near Sarah's house.Fetlock are this, not this.The entire first season of Unbound Pod with Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne is about Western romance.The SponsorsAvery Maxwell, author of Cross My Heart, available in print, ebook or audiobook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Crowns and Courtships: A Royal Romance Collection, with novellas by Claire Contreras, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Lexi Blake and Skye Warren, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Piper Rayne, authors of Mr. Swoony, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Stay tuned after the podcast for a sneak peek of the audiobook!The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/3/24/0728-horses 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;This is a good speech from Crash Davis, the pitcher played by Kevin Costner in the 1988 movie Bull Durham (also, Nuke says “what’s all that molecule stuff?” which is pretty funny considering the title of this episode).The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston had a Titian exhibition back in 2022 called Women, Myth and Power, and it seems like a thing Genevive would have liked it a lot. Titian’s Venus of Urbino is currently on display at The Uffizi Galleries in Italy.&nbsp;If you’re in New York on March 31st, head over to the Astoria Bookshop to see Historical Romance authors TJ Alexander and Joanna Lowell in conversation, moderated by Sarah, in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility.SponsorsAvery Flynn, author of Airhead: A Hartigans Totally '80s Hot RomCom, available in ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Lumi Gummies,. Go to lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off your order.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/3/18/0727-what-i-did-for-a-duke-this-gentleman-is-completely-composed-of-revenge-molecules 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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.But first, we're talking to Amanda Litman, founder of Run For Something, an organization filling the back bench of the Democratic party, helping people run for local office and make sure that we're holding the line at all levels of government. Tell us if you are running for school board, and we'll proudly donate to your campaign!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 &amp; 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 JordanTo Catch a Raven by Beverly JenkinsPleasure of a Dark Prince and Lothaire by Kresley ColeSomething Wilder by Christina LaurenLuck of the Draw and The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate ClaybornDionysus in Wisconsin by E.H. LuptonThe NotesJoin TJ Alexander and Joanna Lowell in a conversation at Astoria Bookshop in Queens, NY on March 31st for a conversation about trans rep in romance, moderated by Sarah. Learn more about Run for Something and What You Can Run For in 2026 (don't forget to tell us you're running!), and preorder Amanda Litman's book, When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership wherever you get your books.Four Minutes is a very shallow cut, actually.This is the good stuff: Casey Kasem’s Top 40 and Friday Night Videos, boom boxes, and cable TV. Also, The Sound of Music on has an actual running time of 2 hours and 52 minutes and an “on-TV- with-commercials" running time of 200 hours and 52 minutes. The best scene is the curtains one, the dancing one, or the tearing down the flag one.That leg lamp is a reference to the movie A Christmas Story.&nbsp;Conflict defined. Or, next time Sarah gives it in October 2025, attend her conflict workshop. Speaking of tension, how about that moment in Toy Story 3 when they are headed to the incinerator.&nbsp;We’ve talked about Ted Lasso season 1 and season 2. Sarah wasn’t the only one disappointed with season 3, Jen felt the ship going down and bailed right out of it.&nbsp;In the book Techniques of a Selling Writer, Dwight Swain described his scene and sequel theory.The Sponsors1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Office Sparks: A Workplace Romance Collection, with novellas by C.D. Reiss, K. Bromberg, Laurelin Paige, and Heather Graham, available in ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Lumi Labs, creators of Lumi Gummies. Go to lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off your order.Lucy Score, author of Story of My Life, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, <a...

