Romantasy Roundtable: Fantasy Romance Reviews

Episode Title: Queen of Shadows – Chapters 1–27 (The Rescue, the Reunion, and the Ruins of Aelin's Patience)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable is back, and Amanda is reporting live through the fog of a 17-hour flight and a 10-day trip to South Africa with 27 teenagers! The crew is breaking down the chaotic first third of Queen of Shadows, and we’re officially in the "everyone is playing 10D chess" era. We discuss Aelin’s return to Rift Hold, her tense game of cat-and-mouse with the toxic king of assassins, Arobynn Hamel, and her surprisingly bitter reunion with Chaol Westfall.We dissect the breathtaking rescue of Aedion Ashryver during the royal birthday execution, Dorian’s tragic enslavement to a Valg prince, and why the arts are the ultimate form of resistance. Plus, we finally get our first look at Elide Lochan hiding her witch blood in Morath, and Manon Blackbeak continues to terrorize everyone around her. Expect sleepy hot takes, debates on Aelin's red flower strategy, and another "soup" prediction that misses the mark.Key Topics Discussed:The Return of Arobynn: Aelin strikes a devil’s bargain with her toxic ex-master to save Aedion, uncovering the horrifying truth behind Sam Cortland's torture.The Reunion: Aelin and Chaol finally cross paths in the sewers, but it’s far from a romantic reunion. Blame, bitterness, and the tragedy of Dorian shatter any lingering feelings.The Royal Rescue: We break down the intricate, Ocean’s 11-style extraction of Aedion during the royal birthday celebration, complete with smoke bombs, Madame Florine's dancers, and a tragic encounter with a collared Dorian.The Witches of Morath: Manon Blackbeak and the 13 arrive at the Duke's stronghold, discovering a horrifying breeding program and a quiet servant named Elide Lochan.Art as Resistance: The crew discusses the profound impact of the silent protest at the Royal Theater and how it mirrors real-world historical resistance movements.The Shadows of the Sewers: Aelin hunts a terrifying obsidian Wyrdhound, leading to an alleyway encounter and the long-awaited return of Rowan Whitethorn.Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you Team Aelin or Team Chaol after that brutal sewer reunion? Let us know in the comments if you saw the Aedion rescue coming! Next up, we’re reading Queen of Shadows chapters 28–52. Make sure you pack your Wyrdmarks and stay out of the alleys—the Valg are everywhere.

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 45–End (The Rebirth of a Queen and the End of Our Hearts)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable has reached the absolute fever dream that is the end of Heir of Fire, and we are collectively unwell. Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down the literal and figurative fire of these final chapters. We’ve got Aelin Ashryver Galathynius finally taking her own hand in the darkness, Rowan Whitethorn pledging an eternal blood oath, and Dorian Havilliard entering his Villain Origin Story after the most traumatic decapitation in Glass Castle history. Between discussions on art as resistance and the crushing weight of atrocities through a Jewish lens, we’re trying to figure out how Sarah J. Maas managed to break every single character we love while giving us the ultimate Empire Strikes Back ending.Key Topics Discussed:The Rebirth of Fireheart: We deep dive into Chapters 53 and 54 where Aelin relives her trauma, Relives the death of Sam Cortland (never forget!), and relives the sacrifice of Lady Marion (the fox of our hearts).Rowan and Aelin’s Bond: "To whatever end" is now a personality trait. We discuss how Rowan sees all of her—the scars, the rage, and the queen—and how the blood oath swap was the ultimate Shadow Daddy move.The Valg Princes vs. The Queen: A magical burnout battle for the ages at Mistward. We break down the Caraman bond and how Aelin literally set the world on fire to protect her court.Manan Blackbeak’s "Heart": Our favorite Iron Teeth witch shows mercy, rescues a Blueblood, and receives a red cloak souvenir that definitely has her questioning her lack of a soul. Abraxos continues to be the best boy in the Fian Gap.Dorian’s Tragedy: The King of Adarlan proving he is the "Big Bad" by murdering Sorscha (RIP to our favorite healer) and snapping a Wordstone collar on his own son.The Great Escape: Chaol Westfall finally picks a side, breaks his oath, and tosses his sword into the Avery River to fully embrace the rebellion.Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you as traumatized as we are by the Dorian cliffhanger? Join us for the emotional fallout and our Queen of Shadows predictions. Chapters 1–25 of the next book are up next—we’re heading back to Rift Hold to finally rattle some stars!

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 24–44 (The Spider Silk Heist and the Refrigerator’s Reality Check)Description:The Romantasy Roundtable is officially viral! While Rick celebrates 68k views on TikTok, Amanda and Kim are busy processing the absolute emotional wreckage of Heir of Fire chapters 24–44. We’re headed back to the Glass Castle to watch Dorian overhear some life-altering secrets in Elena's Tomb (hello, villain origin story?), while Chaol and Aedion play a dangerous game of "who can hide the most Wyrdkey intel."Over in Wendlyn, Rowan and Selena transition from "I hate your face" to "let’s bond over our mutual soul-crushing trauma." We’ve got lake monsters that look suspiciously like Fantasia’s Chernabog, fire shields, and the moment Rowan finally sees the Endovier scars. Plus, Manan Blackbeak proves she’s the ultimate toxic girl boss by tricking Stygian Spiders and turning Abraxos into a spider-silk winged legend. It’s a wild ride filled with Acatar release news, Jewish resistance parallels, and a 90-second speed-run of Rick's latest obsession: Gay Hockey.Key Topics Discussed:The Healer and the Prince: Dorian and Sorscha are officially sharing a bed, but the real highlight is Dorian calling out Chaol for "conditionally loving" Selena. It was the reality check the refrigerator desperately needed.Manan’s Toxic Boss Energy: From the Rune Mountains to the Stygian Spiders, Manan refuses to pay the price for spider silk and instead chooses violence and wyvern solidarity.The Crossing: The most breathtaking moment of the series so far—Abraxos takes the plunge, fueled by the 13 and their iron-clad loyalty.Fire Heart & Ice Daggers: Rowan moves Selena into his room (for training purposes, obviously) and we finally see the "unbreakable bond" forge after the Beltain magical burnout.The Triangular Spell: Chaol and Aedion connect the dots between the Obsidian Towers, the Blackstone, and the headaches that are plaguing the continent.Pasta Meets Latke: We pitch our very own Italian-Jewish rom-com and discuss why Sarah J. Maas’s background makes the resistance in this book feel so historically accurate.Join us for telepathic stares, ancient lake monsters, and more pining than a Wendlyn forest. We’re finishing the book next—don't let the Valg catch you before the finale!

Episode Title: Heir of Fire – Chapters 1–23 (The Hawk, the Witch, and the Scrappy Wyvern!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back and things are getting frosty—literally. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into the first third of Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, where our favorite assassin is currently rotting away in Wendlyn on a diet of oniony flatbread and pure depression. We meet the ultimate "grumpy refrigerator," Rowan Whitethorn, and finally get introduced to the bloodthirsty Manon Blackbeak. Back in Adarlan, Chaol is panicking over the arrival of the "General of the North," Aedion Ashryver, while Dorian tries to keep his literal ice magic from shattering every window in the castle. Expect debates on fay biology, theories on the Gods breeding with humans, and a deep appreciation for the scrappiest wyvern in the pits, Abraxos.Key Topics Discussed:The Broodiest Warrior: Meet Rowan Whitethorn, the silver-haired Fae warrior with a face tattoo and a seriously bad attitude who is tasked with training Aelin. [07:47]Witchy Business & The 13: We are introduced to Manon Blackbeak and the Iron Teeth witches. The crew breaks down the clan politics and the terrifying Ferian Gap. [12:17]The General of the North: Aedion Ashryver struts into Rift Hold with Aelin's father's sword and a secret rebel agenda that leaves Chaol reeling. [11:32]Training Montages & Skinwalkers: Selena (or Aelin, if Rowan is talking) endures brutal training at Mistward, facing barrow-wights and literal skinwalkers. [31:09]Abraxos is the Best Boy: Manon defies her grandmother and chooses the "runty" bait beast Abraxos, forging an unspoken alliance that has us all cheering. [49:11]Dorian’s Ice Magic: The Prince is struggling to suppress his emerging powers while finding comfort with a new healer, Sorscha. [39:41]Join us for more training montages, witch drama, and "soup" predictions. Chapters 24–44 are next—don't go back to Russia, and keep your wildfire under control!