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;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&nbsp; by Victoria AvelineStranded by Heather Fox&nbsp;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.&nbsp;You can read Jen’s newsletter here, she’ll be writing about the grand gesture in Fiasco next.We did space romance back in season 1, Claire Kent’s Hold back in season 5. And speaking of Claire Kent, she’s been writing dystopian books lately that you might want to check out.&nbsp;Insane colonialist fantasies are running rampant in the USA right now, so we don’t really need them in our romance, now do we.&nbsp;You’re a virgin who can’t drive.All about the legendary imprint Ellora’s Cave.&nbsp;Our next read along is What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long.The SponsorsChandra Wicke, creator of The Happily Ever After Sociey: A Book About Romance Novels. Back the Kickstarter.Yvette de Oro, author of Mine to Match, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Enter to win the Mine to Match giveaway on Yvette’s Instagram by making a donation to your local foodbank — winners will win a copy of her book and a matching gift to the foodbank of their choice!Amy Spalding, author of On Her Terms, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Elle Kennedy, author of The Charlie Method, available in print, ebook or audiobook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/3/1/0725-sci-fi-romance-theres-no-book-banning-in-space 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The BooksForbidden by Beverly JenkinsThirsty by Mia Hopkins&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 NascostaRock and Soul by Lauren SattersbyLosing Sight by Tati RichardsonUnloved by Payton CorinneThe NotesThere have always been rich people in romance, but we think it could be argued that Christian Grey and 50 Shades invented the billionaire romance genre.&nbsp;Jen started writing a newsletter, leaning back into the romance reader “and critic” part of the job.&nbsp; You can check it out here. It’s free and who knows how long it will last.&nbsp;Bobby Tom is the hero of Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.&nbsp;If Jen refers to something being “a basic” please know she is referring to a line from Strictly Ballroom.&nbsp;Maybe you want to learn about a rookery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anti-miscegnation laws in the United States prevented people from marrying someone of a different race.Storm chasing seems honestly like a very dangerous activity. There is no evidence that I could find that a tornado can rip your clothes right off your body, but Kayla Grosse probably read this webpage for research. (lol)Dyscalculia is a learning disability rooted in math and number.The SponsorsPiper Rayne, authors of Mr. Heartbreaker, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. Megan Frampton, author of The Devil's Charm, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. 1001 Dark Nights, publishers of Riches and Romance: A Billionaire Romance Anthology from Dylan Allen, Kendall Ryan, Lexi Blake and Melissa Foster, available with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Charlotte Stein, author of My Big Fat Fake Marriage, read by Imogen Wilde, available from Audible, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm, or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook. Lucy Score, author of Story of My Life, available in print, ebook, audio, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books or wherever you get your books. The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore...

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 &amp; 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 their new digital books app to read The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt or any other eBook on a Boox Palma 2.&nbsp;Budleigh Salterton seems nice next time you’re going to England.A bike with a big front wheel is called a penny-farthing.Bicycle jousting sounds like that whole scene in Footloose.&nbsp;Endymion is a myth, a poem, and also a burly, grouchy Scot.Exit, Pursued by a Bear is a stage direction from a Winter’s Tale.&nbsp;SponsorsRien Gray, author of Double Exposure, available in print, ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Stephanie Rose, author of Just One Favor, available in print, ebook, audio, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Stephanie Burgis, author of Wooing the Witch Queen, read by Amanda Leigh Cobb, available form Audible, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm, or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepsteakes to win one of five free copies of the audiobook. Lumi Labs, creators of Lumi Gummies. Go to lumigummies.com and use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2025/2/13/0723-the-new-historicals 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now. 00:00.000 Heavy is the DiscoverabilityBuddy Crown11:09.500 Upstairs Downstairs Reading14:37.500 The New Historicals18:56.000 AD: DOUBLE EXPOSURE21:03.000 Lyon's Lover27:38.000 The Sapphire Heiress33:15.000 AD: WOOING THE WITCH QUEEN35:50.000 A Shore Thing43:48.500 The Duke's Bartered Mistress49:36.500 AD: JUST ONE FAVOR51:31.500 The Villain59:14.000 Exit, Pursued by a Baron01:04:12.000 AD: LUMI GUMMIES01:06:30.500 Seduced in a Storm01:11:56.000 A Bloomy Head01:19:19.000 Never Woo the Wrong Lady01:27:07.500 Dionysus in Wisconsin01:32:52.000 All About that Duke01:40:48.000 The Wayward Duke01:45:59.500 Where Have all the Scoundrels Gone01:52:13.000 Winnie West Has an Agenda02:03:22.000 AD: WOOING THE WITCH QUEEN

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;Proper English by KJ CharlesMy Lady’s Lover by Nicola Davidson&nbsp;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&nbsp;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 Dream by Alyssa ColeAn Extraordinary Union by Alyssa ColeNight Hawk by Beverly JenkinsForbidden by Beverly JenkinsTo Catch a Raven by Beverly JenkinsThe Earl Takes All by Lorraine HeathAny Old Diamonds by KJ CharlesThe Raven Prince by Elizabeth HoytThe NotesWelcome Adriana Herrera, author of A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, the third in the Las Leonas series set during the Exposition Universelle in 1889 Paris.&nbsp;In this book, Aurora is running a women’s health clinic and the text is a fierce call for reproductive justice, and we’re back there. If you’re interested in checking out some of the books she used to do her research, try Sex, Herbs, and Birth Control: Women and Fertility Regulation Through the Ages by Ann Hibner Koblitz and The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service by Laura Kaplan. The Comstock Act of 1873 was a problem then, and sooner or later, they’ll be a problem again.Thanks to Alexandria Bellefleur for sharing the results of her poll about historical romance. You can check out her latest contemporary romance, Truly, Madly, Deeply.The SponsorsJenn Bouchard, author of Considering Us, available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.1001 Dark Nights, publishers of From Friends to Forever: A Love Grows Collection , available in print or ebook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Chloe C. Peñaranda, author of The Night is Defying audiobook, read by Corvin King and Jacci Prior, available from Audible, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of this audiobook.Sophie Lark, author of Kingmakers: Year One, available in print or ebook from Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Annabelle Slator, author of The Launch Date, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.00:00 Welcome Adrianna Herrera01:34 A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke07:41 The Political Realities11:24 What Historical Can Do14:54 AD: FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER16:41 Romance and Feminism29:26 AD: CONSIDERING US31:17 More of What Historicals Can Do43:29 AD: KINGMAKERS: YEAR ONE45:39 The Future (and Present) of Historical Romance57:38 Myth: There Aren't Sapphic Historicals 59:54 ADL THE NIGHT IS DEFYING1:07:07 Myth: The Writing isn't for Me1:09:56 Myth: I Can't Relate1:15:10 AD: THE LAUNCH DATE1:16:56 Myth: History is a Problem1:25:52 Foolproof...

Jen had a great time chatting with the New York Public Library's Best New Romance List Committee&nbsp;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

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;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 sign up for her newsletter.&nbsp;Sarah has a new birdfeeder for her office.&nbsp;You, too, can watch Lee Child playing chess.&nbsp;Philip Larkin wrote a great poem about parents, This Be the Verse.The SponsorsMax Monroe, author of Playing Games, available in print or ebook from Amazon.Adriana Herrera, author of A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Macmilllan Audio, publishers of The Rival by Emma Lord, read by Jesse Vilinsky, available from Audible, Kobo, Apple, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of this audiobook.Allison A. Andrews, author of The Winning Ticket, available in print or ebook from Amazon, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.00:00 Bantr07:54 Welcome VE Schwab15:15 AD: THE WINNING TICKET21:37 Writing Relationship32:29 The Marketing Problem34:24 AD: THE RIVAL44:47 Characters and Genres Evolve49:10 AD: PLAYING GAMES57:35 Judgement &amp; Labels1:03:56 AD: A TROPICAL REBEL GETS THE DUKE1:12:32 The Minions Complex1:20:02 Recommendations 1:31:25 Outro1:33:44 AD: THE RIVAL

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&amp;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.

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;Queen of Wands by Suzanne HallidayFive of Cups by TriciaWolf&nbsp;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 NotesEric listens to the ATP (Accidental Tech Podcast) and this week, they gave a little pep talk. It helped us to remember we aren’t alone. It’s not going to be easy and lots of people are going to be hurt. But we are a community and we love you.&nbsp;BTW, that's Marco Arment doing most of the talking at the beginning of the ATP episode. He's the creator of our favorite podcast app, Overcast. We did a witchy episode this past summer.&nbsp;Maybe you want to learn about tarot. The Cards of Love series has a very nice website that is still functioning. The SponsorsJillian David, author of Dr. Alaska, available in print or ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Macmilllan Audio, publishers of She Doesn't Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke, read by Sarah Mollo-Christensen, available from Audible, Kobo, Apple, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of this audiobook.Avery Maxwell, author of The Renegade Billionaire, available in print or ebook from Amazon.