Episode Title: Crown of Midnight Chapters 30 to End (The Head-Dropping, Portal-Hopping, Aelin-Revealing Grand Finale!)Description:The Romanty Roundtable is officially losing its collective mind. Amanda, Kim, and Rick have reached the explosive conclusion of Crown of Midnight, and let’s just say Sarah J. Maas didn't just break the glass—she shattered the whole damn castle. From the devastating fallout of Nehemia’s death to the most iconic head-on-a-desk moment in literary history, the crew breaks down the Feral Assassin arc in all its bloody glory. We’re talking Dorian’s divine power-up magic, Chaol’s broom-closet sob fests, and the long-awaited revelation that Celaena Sardothien is actually—drumroll please—Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the lost Fae Queen of Terrasen. Expect heated debates on whether Chaol deserved the Worst Boyfriend award, a deep dive into Rick’s chaotic handwriting practice, and why we will never stop talking about soup.Key Topics Discussed:Feral Era and The Head Toss: Celaena stops playing nice and delivers Grave’s severed head to the King’s Council like a gruesome gift-wrapped I quit. We discuss why this is peak Assassin behavior.Jenny on the Block: The trio breaks down Chapter 33’s perspective shift to Calaculla, discussing the powerful portrayal of armed resistance and why this slave girl’s rebellion was a literary masterstroke.The Ultimate Betrayal: Archer Finn pulls The Worst Heel Turn in history. We dissect his Secret Society snake vibes and why Celaena showing zero mercy was the only correct ending for him.Portal Problems and Fae Features: The Wyrdgate opens, Fleetfoot (the best golden hound in fiction) almost meets a grim end, and Celaena finally unleashes her Fae form. Fire magic? Check. Pointy ears? Check. Pure chaos? Double check.The Aelin Reveal: Chaol finally does some library homework and realizes he sent the most powerful threat to the Adarlanic Empire straight into the arms of her Fae allies. Smooth move, Captain.Rick’s Side Quest: A brief, chaotic detour into Rick’s handwriting practice and his reviews of Gay Hockey romances (Heated Silvery) and Survivor-style Fae smut.Episode Ratings:Rick: 4.5 Stars (The world is finally expanding!)Kim: 4 Stars (Disappointed by fire magic being boring, but loved the pining.)Amanda: 4 Stars (The books are getting better, even if Chaol is a refrigerator.)Closing/Call-to-Action:Are you Team Chaol, Team Dorian, or Team Leave-Them-Both-In-The-Sewer? Drop a comment below and let us know if you predicted the Aelin reveal or if you're just here for the Fleetfoot content. Next time, we’re heading across the ocean for Air of Fire (Chapters 1 to 23). Bring your Wyrdmark dictionaries and extra soup—it’s about to get hot in Wendlyn!

Special ARC Review – The Snow Queen's Heir (Shark Repellent, Snowstorms & DNF Debates)The Romantasy Roundtable is braving a historic, two-foot Northeast blizzard (we blame you, Queen Lumi) to bring you a very special bonus episode! We are incredibly honored to review our first-ever ARC (Advanced Reader Copy): The Snow Queen's Heir by Keilah Jude. The crew discusses Noel and Lumi's quest for a magical, resurrection-granting necklace, the transition into the Naturei realm, and the inevitable deadly trials.But the table is divided! Amanda explains why she handed out a DNF at 30%, while Rick and Kim break down why they pushed through the pacing issues for the sake of the world-building. Expect constructive "teacher-brain" critiques, debates on YA romantasy tropes, and a highly relevant tangent about 1960s Batman.Key Topics Discussed:The Plot & World-Building: We break down the core quest for the magical necklace, the political genius of single-combat duels to avoid kingdom-wide wars, and how the book cleverly handles Fae immortality.Teacher Brains Activate (The Critique): Kim wants to take a red pen to the repetitive text, Amanda begs for "show, don't tell," and Rick points out the delayed pacing. We offer our honest, constructive feedback while agreeing the bones of this story have massive potential.Insta-Love & "Shark Repellent": We debate the sudden romances (or lack of chemistry) and compare Lumi's conveniently appearing magical powers to Adam West's infamous "Shark Repellent" spray.Tangent City (Blizzards & Hockey): It wouldn't be an episode without a massive detour. We discuss the record-breaking New York/New Jersey snowstorm, and Rick tries to claim a proxy Olympic gold medal because of Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils.Join us for a snowed-in review full of honest critiques, red pens, and ARC excitement! A huge thank you to Keilah Jude for taking a chance on us and trusting us with our very first ARC, you never forget your first! Stay warm out there, avoid the Snow Queen's wrath, and we will see you back in Erilea next week.

Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back and diving into the second book of the Throne of Glass series: Crown of Midnight! Rick, Amanda, and Kim unpack the first 29 chapters, where Celaena Sardothien is officially acting as the King's Champion, or at least, she’s pretending to.We discuss Celaena’s secret plot to fake the deaths of her targets, the return of her old flame Archer Finn, and her desperate attempt to keep her friends safe from the King’s wrath. Meanwhile, Chaol (yes, Amanda is still pronouncing it "Kay-Oal") is struggling with his feelings, and Dorian is realizing his bloodline might be a little more magical than he thought. Plus, we introduce the best new character in the series: Mort the Magical Door Knocker.Key Topics Discussed:The Fake-Out Assassin: Celaena isn't actually killing anyone on the King's list. We discuss her clever plan to smuggle targets out of Rifthold and how long she can keep the treasonous secret from Chaol and the King.Archer Finn & The Rebels: Archer is back, and no one knows how to feel about him. Is he a pretty-boy courtesan? A rebel leader? A snake? Amanda gets whiplash trying to figure out his true motives.Justice for Kaltain: The crew continues to advocate for Kaltain Rompier, who is being drugged with opium and manipulated by Duke Perrington. We are officially calling for a guillotine.Magic is Awake: The Wyrdmarks are back, monsters are roaming the halls, and Dorian accidentally explodes a library with his newfound ice magic. We debate the growing supernatural threat and what it means for the Havilliard bloodline.The Heartbreak: The episode ends with a devastating sprint across Rifthold and the tragic death of Princess Nehemia. We react to the betrayal, the grief, and the brutal cliffhanger.Closing: Dry your tears and prep your Wyrdmarks. Your homework is to finish Crown of Midnight! We’ll be back next week to break down the explosive conclusion. (And maybe, just maybe, Rick will finally let Amanda talk about gay hockey).Support the Show:Subscribe so you don't miss the Crown of Midnight finale!Follow us on Instagram & Tiktok: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (with your theories on Archer): [email protected]

Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 27–End (Demon Worms, Wookie Holidays & The Hard Kosher Salami)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has expanded! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are joined by a very special guest: Julia (CEO and Founder of Brainwell), to help us survive the chaos of the final chapters of Throne of Glass.We break down Celaena’s hallucinogenic duel with Cain, the justice for Kaltain (who is officially a tragic figure), and the Dorian vs. Chaol debate that is tearing the group apart. But honestly? This episode is 40% plot and 60% unhinged tangents. We discuss why billiards exist in a fantasy world, attempt (and fail) Australian accents, and spend a concerning amount of time reviewing a Jewish Golem romance involving a refrigerator-sized man named Greg Stoneman.Key Topics Discussed:The Ridderak & The Duel: Cain cheats with Bloodbane, calling forth a demon that functions exactly like Slither.io. Celaena wins with a stick, Queen Elena breaks the rules of ghosting, and Nehemia reveals she’s been the MVP the whole time.The Magical Meet Cute "Novella": In a podcast-within-a-podcast, Amanda and Julia review Magical Meet Cute. We discuss Greg Gollum (a man built like a refrigerator who communicates via grunts), the excessive mentions of Hard Kosher Salami, and why Greg Stoneman might be the ultimate book boyfriend.Happy Life Day: Amanda goes on a rant about the Wookie Holiday at Disney World. Apparently, "Life Day" is canon, and we are all forced to celebrate it.Pronunciation Police: We try to honor our listener Jamie’s request for an Aussie accent (spoiler: it sounds like a pirate having a stroke). We also settle the Chaol debate: it’s pronounced "Kale" with a thick Southern accent.The Breakup: Celaena chooses freedom over Dorian, dumping the Prince to become the King’s Champion. We discuss the heavy "Empire Bad" themes and why Duke Perrington needs to meet a guillotine immediately.Closing: Grab your Hard Kosher Salami and your Wyrdmarks. We are done with book one! Your homework is to start Crown of Midnight, Chapters 1–29 (Stop when you see Chapter 30!).Support the Show:Subscribe or the Ridderak will find you!Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (especially if you have a Golem story): [email protected]

Episode Title: Throne of Glass – Chapters 1–26 (Chaol vs. Kale, The Glass Castle & Total Dog Book Energy)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is down a rose (sending healing vibes to Bartholomew the Cat!), but Rick and Amanda are forging ahead into the salt mines of Endovier. We are officially kicking off Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda—fresh off the trauma of The Assassin’s Blade—is ready to meet Celaena Sardothien, the charming Prince Dorian, and the Captain of the Guard whose name we absolutely cannot pronounce: Chaol Westfall.We break down Celaena’s transition from convict to King’s Champion contender, discuss why the Glass Castle is a structural nightmare for anyone afraid of heights, and debate whether the presence of fleet-footed hounds officially makes this a "Total Dog Book." Plus, we answer a listener's Soup, Marry, Kill (Shadow Daddy Edition) that leaves the table divided.Key Topics Discussed:The Inbox is Alive! After a year of begging, we finally got our first official listener email! Shoutout to Megan D. for forcing us to play a high-stakes game of Soup, Marry, Kill: Shadow Daddy Edition (Rhysand vs. Xaden vs. The Kingfisher). The table is divided, but we can all agree on one thing: Tamlin still loses.The Great Chaol Debate: Is it Kay-all? Chail? Or just Kale said with a heavy Southern accent? Amanda and Rick struggle to respect the Captain’s name.Lillian Gordaina: Celaena goes undercover as a vapid jewel thief/court lady but can’t stop vomiting in the bushes during the mandatory training montages.Team Dorian vs. Team Chaol: The battle lines are drawn early. Rick is charmed by Dorian’s gift of books, while Amanda is leaning toward the brooding, judgmental Captain.Chamber of Secrets: Celaena finds a secret tunnel behind a tapestry, spies on the boys, and gets a divine "Save the World" quest from the ghost of Queen Elena (who definitely has Fae ears).Wyrdmarks & Murder: Competitors are getting eaten (literally, RIP Bill the Eye Eater), and weird runes are appearing in the castle. Magic might not be as dead as the King thinks.Closing: Grab your bow and arrow and try to hit the bullseye (or just the center). Your homework is to finish the book for next week! We’ll see you at the finish line—try not to get eaten on the way out.Support the Show:Subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the Throne of Glass series!Follow us on Instagram: @romantasyroundtableEmail us (with your Chaol pronunciations): [email protected]