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 &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.The Books Her Naughty Holiday by Tiffany ReiszGetting Physical by Jade Lee&nbsp;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. The Kimani romance line ran from 2006 to 2019.We had an episode about Tiffany Reisz’s Men at Work trilogy, a 2016 Blaze series, back in season 4.Join Sarah with Rebecca Romney at The Strand’s rare book room on Feb 18, 2025 to celebrate the release of Rebecca’s book, Jane Austen’s Bookshelf. Jen is SCREAMING because the sequel to Certified Male? You guessed it.&nbsp;If you read Hot Island Nights first, go back and check out Her Best Worst Mistake. The SponsorsJ. Winifred Butterworth, author of A Bloomy Head, available in ebook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Jill Shalvis, author of Better than Friends, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Macmilllan Audio, publishers of Let's Call A Truce, by Amy Buchanan, and read by Charlotte North, available from Audible, Kobo, Apple, Barnes &amp; Noble, Libro.fm or wherever you get your audiobooks. Enter the Macmillan Audio sweepstakes to win one of five free copies of this audiobook.Maureen Lee Lenker, author of His Girl Hollywood, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.00:01 Sarah's Romance Class01:31 Bantr06:25 Pour One Out for Harlequin Blaze15:12 AD: LET’S CALL A TRUCE17:51 The Segregation of Harlequin Lines27:11 Sex in Harlequin Blaze33:19 Plot, Character, and Tropes36:45 AD: HIS GIRL HOLLYWOOD38:52 Just Watch Me42:26 Too Wicked to Keep47:58 Up to No Good50:35 Anything Goes &amp; the Fantasy Factor53:17 Gender Essentialism &amp; Consent55:55 Whisper1:00:23 AD: A BLOOMY HEAD1:03:06 Shameless1:07:20 What a Girl Wants1:12:16 Play With Me1:17:24 AD: BETTER THAN FRIENDS1:19:22 Guess the Title!1:27:36 Hot Island Nights1:37:33 Outro1:39:02 AD: LET’S CALL A TRUCE

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&nbsp;Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah AdamsFlirting with Disaster by Naina Kumar&nbsp;Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan&nbsp;Book People by Jackie AshendenHis Girl Hollywood by Maureen Lee LenkerThe Relationship Mechanic by Karmen LeeShifting Gears by Jazz ForresterShe Doesn’t Have a Clue Jenny Elder MokeBetter than Friends by Jill ShalvisThe Naked Truth by Sandy Lowe&nbsp;Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung JessenBest Mistake Ever by Christy McKellanFighting for Berlin by Katie ReusImmortal by Sue Lynn TanMalcolm by Margot Bond CollinsUnromance by Erin ConnorMy Inconvenient Duke by Loretta Chase3000 Reasons to Stay by Jaime P. BradleyStrike and Burn by Taylor HuttonInto the Woods by Jenny HolidayThe Duke’s Guide to Fake Courtship by Jade LeeThe Broposal by Sonora ReyesFebruaryA Tropical Rebel gets the Duke by Adriana HerreraDeep End by Ali HazelwoodNever Gamble Your Heart by Lindsay LoviseThe Mafia King’s Sister by P RayneFrenemies with Benefits by Synithia WilliamsUnloved by Peyton CorinneFirst Time Caller by BK BorrisonOn Screen and Off Again by Caitlin CrossI Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Romcom by Kimberly LemmingWooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie BurgisNo Saint by Donna AlamThe Devils Charm by Megan FramptonThe Love Lyric by Kristina ForestBreak Point by Yahrah St. JohnLosing Sight by Tati RichardsonRebel Witch by Kristen CiccarelliMarchThe Trouble with Anna by Rachel GriffithsTake a Chance on Me by Elizabeth EulbertA Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ AlexanderThe Shots You Take by Rachel ReidOne in a Million Beverly KendallAnd They Had a Great Fall by Shelby SavilleUnlikely Story by Ali Rosen&nbsp;Fan Service by Rosie DananThe Big Fix by Holly JamesJane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley<a...

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.&nbsp;Get the book at your local independent bookseller, Barnes &amp; 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.&nbsp;A rolodex, including Marie’s portable version.&nbsp;Sarah was wrong about Nightime radio host Delilah, but you know. We aren’t apologizing for anything in 2025.&nbsp;Judith Ivory published 6 historicals, and then another 4 as Judy Cuevas.&nbsp;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?Legs is a ZZ Top songThe SponsorsMila Finelli, author of Empire of Temptation, available in print, ebook, audiobook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.A.E. Merriweather, author of Marin in the Moonlight, available in print, ebook or audiobook, from Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books or wherever you get your books.Max Monroe, author of What I Should've Said, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, from your local indie, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

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.&nbsp;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!&nbsp;Hear Me Out is a fun meme, but in our case, no cakes were involved.&nbsp;That’s not my praxis is a funny thing to say in a text thread.&nbsp;Sorry Bambi’s Dad, from Abe Froman,&nbsp; the sausage king of Chicago.&nbsp;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: Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington, no need to convince people about it!&nbsp;LL Cool J and Eminem delivering Murdergrams. The SponsorsMeghan Quinn, author of The Path to Loving Him, available in print, ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited, on January 7th.Avon Books, publisher of Jillian Meadows's Give Me Butterflies, available in print, ebook or audiobook, at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or from your local indie.Kayla Grosse, author of Axes &amp; Os, available in print, ebook or audiobook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Kate Cole, author of Under Construction, available in print, ebook or audiobook at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, or from your local indie.