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Part 2 (Sewer Romances, Toxic Assassin Daddies & RIP, you deserved better)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to finish the prequel, and we are emotionally compromised. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the final two novellas of The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Underworld and The Assassin and the Empire. We witness the rise and tragic fall of a dear friend, discuss why Arobynn Hamel is the ultimate gaslighting "Assassin Daddy," and question Celaena Sardothien’s decision-making skills.But before the heartbreak, we have important business to attend to: Amanda decodes a prophetic dream about a lip piercing (and why her face is swollen), the crew debates NYC snowstorm survival (Team Trader Joe’s Meal Prep vs. Team Bodega Cat), and we finally, FINALLY,get a medical definition for the Inner Hip.Key Topics Discussed:Love in a Hopeless Place (A Sewer): We break down the pivotal scene where Celaena and Sam finally admit their feelings while drowning in wastewater. It’s gross, it’s dramatic, and it’s the only acceptable place for a first makeout session in this series apparently.Arobynn Hamel Hate Club: We dissect the manipulation of the King of the Assassins. From the creepy gifts to buying Lysandra’s virginity, he solidifies his status as a top-tier villain (who we wouldn't trust to hold our drink).The Inner Hip Resolved: Shoutout to our listener Jamie for solving the mystery! We now know it’s near the pelvic joint/bikini tie area, though Amanda still insists it is not an erogenous zone. Only time will tellRIP: The crew reacts to the off-screen death, the torture by Farran, and the devastating scene at the mortuary. We discuss why this prequel was necessary to understand Celaena’s trauma going into Throne of Glass."I Will Not Be Afraid": We analyze the ending, the Salt Mines of Endovier, and the iconic mantra that defines the rest of the series (even if Rick quoted it wrong).Closing: Dry your tears, we are done with the prequel!PROGRAMMING NOTE: Ignore what we said in the outro! After the mics turned off, we decided to pivot. We are skipping Bound by Vengeance and diving straight into Throne of Glass next week. Chapters 1–26. Be there.

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Novellas 1-3 (Sam Cortland, Skull’s Bay & an inner hip)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable officially enters the Throne of Glass era! We are kicking off our journey into the Maasverse not with the first book, but with the prequel: The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas. Amanda (the newbie), Kim (the veteran), and Rick (the obsessed) break down the first three novellas: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, The Assassin and the Healer, and The Assassin and the Desert.We discuss Celaena Sardothien’s 16-year-old audacity, why Sam Cortland gives off the energy of a finance bro you met on a Hinge date, and the group’s firm belief that Rolf the Pirate Lord is actually just a Muppet with magic hands. Expect debates on the anatomy of the "inner hip," questionable teaching methods involving knives, and why the desert is full of scorpions named Josh.Key Topics Discussed:Reading Order Debate: Why we chose to start with the prequel (Star Wars style) to get the heartbreak out of the way early—even if Rick thinks Yoda was just a puppet until Episode 2.Sam Cortland vs. The World: We analyze Sam’s primal urge to be annoying, his "divorced dad" curtain-ripping energy, and why he feels like a guy who drinks IPAs for a living.The Healer & The Barmaid: A deep dive into Yrene Towers, her brutal self-defense lessons from Celaena, and why "sink or swim" driving lessons in a Florida hailstorm are safer than Celaena's teaching style.Desert Drama: Celaena heads to the Red Desert to train with the Silent Master, meets Ansel (and her betrayal), and learns that Stygian Spiders are basically just giant horses or "a million scorpions named Josh."The Inner Hip: The crew tries to locate this elusive body part (Is it the groin? The string bikini line? An erogenous zone?) and why pinching it is the ultimate female friendship bonding moment.Closing: Join us as we sprint through the desert and liberate slaves with style. Finish The Assassin’s Blade for next week—we have two more novellas to go before the emotional damage truly sets in!

Episode Title: A Court of Silver Flames – Full Book Breakdown (Soup, Stairs & The Trifecta of Chachkis!)Description: The Romanty Roundtable is back for 2026, and we have officially achieved the Concussion Trifecta! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are diving headfirst into the House of Wind to tackle the behemoth that is A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We’re breaking down Nesta Archeron’s journey from self-destructive "woman about town" to Valkyrie warrior, dissecting the pregnancy trope that absolutely divided the table, and obsessing over Cassian, the ultimate German Shepherd boyfriend. Expect debates on whether the Blood Rite was realistic, how many chachkis (Dread Trove items) you need to save the world, and enough soup talk to feed an Illyrian army.Key Topics Discussed:The Soup Kitchen is Open: We analyze the sheer volume of soup (spicy scenes) in this book—a solid five cans of soup rating. From the stairwell to the infamous dining room table, Nesta and Cassian have zero chill.Valkyries Assemble: Nesta finds her squad in Gwyn and Emerie. We discuss the power of female friendship, the library priestesses, the sleepover that summoned a miniature pegasus, and the trio’s controversial victory in the Blood Rite.The Trifecta of Chachkis: Nesta becomes a High Necromancer in the Bog of Oorid, wielding the Mask and proving she’s the scariest Archeron sister. We track the hunt for the Harp and the Crown (and why the Kelpie is the absolute worst).Feyre’s Uterus vs. The Plot: The crew fights over the pregnancy storyline. Was it necessary? Why did Rhysand hide the truth (again)? Does a baby with wings justify a magical C-section crisis? Kim has thoughts (and a rating of 3 stars to prove it).Nesta vs. The Stairs: The true villain of the first 50% of the book: 10,000 steps. We discuss Nesta’s physical and mental rehabilitation and why Cassian is the most patient male in Prythian.Join us for the chaos, the concussions, and the catharsis. Next up, we’re leaving Prythian to start our journey into Throne of Glass. Grab your Assassin's Blade—we’re going back to where it all began!

Episode Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight – Full Book Review (The Hallmark Holiday Special!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to unwrap the gift that is A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda, Kim, and Rick sit down to roast—we mean review—the bridge novella that sits between the main trilogy and the Nesta-verse. It’s the Winter Solstice in Velaris, which means less war and more shopping, decorating, and primal urges. The crew breaks down the "low stakes, high vibes" energy, Rhysand's questionable gift-giving budget, and why Nesta is the only one keeping it real in a city of toxic positivity. Expect heavy debates on whether this book is essential reading or just expensive fanfiction, a deep dive into The Wall Scene™, and a lot of concern for Tamlin’s depression beard.Key Topics Discussed:The Hallmark Movie Allegations: We discuss if this book is a vital plot bridge or just A Very Special Feyre Christmas episode. Rick is confused by the lack of death; Kim is just here for the vibes.The Wall Scene (Soup Check): We analyze Chapter 22. You know the one. The paint. The soup. The inner hip mechanics. It’s a 5-star spice rating in a 2-star plot.Nesta’s "Villain" Era: The crew defends (and fears) Nesta Archeron, who is currently rotting in a glorious apartment on Rhysand’s dime while roasting everyone who breathes near her.Shadow Daddy Duties: Azriel stands in corners and looks broodingly handsome while buying thoughtful gifts. We discuss his illegally good gift-giving love language.Tamlin’s Sad Boy Manor: Feyre drops by the Spring Court for a pity visit. We dissect the heavy "divorced dad energy" radiating off the High Lord of Spring.The Illyrian Baby Fever: The foreshadowing is heavy! We argue about the pregnancy trope setup and whether Rhysand needs to calm down about his legacy.Cassian’s Pining: Our favorite General is down bad. We track every moment Cassian tries to be nice to Nesta and gets emotionally annihilated for it.Amren’s Expensive Taste: The Tiny Ancient One demands jewelry. We respect the hustle.The Birkin Bag vs. Art Studio: We judge Rhysand’s gifts. Is a house a good gift? Or is it just a chore with a bow on it?The Slog of Happiness: Is it boring to watch people be happy? We debate if peace is actually the ultimate narrative slog.Closing: Grab your Illyrian leathers and your leftover Solstice wine—we’re about to get festive and feral. Next up: The absolute chaos of A Court of Silver Flames. Prepare your knees!