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 &amp; 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.&nbsp;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, The Romance Novel in English, which was sold to the Lilly Library at Indiana University. You can see an exhibit of this collection, called Love in the Library, in Bloomington, Indiana through early February of 2025.&nbsp;The real line from Pulp Fiction is “check out the big brain on Brad.” Balls obviously had nothing to do with it.&nbsp;Here’s a pretty solid overview of all the different ways to get audiobooks into your earholes without breaking your wallet.&nbsp;Two very funny posts on Threads about category romance, one from Kate Clayborn and Amanda Cinelli’s reply.&nbsp;Sweetest Day isn’t even a real holiday, unless you’re from Cleveland, that is.&nbsp;The Holiday (2006) is a great movie and everyone is rewriting this plot this year for some reason.&nbsp;&nbsp;Support your local indie by using Bookshop.Org to buy this week’s books in print. The SponsorsLumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATED50 for free gummies with a limited time $50 off coupon, or use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.Sophie Lark, author of Brutal Prince, available in ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Avon Books, publisher of Ally Carter's The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, available in print, ebook or audiobook, at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or from your local indie.Lark Maitland, author of Ash and the Butterfly, available in print and ebook at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, or from your local indie.

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;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&nbsp;KuangPick-Up by Nora DahliaTemple of Persephone by Isabella KamalI’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib KhorramBest Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi The NotesIt’s not too late to buy the Fated Mates best of 2024 box available from Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA.&nbsp;Jen realized a lifelong nerdy dream by being on Chicago public radio. The show is called Reset, and she was talking about romance with Sonali Dev and Bryn Donovan.Jackwagon, defined.&nbsp;Take a look at the feelings wheel.The Prom, a broadway show.&nbsp;Sneakers, a movie.You can shop this week's books on bookshop.org and choose which local indie you want to support. The SponsorsBook of the Month, bringing the best new fiction to your door. Go to bookofthemonth.com to pick a book and join. For a limited time, you can get your first book for just $5 with code TINSEL! Remember to tell them Fated Mates sent you!Pippa Grant, author of The Worst Wedding Date, available in ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Lydia Lloyd, author of When the Viscount Wanted Me, available in print, ebook or audiobook, at Amazon, Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books.

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 &amp; 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&nbsp;Fanning the Flames by Victoria Dahl&nbsp;The Worst Guy by Kate CanterburyAs the Underworld Turns by Robin PetermanIt’s a Wonderful Midlife Crisis by Robin PetermanThe NotesWe had an episode about Daddy romance and age gap romance, but that’s not what this episode is about, this one is about characters over 40. Basically, if you loved Pearl Jam’s Ten, then you are probably the age of the characters in this episode. Now that “spicy” is used to describe sexy books, the word seasoned seems less useful.&nbsp;Veteran’s Day, Armistice Day, and how the wikipedia editors are making war on AI slop.&nbsp;Allie Parker is the host of the Romance Ever After podcast, and she recently suggested “the next wave of historical romance would be the 80s and 90s,” but there’s been way more historical romance kerfuffles happening since then.&nbsp;Sandra Antonelli is a key advocate for romance with older characters. Her site has an essay called Ignored and Misrepresented, which describes why characters over 40 should be leads and not stereotypes.&nbsp;This NYTimes article answers a pressing question: Why Do So Many Women Wear Giant Eyeglasses?&nbsp;A new name for middle aged folks: the sandwich generation. The SponsorsBook of the Month, bringing the best new fiction to your door. Go to bookofthemonth.com to pick a book and join. For a limited time, you can get your first book for just $5 with code TINSEL! Remember to tell them Fated Mates sent you!Jenni Bara, author of Finding Out, available in ebook or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Avon Books, publishers of Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone's A Jingle Bell Mingle, available in from your local independent bookstore, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble or Amazon.Kayla Grosse, author of Axes &amp; Os, available in print, ebook or audiobook, or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