Episode Title: The First Annual Soupy Awards + Ultimate Tier Ranking (Drunk Edition!)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable crew is signing off for the year, and we are absolutely feral. Rick, Amanda, and Kim are fueled by "Fairy Wine" (Hugos) and aggressive chip-eating ASMR to bring you our massive Year-End Review. We aren't just giving out stars; we’ve invented a chaotic new Tier List ranging from "My House, My Chair, My Woman" (S-Tier) to "Should Have Been a DNF" (F-Tier).Expect unhinged debates about lesbians in space, a re-evaluation of every soup scene (sex scene) we read this year during Post-Soup Clarity, and the inauguration of the Soupy Awards. Who is the ultimate Shadow Daddy? Which book committed the crime of "The Part That Throbbed"? And why does The Night Circus still haunt our nightmares? Grab a drink—this one gets messy.Key Topics Discussed:The Definitive Tier List: We rank everything from Fourth Wing and ACOTAR (S-Tier legends) to the absolute slog of From Blood and Ash (D-Tier) and the nonexistent plot of The Night Circus (F-Tier).Post-Soup Clarity: We aggressively audit the spice. Phantasma takes the crown for quantity and creativity, while Iron Flame gets a promotion. Plus, we officially ban the words "folds," "flaps," and "hilt" from 2026.The Soupy Awards: We hand out trophies for Best Little Guy (Onyx vs. Bartholomew), NPC of the Year, and the Jack F'N Barlow Award for the character we hate the most.The "Dylan Award": Honoring the characters gone too soon (RIP Liam and Dylan).Book of the Year: The crew comes to a rare consensus on the book that defined the podcast (Spoiler: It involves dragons).Closing: Join us for the chaos, the cringe, and the justice for Kingfisher. We’ll see you next year when we dive headfirst into the Maasverse (Throne of Glass & Crescent City). Don't touch our chips!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 40–End (The "Onyx Lives" Meltdown Edition)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has survived the emotional apocalypse of Brimstone by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are emotionally compromised but ready to break down the explosive finale (Chapters 40–52). We dive into the chaos of Saeris becoming a world-breaking resurrectionist, the long-awaited reveal of Kingfisher’s True Name (goodbye, bird metaphors!), and Rick’s sudden, bagel-fueled embrace of his Jewish heritage.Expect screaming about Onyx the Quicksilver Fox, debates on whether Arisian the Dragon is actually just a big puppy, and a very serious complaint about the severe lack of soup (spice) in the final act. We discuss why Tal is finally invited to the cookout, why Belikon refuses to stay dead, and how Kaiden is officially the ultimate Shadow Daddy.Key Topics Discussed:Onyx Lives (Thank the 7 Gods): Rick prays to every deity from Buddha to Moses as we process the absolute trauma of Onyx’s sacrifice and Saeris' desperate use of Alchemion power to undo death itself.The Artist Formerly Known as Kingfisher: We finally get a name—Khydan Greystar Finvarra—and accept "Khy" as a valid nickname. Also, turns out he’s a demigod with shadow magic? We love a divine power-up.Tal’s Redemption & Plant Daddies: Tal mourns Zalvena and gets a shiny new sword, while Kerrion reveals his plant magic, proving that "nice guys" who like horns are top-tier.The Soup Drought: The crew laments that despite the high stakes, we were denied our enemies-to-lovers payoff. We wanted an orgy; we got political maneuvering and beheadings.Join us for the tears, the rage, and the realization that a bird is a book. Next up: We’re getting festive (and messy) with A Court of Frost and Starlight—aka the Holiday Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 26–39 (Red Wedding Vibes & The Three-Minute Soup)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns with a "Tale of Rick and Roses" (where the girls are apparently just hair clips?). Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down Chapters 26–39 of Brimstone, and frankly, we are not okay. We go from Saeris going full Magneto with twin god swords to Tal interrupting his own orgy to deliver plot points. We finally confirm that Carrion Swift is the undisputed Pansexual King, realize the Stargazer birds were the book the whole time (Rick loves when a bird is a book), and survive a literal Red Wedding ending where everyone vomits black blood. Plus, we debate whether Lights Out is a rom-com or a "dom-com," Rick declares his hatred for "Balls" (the dancing kind), and Amanda gives a masterclass on Vancouver soccer.Key Topics Discussed:Magneto Era: Saeris splits Solace into twin swords, decapitates guards, and proves she is the Captain now. Fischer just stands back and admires the violence.The Soup is Real: No more dreams. We get the Fisher Reunion (described as a "gymnastics trial") and the infamous "Three Minutes" scene against a mirror while Tal waits outside.The Pansexual King: Carrion delivers the iconic "The thing about leaning" speech, confirming he likes the wine, not the label. We stan.Foley is John Cena: The depressed vampire wolf cleans up nice! He enters the Even Light Ball like a WWE surprise entrant to be the 6th petitioner.The Red Wedding: Just when we thought Tal was serving looks, he serves poison to the entire court (and himself). The "Scion of No One" moment left us screaming.Archer Watch: We almost lost our favorite Fire Sprite/Dobby, and Rick was ready to riot. He is alive, one inch taller, and dancing.Closing: Join us for the emotional damage, the soccer tangents, and the realization that Hayden is an entitled brat. Chapters 40–End are next—finish the book, bring your tissues, and prepare for the ACOTAR Christmas Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 13–25Description: Buckle up, besties — Brimstone drops the brakes in this middle section, and Amanda, Kim, and Rick are simply feral about it. Ambushes, demon scorpions named Josh (yes, really), dream-soup shenanigans, a vampire-wolf named Foley (sorry, still not scary), and an eldritch spaghetti monster who maybe wants a favor and maybe wants your soul…? The Romantasy Roundtable chews through chaos, court politics, and enough editing errors to power a drinking game.Highlights include:A Million %$#@ Scorpions Named Josh: The most un-intimidating demon name in history; the nightmare fuel itself is very real.Fisher Throws Carrion Out a Window: Buddy-cop energy at its finest — including “Did something hit me?” / “Yeah, I punched you.”Library Boom-Pow: Saeris casually detonates a 20-foot hole in a wall and gets banned after dark like a magical middle-schooler.Dream Soup Supreme: Shirtless, panicked Fisher; mate-bond chaos; Onyx cameos; bite-healing; emotional dump fest. The people were FED.Foley the Vampire Sad Boy: Former wolf, current recluse, future reluctant mentor. Also unfortunately named after a catheter.Carrion Swift, Pansexual King: “I prefer my women and my men prettier than you.” The people’s prince has spoken.Cleansing Day Massacre: Fisher goes full righteous fury at reproductive oppression — shadow knives for everyone.The Secret Forge Vault: 1,223 stairs, dangerous quicksilver storage, and Elroy hitting Fischer with a fire iron. Art.Plus: Hanksgiving, tote-bag economics, Jets slander, Rick’s moral alignment chart (Tal: good/bad/good/bad), and RIP to the brave little paper bird.Next up: Chapters 26–39 — stop at Chapter 40. Let the chaos continue.

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 1–12 (Accidental Dosing & The Buddy Comedy Era)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has officially entered the Brimstone era! Amanda, Kim, and Rick (who is absolutely lying about how much of the book he’s read) dive headfirst into the first 12 chapters of Callie Hart’s sequel to Quicksilver. The crew breaks down Saeris’s transition into her Vampire Queen villain era—complete with a feral coronation, a lethal sheer dress, and an accidental venom-dosing incident that leaves Kingfisher high as a kite and slicing lords in half.We dissect the terrifying new "Super Feeders" that drain magic, the "Elroy" publishing error that gaslit the entire podcast, and the start of the ultimate Buddy Comedy: Kingfisher and Carrion Swift going on a road trip. Expect deep dives into shadow wing symbolism, justice for Onyx (the fox who crossed the Andes!), and Sage the ChatGPT’s unhinged prophecies about "children of shadow and soup."Key Topics Discussed:The Hall of Tears Coronation: Saeris claims her throne by biting Kingfisher in front of the Lords of Midnight, accidentally turning the blood rite into a euphoric aphrodisiac scene. Oops.Good Soup Alert (Chapter 7): We analyze the spicy reunion where Fisher confesses he wants to marry her (but can't because he has no true name) and unleashes his shadow wings in the bedroom.The Super Feeders: A new horror has arrived across the river—magic-draining zombies connected to a rotting tree. Callie Hart loves to traumatize Danya, and we discuss why.The Buddy Comedy: The gang splits up! Saeris stays to forge, while Kingfisher and Carrion (carrying the entire comedic weight of the series) head to the Silver City.Rick vs. The Truth: We investigate the allegations that Rick has already finished the book despite claiming he stopped at Chapter 12. (Spoiler: He’s definitely lying).Join us for the rot, the romance, and the rumors. Chapters 13–25 are next—bring your relics and your holiday rom-coms because things are getting dark!

Episode Title: Quicksilver – Chapters 29–End (The "Good Soup" Finale)Description: The Romantasy Roundtable reaches the feral conclusion of Quicksilver by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down chapters 29 through the end, where the good soup is plentiful, the Shadow Daddy angst is at an all-time high, and Carrion Swift officially steals the show (and a potted plant).The crew debates whether Kingfisher beats the Tamlin allegations during the war camp separation, screams about the iconic "seven gods" line, and processes Saeris’s chaotic transformation into a hybrid vampire queen. We also unpack the ballad of Ajun gate, the truth about the coin toss, and why Rick is officially the president of the Carrion Swift Fan Club. Expect unhinged theories, Sage the ChatGPT’s dramatic predictions, and a lot of feelings about a sword named Simon.Key Topics Discussed:The Seven Gods of Soup: We dissect that line in Chapter 37. It’s the spiciest scene yet, complete with mating bond realizations, shadow-gate booty calls, and Fisher finally admitting his feelings (sort of).Carrion's Era: Rick’s favorite character gets an emotional support plant, a quicksilver sword named Simon that loves dirty jokes, and proves he’s the ultimate ride-or-die by poisoning Malcolm.The Coin Toss & The Triad: We finally learn Fisher's secret shame regarding Gillith, reveal the connection between Malcolm, Belikon, and Madra, and watch Saeris pull a fast one with a demon’s throat coin.Hybrid Queen: The cliffhanger to end them all! Saeris dies (again), meets Zaerith the God of Chaos, and wakes up as a new hybrid species and the rightful Vampire Queen of the wrong side of the river.Join us as we try to recover from that cliffhanger. Next up: We’re diving straight into Brimstone (Chapters 1–12)—bring your umbrellas because the forecast calls for more angst and probably more soup.

Episode Title: Quicksilver – Chapters 15–28Description: In Part 2 of Quicksilver, Amanda, Kim, and Rick descend gleefully into the chaos: shadow gates, tavern brawls, dinner-table politics, feral makeouts, 50,000 vampires, ancient swords that explode like confetti, and one fox familiar who is so over everyone’s emotional trauma. The trio debates coercion, consent, Beauty-and-the-Beast tropes, mating-bond tattoos, and why Fischer keeps running away like he’s late for a different book. Also: Carrion Swift continues to be the bisexual menace of our hearts.Highlights include: • Area Codes, Bros: The pod opens unhinged and remains unhinged. Waffles, Bookstagram, and unsolicited mic techniques abound. • Bill the Horse & Ada the Hellbitch: Peak Romantasy animal-branding; Barbie logistics immediately derail the plot. • Shadow Gates & Red Flags: Fischer yeets Saeris through magical portals using the blood oath—no one likes it. • Relic Factory Hell: Fifteen thousand silver rings hit the table; Saeris realizes she accidentally signed up for eternal magical overtime. • Sprites, Swords & Soup: Archer the fire sprite judges them lovingly; Nimro the sword gets sentience; someone always vomits. • Carrion Swift Reunion Tour: Moss hand jobs from water sprites, cake vs. “quiche,” chaos-goblin advice in the forge, and the ongoing campaign to make “Swifty” merch canon. • Dinner Table Hostility: Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes, forbidden seating charts, and recurring “why are you sitting THERE?” drama. • Vampire Daddy Arrives: Malcolm strolls in like a runway villain and implies Fischer’s a traitor and chaos ensues. • The Shadow Sex Scene: Reality breaks. Tattoos migrate. A bird ends up on a boob. Onyx gets snack privileges. • Cottagecore Interlude: Ballard village, stew, dryads, nymphs, and Wendy the Jewish-fa-grandma interrogating their relationship.Plus: Moss hand jobs, kingfisher ornithology with Mark’s Memo™, mating-bond theories, Carrion being everyone’s guy, and a whole ethics seminar about fae choking.Next up: Chapters 29–End — finish Quicksilver ASAP because Brimstone is almost out and Rick is vibrating.

Episode Title: Quicksilver — Chapters 1–14Description: The Roundtable dives headfirst into the desert dust, frostbitten fae courts, molten magic, and very questionable “danger kissing” as we begin Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Amanda enters blind, Rick and Kim enter feral, and by chapter fourteen we have foxes, shadow smoke, blood oaths, and enough teeth-baring to make SJM file a copyright claim.Highlights include:• The Willow Tree Incident, Part II:Amanda retells how her engagement photos turned into an impromptu From Blood and Ash soup-scene confession. The photographer now knows more about vampire sex under trees than she ever asked for.• The New Hotness Era:The pod is chasing Brimstone’s release, mimosas are flowing, and the Night & the Moth episode view counts go head-to-head with Enchantra. Democracy wins, but chaos reigns.• Saris “Book Girly” Fain:We meet our desert thief heroine, who immediately breaks into a fantasy REI store for a golden gauntlet she absolutely should not steal. She melts metal, scales walls, stabs guardians, and survives being shish-kabobbed by the queen’s hit squad. Elite behavior.• Queen Madra, Immortal Menace:She’s beautiful, she’s unhinged, and she casually threatens genocide five minutes into meeting Saris. The vibes are “evil fae dictator meets Renaissance Faire bridezilla.”• Death Himself Arrives:A sword is pulled from a floor. A quicksilver pool erupts. A shirtless, furious, metallic shadow creature rises like a romance-novel Dwayne Johnson. The pod unanimously agrees: Death is hot.• Welcome to Yvelia:Saris wakes up in a winter wonderland full of beautiful fae, political trauma, an oracle who is definitely faking visions for fun, and a librarian who is essentially Jewish Grandpa Fae.• Kingfisher, Our Grumpy Shadow Daddy:He’s 1,733 years old, bitter, blood-stained, and allergic to shirts. He calls Saris a butterfly that dies in one day, which is both rude and scientifically confusing. The name Kingfisher remains universally hated.• Sexual Tension Level: Hard Cheese:The infamous “Swallow” moment arrives. Saris nearly dies on cheese because she’s too flustered to function. Everlane barges in demanding to know why the room smells like a brothel. The pod screams.• The Fox Named Onyx:He latches onto Saris. Kingfisher threatens to make him a hat. Rick takes offense. Amanda calls him a “hell b****.” Honestly perfect.• The Kiss That Was Way Too Soon:Saris straddles Kingfisher in the forge in a moment that is equal parts trauma response, quicksilver magic, and poor judgment. Kim reminds everyone that danger-f***ing is not healthy behavior.• The Blood Oath Disaster:Saris tries to flee through the Silver Sea, but Kingfisher catches her, tackles her, and drops the bomb that she stole his fakerelic. He bargains for her cooperation, nearly dies retrieving her “brother,” and shows up with… Kherion Swift, Rick’s problematic fave and smuggler-boy Lando/Han Solo hybrid.• The Fine Print:Saris accidentally vows to help Kingfisher “in any way he asks,” which is how she ends up on a horse in the snow with a fox, an unconscious smuggler, and a fae man who thinks threats count as flirting.Recurring Themes:Shadow Daddy Energy Level: Very HighTeeth-Baring Moments: Too ManyTrauma Responses Mistaken for Romance: OngoingKherion Swift Hype: Rick OnlyPronunciation Guide Rage: Amanda OnlySnow vs Desert Worldbuilding: Actually ExcellentAmerican Girl Doll Silver Eye Discourse: Surprisingly ImportantPredictions (Amanda-Only Zone):Saris is definitely an alchemist, maybe part fae, definitely part chaos. Kingfisher is obviously the love interest unless this book tries to do a Tamlin Switcheroo. Kherion will cause trouble. Hayden’s identity is questionable. And something very wrong is going on with those quicksilver pathways.What Else We’re Reading:Rick just finished Mistborn (“objectively good, not fun”).Amanda is emotionally destroyed by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere.Kim is finishing Crest City after a Quaker-travel-induced reading drought.CTA:Tell us your thoughts on Chapters 1–14. Are you Team Shadow Daddy, Team Smuggler Boy, or Team Fox? Email romantasyroundtablegmail.com, drop a comment on BookTok, or send us your favorite cursed fae nicknames.

Episode Title: Mate, Murder, Minestrone – Game Night SpecialDescription: Recording-marathon brain has fully set in, so Amanda, Kim, and Rick take a break from plot to play Mate, Murder, Minestrone—their extremely on-brand, soupified take on f**k, marry, kill. From Poppy slander and dragon riders to cursed fantasy names and the eternal menace of “honeydew,” the Romanty Roundtable turns every trope, quote, and side character into chaotic relationship choices. Nothing is safe, not even the soup.Highlights include:Poppy Must Perish: Violet, Feyre, and Poppy face judgment, and Poppy does not make it out of this round alive.One Bed, One Chair, One Horse: Kim negotiates her favorite soup scenes while also refusing to harm a single fictional pony.Dragon Rider vs. Devil Prince: Rick builds his dream afterlife: lifelong dragon-riding, occasional devil-prince situationship.Hawkthrone, Kingfisher, Rowington: The panel debates which cursed YA name sounds the most like a lacrosse-playing finance bro.Heartmates, Honeydew, The Joining: The holy trinity of invented romance words goes under the knife (sorry, honeydew).Traitor Boys & Baby Predators: Jack Barlow, Benji, and Alastair get their own hate-f**k vs. yeet-off-a-cliff segment.Violence, Feyre Darling, Trouble, Angel, Killer: What if every nickname screams “red flag” in a different font?Quote Chaos Finale: “My house, my chair, my woman,” “the f**k-aware,” and “you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?” battle for top soup line.Plus: Wine vs. cappuccino vs. tiny Trader Joe’s OJ, Henry VIII wife lore, “Jewish werewolf lumberjack” as a type, and Tristan’s brief refusal to participate in our nonsense.Next up: Back to our regular readalong—check the next episode title for which book and chapters we’re diving into next.

Episode Title: Mate – Chapters 27–EndDescription: The Mate finale delivers chaos, cults, and enough soup to feed the entire Northwest Pack. Rick, Amanda, and Kim close out Ali Hazelwood’s werewolf fever dream with deep literary insight (and deeper regret) as they unpack the Jewish werewolf conspiracy, inflatable anatomy, and one of the wildest epilogues in Romantasy history.Highlights include: • Bagels & Bar Mitzvahs: Rick celebrates Jewish werewolves with a New Jersey bagel and avocado, sparking the immortal question—are were-butterflies next? • Cult Family Reunion: Serena gets kidnapped, meets her manipulative Aunt Irene, and learns her mom was in a supernatural MLM. The vibes are Waco with a side of therapy. • Love, Duty, and Pancakes: Cohen’s tragic celibacy vow finally crumbles, proving that even alphas can’t fight destiny—or the call of breakfast foods. • The Heat Saga: Three full chapters of… soup. There’s fruit, water breaks, werewolf anatomy lessons, and one line so horrifying it scarred the entire pod (“This is where my come goes”). • Puppy Power Finale: Serena turns into a tiny wolf, takes a bullet for Cohen, and lives to bark about it. True love bites—literally. • Post-Battle Banter: Misery and Serena’s hospital reunion includes frog therapy, toenail trimming, and the line “you’ve been deaunted.” Friendship goals achieved. • Happily Ever After (and Bitten): The celibacy covenant gets yeeted, Cohen gets bitten first (finally), and the pod celebrates a satisfying if soup-soaked ending.Mary’s Missives!The team revives their favorite chaos segment as colleague Mary reviews Mate—a book she’s never read. Topics include hybrid identity, Jewish–Sicilian solidarity, and why “I remain tragically unf***ed” might be the most relatable line of the year.Final Ratings: • Stars: 4 • Soups: 3.5 (For comparison: Bride got 3.5 stars and 4 soups. Growth? Maybe.)CTA: Tell us—did Mate make you howl or just overheat? Email romantygmail.com, drop a comment on BookTok, or bring us your theories about Jewish werewolves and the cult of hydration.