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 &amp; 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 Anne MalloryBeach Read by Emily HenryBookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee GuhrkeThe Wrong Mr. Right by Stephanie ArcherThe Adrien English Mysteries by Josh LanyonNotesA guide to upcoming shopping holidays, because America: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Some more info about the best time to buy a TV. Returning a perfectly good item after you’ve used it for a holiday (do we call the Super Bowl a holiday? Probably, if Taylor Swift is in attendance.) is called “wardrobing.” Back in 2018, LL Bean changed their famous lifetime return policy.&nbsp;I guess if you need some Chicago stuff, you should check out The Silver Room, and you can use Bookshop.Org to find a local indie bookstore to support.&nbsp;It’s not called Library Thing (that’s an app to catalog your own library), what Jen was talking about is the Library Extension.WTF, You’ve Got Mail, the 90s what an innocent time. You've Got Mail is a retelling of the 1940s Jimmy Stewart, Margaret Sullivan film The Shop Around the Corner which, incidentally, is a perfect movie for a lazy holiday weekend with several generations in attendance.SponsorsBook of the Month, bringing the best new fiction to your door. Go to bookofthemonth.com to pick a book and join. For a limited time, you can get your first book for just $5 with code STUFFED before December 2nd, and TINSEL anytime in December! Remember to tell them Fated Mates sent you!Sara Cate, author of Keep Me, available in print, ebook or audiobook from your local independent bookstore, Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes &amp; Noble or Amazon.Blue Box Press, publishers of Darynda Jones's Graveyard Dog, available in print, ebook, and audiobook from Amazon.Melissa Dymond, author of Holiday Wedding, available in print or ebook from your local independent bookstore, Barnes &amp; Noble or Amazon.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2024/11/24/bookstores-and-booksellers 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your <a...

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 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 &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The BooksA Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia WilliamsThe Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie ScottEveryone I Kissed Since You Got Famous by Mae MarvelLips Like Sugar by Jess K. HardyThe Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne LongSex, Lies, and Sensibility by Nikki PayneHans by S.J. TillyNo Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth HoytSleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie CanaRules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay ShoreThe SponsorsAvon Books, publishers of Sarah A. Parker's When the Moon Hatched, available in print, ebook or audiobook from your local independent bookstore, Barnes &amp; Noble, Apple Books, Kobo or Amazon.Vi Keeland, author of Bossman, available in print, ebook or audiobook from your local independent bookstore, Barnes &amp; Noble or Amazon.Lois Templin, author of Heart of the Hawk, available in print or ebook from your local independent bookstore, Barnes &amp; Noble or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited.Melanie Greene, author of Common Ground, available in ebook from Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, Apple Books or Amazon.The RestFor even more info about this episode, and to explore everything Fated Mates has to offer, visit: https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2024/11/17/0711-the-best-romance-novels-of-2024 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 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 you do at patreon.com/fatedmates. Beyond your favorite podcast app, you can find us on Instagram, Threads, Blue Sky, Tumblr, and probably some other places, too, if you look hard enough. If you've never listened to our Stop Book Banning episode, there's no better time than now.

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 her 2016 interview with Dorothy Allison, who died this week.&nbsp;Pat the Producer and Clayton have a podcast called The BO Boys, and a few weeks ago they recorded a live episode with guests Sean Donnelly and Brett Arnold. The question was: are we okay?&nbsp;If you happen to be in Chester, Connecticut, visit the romance bookstore Montgomery &amp; Taggert. You should just call them directly and order that romance card game called Romance vs. The World.&nbsp;Follow Fated Mates on BookBub, you can select your preferred eBook platform and get emails when books we’ve recommended go on sale. You can also follow Sarah for information about her books and upcoming releases. The SponsorsMax Monroe, author of Meet Me at Midnight, available in print or ebook from Amazon or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. Blue Box Press, publisher of Heather Graham's The Ghost of a Chance, available in print, ebook or audiobook from Amazon.Jaime P. Bradley, author of Wait: A 3000 Series Novella, available in print or ebook from Barnes &amp; Noble, Kobo, or Amazon.Lumi Gummies, THC gummies available nationwide. Go to Lumigummies.com and use code FATED50 for free gummies with a limited time $50 off coupon, or use code FATEDMATES for 30% off.