Episode Title: Mate – Chapters 13–26Description: The Romanty Roundtable returns to the Pacific Northwest for part two of Ali Hazelwood’s Mate, where cults form, vows break, and everyone’s constantly shirtless. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the middle stretch of the book—half domestic fluff, half hormonal apocalypse—as Cohen’s celibacy pact collides with Serena’s fast-approaching heat. Between werewolf theology, “good girl” debates, and the debut of The Howler App™, the trio agrees: there’s still no plot, but they’re having an amazing time.Highlights include:Domestic Wolfcore: Grocery dates, pink penguin pocketknives, and Cohen buying her every item she even glanced at.Pack Dinner Drama: Meatballs, lemon-ricotta pancakes, and one young wolf learning what “touch her and die” really means.Celibate Alpha Energy, Part 2: Haircuts, shaving foam innuendo, and the immortal line—“I remain tragically un-[bleep]ed.”Werewolf Bar Mitzvah Continues: The covenant origins revealed—Cohen took his vow at 15, uniting a shattered pack and locking up his libido forever.Cult of Constantine: Cliff-jumping prophets, suicidal acolytes, and the horrifying possibility that Serena might be divine…or related.Self Soup Scene™: Ice baths, glands, and Cohen proving chivalry isn’t dead—it’s just sweaty.Heat Cycle Havoc: Biology lectures, hormone injections, and the line heard round the pod: “My smell brings all the wolves to the yard.”Plus: Drag Race linguistics, the eternal “Killer vs Princess” nickname debate, and a bonus Moonstruck detour that somehow makes perfect sense.Next up: Mate – Chapters 27 to End. Expect resolution, revelation, and probably one final ladle of soup.

Episode Title: Mate – Chapters 1–12 (Werewolf Bar Mitzvah Edition!) ???? Description: The Romanty Roundtableis back and absolutely unhinged, diving into the Omegaverse with Mate by Ali Hazelwood, the companion novel to Bride! Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down the first 12 chapters, introducing the hunted Human-Were hybrid Serena Paris and the formidable Alpha Koen Alexander. The crew discusses Serena's mysterious hybrid illness, the undeniable mate bond vs. Koen's infamous Celibacy Covenant, and the confusing science of werewolf biology. Expect an accidental giveaway announcement, debates on why Millennials love email, and a deep dive into the canonical Judaism of the Northwest Pack.Key Topics Discussed:Alpha vs. Alpha: We discuss the difference between the "domesticated" investment banker Low and the "wild" Jewish Alpha Koen, who hates being thanked.The Alpha's Rules: Koen claims Serena as his mate for protection, despite his centuries-old vow of celibacy, setting up a primal conflict with their sharp, magnetic chemistry.Dying Hybrid: Serena is secretly dealing with CSD (Cortisol Surge Disorder) and keeps her illness from Koen and Misery, forcing her to hide her rapidly increasing need for her mate.Pack Drama & Genetics: The crew debates werewolf anatomy, the significance of the Northwest Pack's destroyed records, and whether Serena's father is the key to her past."Mental Throat Punch" The episode features a dramatic re-enactment of the worst line of dialogue ever written, plus an accidental giveaway for listeners brave enough to make it to the end.Join us for chaos, cringe, and conspiracy theories. Chapters 13–26 are next—we’re one step closer to figuring out why Ali Hazelwood's heroes are so into woodworking!

Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 36–End (Finale!)Description: The Romanty Roundtable has survived the third-quarter slump and is finally done with A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire! Amanda, Kim, and Rick close the book on Poppy and Casteel's chaotic journey, covering the final, explosive chapters (36 through 45). They discuss the long-awaited wedding, a sudden battle, a heartbreaking betrayal, and a shocking divine power-up in the final minutes. The crew gives their definitive final ratings, debates the concept of "soul eating," and celebrates the fact that the two best parts of the book were, unfortunately, the last two chapters.Key Topics Discussed: * The Atlantian Wedding: Poppy and Casteel actually get married in a surprisingly un-Christian ritual, complete with burying rings and a mark of union on their palms. * The Best Bad Sentence: We revisit the terrible, cringe dialogue, including the line: "I've always known you like that I enjoy when you make me bleed." * The Final Betrayal: The crew reacts to the unexpected traitorous plot twist involving the "cute little puppy" Becket, and the subsequent "Red Wedding" chaos. * The Power-Up: Poppy discovers a terrifying new use of her empath skills: soul eating and channeling hatred back at her attackers, causing the sky to rain blood. * The Divine Reveal: In the book's climax, Casteel kneels, Queen Eloana abdicates, and Poppy is proclaimed the rightful Queen, the descendant of the King of the Gods. * Join or Don't: We discuss the constant teasing of the threesome/joining and the consensus that the third book has to deliver. * Hot Takes & Final Ratings: The crew gives their final star rating (a reluctant 2.5 ⭐️) and "soup" score for the whole book, concluding that author Jenny should stick to writing plot, not romance.Next Up: Omegaverse!We’re putting away the heartmates and jumping into Mate by Ali Hazelwood, the highly anticipated paranormal companion novel.Join us next time as we begin reading Chapters 1–12!

Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 24–35Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns, barely surviving the third-quarter slump of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle bacon jokes from 2013, the world’s slowest “joining” talk, soup in the soup, and an alarming number of thumb references. Somewhere between hot springs foreplay and military strategy, our trio wonders if anything in this book actually happens—or if we’re all just second-screening it at this point.Highlights include:The Joining Threesome That Wasn’t: Poppy, Castile, and Kieran keep talking about it, and everyone just wants them to do it already.Juice Box Chronicles: Kieran supervises the world’s most awkward feeding scene while Rick logs every thumb movement.Spark Notes & Show Your Spark: Poppy gains lightning, healing powers, and a personal fan club of wolves who think she smells like mothballs.Soup in the Soup: The hot-spring scene finally happens, complete with recycled cave romance energy and deeply questionable dialogue.Drama at Spessa’s End: Political betrayals, dead side characters we barely met, and Poppy declaring she’s ready to fight while everyone else begs her to stay in the tent and heal.The Fire Rises: The Ascended are marching, Rick is losing the will to live, and Kim sneezes through the prophecy of “one more soup scene.”Plus: Comic-Con shout-outs, Kingdom of Threads merch obsession, “halp” frogs, and confirmation that the pod loves The Life of a Showgirl more than this entire series.Next up: Chapters 36–End—expect chaos, confessions, and (allegedly) the final bowl of soup.

Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 13–23Description: The Romanty Roundtable continues the chaos with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, covering chapters 13–23. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack Atlantean lore dumps, blood-soaked battles, pantry makeouts, and a very questionable use of the word “honeydew.” From cave cats and silver hawks to Dead Bones cannibals and heartmate drama, this section of the book gives us everything from messy soup scenes to Hot Topic-level life mottos.Key Topics Discussed:Library Laps & Lightning Teases – Poppy learns about empath warriors while being forcibly lap-sat, discovers wyverns (not dragons), and sparks that might foreshadow a fiery new signet.Ascended Attack – Lord Cheney (aka Dick Cheney) kidnaps Poppy mid-chaos, baby-eating vamps abound, and Castile rips out throats with war-crime efficiency.Carriage Carnage – Poppy stabs her way to survival with the legendary “meat knife” before Castile goes full dramatic rescue and feeds her his blood.Pantry Passion – A supply closet smooch with Castile gives us heat, vegetables, and the classic fake-engagement angst.Cheney’s Final Curtain – Poppy gets her vengeance with the bloodstone dagger, while Kieran and Castile’s wolven bond raises more moral questions than answers.Soup Complaints – A nightmare, an ick-inducing bedside feeding, and nipple pain discourse lead to one of the weirdest soup scenes yet.Dead Bones Clan Throwdown – Skin masks, bone windchimes, and Poppy proving she can slay with a bloodstone bow. Action scene clarity not included.Pompei & Spessa’s End – Ruins, secret strongholds, and Atlantian plumbing logistics: showers exist… sometimes.Honeydew & Heartmates – Castile’s trance-feeding ends with the worst pet name ever, before Kieran drops the “heartmate” bomb that no one asked for.Join us for pantry kisses, bone masks, and Hot Topic one-liners. Next stop: Chapters 24–35—pack your cloaks, cave cats, and emotional support wolven.

Description: The Romanty Roundtable is BACK with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, and Poppy wastes no time reminding us why she’s the queen of chaotic inner monologues. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into the opening 12 chapters, covering bloody banquets, lore dumps, tree bears, and lap-sitting that nobody actually asked for. Expect unhinged notes, vampire math equations, and the revelation that Castile’s full name is somehow worse than we imagined.Key Topics Discussed:Marriage Ultimatum – Castile proposes (or, well, demands) marriage, Poppy fumes, and everyone wonders how long we can drag out this conversation. Spoiler: 200 pages.Heart-Ripping Romance – From banquet brawls to Indiana Jones callbacks, Castile proves that tearing out hearts is just his love language.Vampire Math 101 – Mortals + blood loss = Craven? Mortals + Atlantean blood = Ascended? Maybe it’s Maybelline.Tree Bears & Bear Rats – The animal kingdom of Atlantia is unhinged, and Jennifer L. Armentrout is just making up vibes.Middle Name Madness – Hawkthrone. Yes, that’s really his middle name. No, we are not okay.One Throne, One Horse – Lap-sitting at dinner cements the “one throne” trope. Ergonomics be damned.Lore Dumps & Bloodlines – Seven Atlantean subtypes, changelings, wolven bonds, and why Poppy is giving “extinct bloodline, but make it main character energy.”Hallmark Moments – Castile promises her a diamond so big it enters the room before she does. Romantic? Terrifying? Both.Join us for heart-ripping, lap-sitting, and tree bear spotting. Next stop: Chapters 13–23. Bring your snowballs, inner hips, and at least one spare throne.

???? Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 36–End???? Description: The Romanty Roundtable closes out Kaylie Smith’s Enchantra with a finale full of bargains, betrayals, memory wipes, and one very stubborn fox. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the final chapters as Genevieve and Rowan descend into hell, face Knox’s manipulations, and fight through the last deadly round of the Hunt. Expect shadow soup, soul lock drama, and an ending that had us equal parts swooning and side-eyeing.???? Key Topics Discussed:Hell is Basically Norway? – Demons, shops, fans on “Enchantrogram,” and why Knox’s estate feels more like a goth shopping district than eternal damnation.Bargains on Bargains – Knox tempts Rowan and Genevieve with freedom, cures, and impossible choices, while our duo proves their love with some very messy confessions.The Trove & The Soul Lock – A James Bond-style villain monologue meets foreshadowed trinkets as Genevieve makes her fateful pick.Final Rounds & Fake-Outs – Ellen bows out, Rowan vs. Grave hits heel-turn territory, and the ultimate sacrifice lands in Genevieve’s hands (and locket).Memory Loss Meltdown – Genevieve wakes up without Rowan, Salem gets snarky, and we all collectively groan at the “amnesia trope”… until the letters (and a certain ring) start rolling in.The Ring & The Reunion – Rowan trades his immortality, Genevieve chooses love, and the waterfront kiss delivers the romantasy payoff.Epilogue Set-Up – Crimson rot cures, devil frat houses, and the looming big bad king—plus, Lucy’s subplot heating up for book three.Soup Ratings & Star Ratings – Was the shadow soup hot enough? Did the pacing land? We debate and land on an average of 3.5 cans of soup and 4 stars.???? Join us for devil bargains, shadow kisses, and fox squeals. Book three is coming—bring your keg stands and soul lockets.

Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 17–35Description: The Romanty Roundtable dives back into Kaylie Smith’s Enchantra, covering chapters 17–35—aka the absolute chaos portion of the book. Amanda, Kim, and Rick wade through deadly hunts, shadow soup, fox games, piranha attacks, and family rituals that make Thanksgiving dinner look tame. Expect labyrinth chills, Umbra adoration, and some of the spiciest shadow play we’ve read yet.Key Topics Discussed:The Hunt Heats Up – Grave’s turn in the labyrinth brings Squid Game vibes, horror-movie choices, and one too many flimsy dresses in the snow.Two Truths & a Lie – Rowan and Genevieve crack open their pasts with games that double as surprisingly emotional intimacy-building.Umbra Supremacy – The little black fox steals the show (and our hearts), from flower crowns to tragic piranha drama.Shadow Soup™ – Rowan brings his shadows into the mix for a scene none of us were prepared for. Extra hands, extra spice.Birthday Stabbings & Family Secrets – Genevieve’s birthday dinner involves stabbing Dad and spilling secrets. Because of course it does.Fox Says… – A trust-building, very not-PG version of Simon Says that escalates fast.Betrayals & Confessions – From bets on Genevieve to Rowan’s secret letter-writing past, trust is tested and love is confessed.Predictions & Theories – Will Genevieve win the Hunt? Or is a trip to hell (literally) setting the stage for book three?Join us for labyrinth chills, shadow thrills, and Umbra squeals. Only one round left in the Hunt—place your bets and hide your foxes.

Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 1–17Description: We’re back with a brand-new series! The Romantasy Roundtable crew embarks on a new gothic romantasy journey with the highly anticipated sequel to Fantasma, Enchantra by Kylie Smith. Amanda, Kim, and Rick discuss the book's first 17 chapters, following Ophelia's sister, Genevieve Grim, as she enters a whole new world of paranormal chaos. From a mysterious new love interest and a deadly scavenger hunt to ancient curses and a whole lot of questions about who is who, the crew breaks down the introduction to the Enchantra world and Genevieve’s new role in the hunt. Expect discussions on chaotic book boy names, the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable "okay" movie, and a very wholesome “soup” scene.Key Topics Discussed:Welcome to Enchantra – We dive into a new book and a new world, picking up right where Phantasma left off and following Genevieve as she travels to Italy to find her mother’s old friend.The Hunt – The crew breaks down the deadly game the Silver family is forced to participate in every year, and the shocking revelation that Genevieve must join them.A New Kind of Book Boy – The gang discusses Genevieve’s introduction to a new kind of book boyfriend, Rowan, a Shadow Wraith whose mysterious past and alluring nature has them all a little confused.Family Secrets – We discuss the complicated family dynamics of the Silver family, their ancient curse, and the unresolved mystery of what a Spectre is.The Soup Scene – The long-awaited discussion of a very wholesome but very forgettable “soup” scene.Final Thoughts & Predictions – The Romantasy Roundtable rates the book so far, gives some wild guesses, and speculates wildly about what’s to come.Join us for more secrets, more curses, and more chaotic energy. Chapters 18–35 are next—bring your tin foil hats and some more soup!

Episode Title: The Knight and the Moth – Chapters 15–EndDescription: The Romanty Roundtable returns to the haunted moors of Traum for the final stretch of The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig—and what a wild ride it is. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dissect the closing chapters of this gothic romantasy, from sprite showdowns and knightly confessions to shocking betrayals and a gargoyle reveal that had us all yelling. Expect boss-battle energy, found-family feels, and exactly one can of soup (complimentary).Key Topics Discussed:Sprite Trouble & Omen Hunts – From mountain sprites to the Heartsore Weaver, we follow Cibil’s dangerous encounters and growing mastery with her hammer, chisel, and magic coin.Rituals, Revelations, & Rory – Cold-water ceremonies, political pomp, and Rory’s steadfast (if slightly too quick) devotion to our Diver-turned-knight.Boss Battle Bliss – A thunderous fight with the Ardent Oarsman that cements Cibil’s strength—and raises new mysteries about her past.Gargoyle Gatekeeping – The truth about the first Diver, the Abbis’ twisted plans, and why our beloved Bartholomew might just be the best Disney-style sidekick never drawn.Benji’s Heel Turn – The shocking betrayal, the wing-shattering cruelty, and how this sets the stage for an epic duology finale.Soup Scene Review – Sweet, gentle, and… easy to forget. One can, no spice.Predictions for Book Two – Sprite alliances, gargoyle armies, and why Ma should probably start drafting her will.Join us for prophecies, betrayals, and pining across battlefield ruins. The second (and final!) book awaits—bring your gargoyle snacks and vengeance lists.

Episode Title: The Knight and the Moth – Chapters 1–14Description: The Romanty Roundtable embarks on a brand-new gothic romantasy journey with The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the first 14 chapters of this moody, magical tale set in the haunted moors of Traum. From cathedral drownings and cryptic prophecies to knife-to-throat banter and suspiciously hot knights, the crew dissects the eerie worldbuilding, ominous omens, and slow-burn tension between our divine dreamer and the heretical knight who doesn’t believe a word she says. Expect moth metaphors, theological debates, and just enough book boy thirst to keep things holy.Key Topics Discussed:Opening Vibes & Gothic Atmosphere – The trio gushes over Gillig’s prose, the cathedral setting, and the windswept moors, while struggling to pin down Traum’s religious and political structure.The Diviner’s Burden – We break down Sybil “Six” Delling’s life as a prophecy-prisoner, her role in serving the Six Omens, and the claustrophobic isolation of Aisling Cathedral.Enter the Knight – Rodrick “Rory” Myndacious rides in with heresy, sarcasm, and zero patience for divine visions. Cue the banter and mutual distrust.Knife Scene™ Energy – A tense, blade-to-throat confrontation turns into a mutual understanding… sort of.The Escape & the Pilgrimage – Six’s reluctant journey with Rory kicks off, complete with countryside tension, questions of faith, and some slow-burn horse proximity.Moth & Light Symbolism – We break down the moth motif, its ties to prophecy, and how Gillig uses it to foreshadow emotional and romantic arcs.Predictions & Theories – Who are the real villains—divine forces, mortal politics, or Rory himself? And what’s the endgame for Six’s prophecies?Bonus Reads & Recs – Amanda’s latest romantasy haul, Kim’s current dark fantasy obsession, and Rick’s ongoing Throne of Glass read.Join us for prophecies, politics, and pining on horseback. Chapter 15–28 is next—bring your moth nets and heresy shields.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 35–EndDescription: The Devil’s Manor saga comes to a blood-soaked, betrayal-packed close—and the Romanty Roundtable is here to scream about it. Amanda, Kim, and Rick finish Phantasma by Kaylie Smith with a finale episode full of spicy phantom angst, crown conspiracies, and emotionally devastating sister drama. As Ophelia faces the final trials, confronts her dark past, and makes her last soup-laced choices, the crew dives into the book’s big reveals, lore dumps, and unhinged epilogues. Did it stick the landing? Were we emotionally okay afterward? No and also no. But we had fun.Key Topics Discussed:Phantom Sex & Shadow Voices – Ophelia finally lets go—emotionally, mentally, and physically—with Blackwell. We break down the power of consent, trauma recovery, and… floating ghost cuddles.Salmaestrus & the Devil Crown Lore Drop – Demon dads, political betrayals, angelic ancestry, and bargain loopholes galore. Amanda explains the whole Devil’s Grant system like we’re five.OCD Metaphors & Mental Health Payoff – Ophelia's shadow voice arc comes full circle in a way that’s powerful, tender, and genuinely therapeutic. We cried. A lot.The Final Trial & The Real Devil – Forget Hunger Games. Ophelia goes full sacrificial lamb, Rick loses it over the sword moment, and we all scream at the final reveal of Sinclair.The Epilogue(s) – Blackwell’s back (ish), Ophelia's free (maybe), and no one is okay. We debate the open ending, mourn missing soup, and spiral over the possible Book 2 vibes.Rating & Reflection – Stars are given, predictions are re-evaluated, and the group talks about what worked, what didn’t, and why we’re still haunted by Poe the cat.Join us for one last round of chaos, coping, and catharsis as we put Phantasma to rest. We laughed, we screamed, we made soup metaphors. And we’ll probably summon Blackwell one last time… just to be sure.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 18–34Description: Things heat up—and bleed—on the latest episode of Romanty Roundtable. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into chapters 18 through 34 of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, tackling phantom thirst traps, demon drama, and the existential horrors of the gluttony level (whatever that was). With blood rain, teleportation sex, and soul-deep OCD metaphors, the gang breaks down Oilia’s increasingly high-stakes trials inside Devil’s Manor and her spiraling bond with our favorite ghostly himbo, Blackwell. Plus: soup theories, devil politics, Sims achievements, and a bourbon-fueled educational tangent you didn’t know you needed.Key Topics Discussed:BookTok & Bookstagram Updates – The team reflects on their growing TikTok community, Instagram apathy, and Rick’s descent into algorithm addiction.OCD, Shadow Voices & Literary Representation – Amanda gets real about OCD representation, praising Kaylie Smith’s depiction of intrusive thoughts and internal chaos.The Lust Level (Yes, There’s Soup) – Bloodlust, fake Blackwell, a vampire orgy maze, and some truly gendered soup dynamics. It’s giving Top Ramen, but haunted.The Greed Cage Death Trap – Gilded cages over lava? Moral dilemmas? Cade f***ing Barlo being the worst? Yup. Cue existential dread.Gluttony Level Confusion – Pendulums, gold bars, and chessboard mechanics no one understands. Reading on vibes only.Wrath & the Consensus Escape – Group trauma bonding, a musical chairs-style death match, and Edna being the MVP.Phantom Soup & Ghost Physiology – They did the ghost with the most. In blood rain. While floating. Questions remain.Sinclair, Secrets & Betrayal – We meet the devil daddy prince Salmaestrus (aka Sal Mistress), learn Blackwell’s hiding things, and Oilia spirals.Predictions & Theories – Angelic ancestry? Genevieve endgame twist? Will Oilia forfeit or fight? Also: what even are spectres?Bonus Reads & Bourbon Rants – Amanda teaches Bourbon 101, Kim’s watching Netflix again, and Rick is deep in his tandem Throne of Glass read. Plus: the literary war crime that is Pizza My Heart.Join us for teleportation make-outs, shadow voice therapy, and a very serious discussion of Sims ghost woohoo achievements. Homework: finish Phantasma! Soup and secrets await.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 1–17Description: The Romanty Roundtable trio kicks off Fantasma by Kaylie Smith with their signature blend of literary insight and chaotic charm. In this episode, Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the first 17 chapters of this gothic romantasy adventure set in a haunted New Orleans. From phantom flirtations and necromantic rituals to soup dreams and ghost cats, the team breaks down the eerie vibes, complex magic system, and early trials of the Devil’s Manor competition—all while making wildly accurate predictions, literary deep dives, and a surprising number of Danny Phantom references.Key Topics Discussed:Technical Difficulties & TikTok Shoutouts – The crew fights through dying fans and phantom mics, gives love to BookTok followers, and teases upcoming reads including The Knight and the Moth.Setting & Style – Praise (and confusion) for the New Orleans setting, gothic atmosphere, and the unclear time period—carriages and septum piercings?OCD Representation & Shadow Voice – Amanda discusses the depiction of OCD through Oilia’s intrusive thoughts and internal “shadow voice,” sharing both personal insights and community feedback.Hierarchy of the Paranormal – The group nerds out over the glossary chart, breaking down demons, ghosts, necromancers, and ephemerals.Ophelia's Journey – From her mother’s death and the magical inheritance ritual to finding herself trapped in Fantasma, Ophelia struggles with responsibility, family legacy, and (of course) hot ghosts.Blackwell the Phantom – Green eyes, snow-white hair, and disembodied banter. Blackwell enters as a mysterious phantom trapped in the manor. Is he the love interest? Danny Phantom? Both?The Blood Bargain – Ophelia refuses at first, but later accepts Blackwell’s blood pact to help her find her sister and win the Devil’s Grant—setting up a classic romantasy deal-with-a-demon trope.The Trials Begin – Level One (Limbo) throws contestants into a disorienting maze with a hellhound. Ophelia survives thanks to her wits and magic sparks, but tensions rise between contestants.Favorite Details – Poe the ghost cat, the glimmers of soup (aka spice), and the Dante’s Inferno-inspired structure of the competition get big love from the team.Theories & Predictions – Who’s the heart? Who’s the key? Is Cade the Jack Barlow of this book? Will Genevieve be the one to set Blackwell free?Bonus Reading Recs – Amanda powers through five books for her bingo board. Kim’s back in Crescent City, and Rick is deep in Throne of Glass, rating Crown of Midnight a 5-star banger.Join us for a wild ride through ghouls, ghost cats, bargain demons, and growing soup tension. Chapter 18–35 is next—lust awaits. Like, subscribe, and summon Blackwell by saying his name three times… if you dare.

Episode Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Rapid Fire RecapDescription: The Romanty Roundtable kicks off their SJM journey with a chaotic, unfiltered rapid-fire recap of A Court of Thorns and Roses. We’re diving headfirst into the book that started it all—spring court, sexy fae, and Tamlin slander included. From rants about riddle logic to a heated debate about Rhys’s early behavior, Rick, Amanda, and Kim pull no punches as they tear through plot points, throw shade, and confess unpopular opinions. It’s feral, it’s unhinged, it’s ACOTAR—Romanty style.Key Topics Discussed:Drinking Game Chaos — Fueled by wine and increasingly unhinged energy, the crew plays a Romantasy-themed drinking game that turns every red flag and plot hole into a reason to sip, spiral, and scream-laugh.Feyre’s Foolishness — Our leading lady catches heat for some truly baffling decisions, including trusting the Suriel and falling for a golden retriever in a mask. Survivalist? Maybe. Smart? Questionable.Tamlin the Wet Noodle — The gloves come off. The crew roasts Tamlin’s lack of personality, manipulative vibes, and general beige energy. Kim calls it early: “This man is not it.”Rhysand: Red Flag or Misunderstood? — Rhys gets major side-eye for his behavior under the mountain, sparking a spicy debate. Amanda’s not convinced, Rick’s conflicted, and Kim is just tired.The Riddle Heard ‘Round the World — The infamous “love” riddle breaks the group. Is Feyre just illiterate? Is the riddle too easy? Did Amarantha secretly want to lose?Under the Mountain Drama — From trials to torture, the crew unpacks the darkness of Amarantha’s rule and why the book’s final act feels so tonally different (and better?) than the rest.Sarah J. Maas's Writing Glow-Up — Everyone agrees: the first book is messy, fun, and not her best work. But it sets the foundation for future chaos, spice, and character growth.Bone-Carver Confusion — Wait… wrong book? Too late. The gang spirals into ACOMAF territory and can’t stop. Feyre's sisters, Illyrians, and future mate-bombs are already on the table.Insights Based on Numbers:1 spring court, 1 golden retriever fae, 3 spicy opinions per minute3 trials, 1 riddle, 0 satisfying Tamlin moments1 red flag love interest, 1 glow-up pending, 100% unhinged1 starter book → endless SJM drama to come

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 21–EndDescription: The Romanty Roundtable sinks its fangs into the final chapters of Bride by Ali Hazelwood—complete with blood bag cocktails, Cheez-It ASMR, and a full breakdown of werewolf anatomy (you’ve been warned). As the book wraps up its steamy werewolf-vampire politics, the crew reflects on everything from consent and hybrid identity to disappointing twists and anatomically confusing soup. With equal parts chaos and critique, Rick, Amanda, and Kim bring laughs, hot takes, and heartfelt reviews in this finale.Key Topics Discussed:Consent in the Soup — The group appreciates how Hazelwood handles consent during spicy scenes, contrasting it with other monster romances. Lowe may be dominant, but Misery stays in control.The Knot Situation — Yes, that scene. Confusion, Google searches, and too much canine anatomy lead to a collective existential crisis—and a firm line between monster romance and monster biology.Ending Letdowns — Despite strong early chapters, the crew agrees the final twist fell flat. Misery’s dad as the villain? Meh. Gabby? Underused. The final battle? Mostly off-page. A lot of build-up, not much bite.Misery: Smart or Dumb? — The hosts debate how someone so book-smart can be so romantically clueless. Is it endearing, frustrating, or just bad character development?Serena Returns — The not-so-dead best friend is back, and the group enjoys her reunion with Misery. Bonus points for Sylvester the cat and the term “fuckwaffle” making a repeat appearance.Lo’s Emotional Walls — “You're not a problem, you're a privilege” hits hard—but so does his hot/cold pushback. The final declaration of love is satisfying, but the road there is bumpy.Werewolf Worldbuilding — The Roundtable digs into Council drama, political fallout, and the vampire/wear hierarchy—and the overarching message that maybe all systems are bad.Blood Cocktails & Book Pong — The episode ends with a live game of book pong to pick the next read (Fantasmawins!), lots of wine-fueled laughter, and a debate about rating systems.Insights Based on Numbers:10 final chapters → 1 werewolf knot explained in horrifying detail3 podcasters → 1 group braincell as they piece together plot, romance, and worldbuilding3.5 stars from all three readers → Fun but flawed4 soup cans for spice → “Good soup… except for the knot”1 confirmed hybrid, 1 soft alpha, 1 villain dad, 0 epic on-page final fights

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 11–20Description: The Romanty Roundtable continues their journey through Bride by Ali Hazelwood, covering chapters 11–20 with spirited discussion, deepening character insights, and steamy werewolf-vampire dynamics. From big Jewish weddings to bouncy castle party planning, the team brings humor and heart as they dive into evolving relationships, complex world-building, and juicy plot twists—including a surprise poisoning! The soup (read: sexual tension) is definitely simmering.Key Topics Discussed:Pack Politics & Parallel Traumas – Misery and Lo’s shared histories of displacement and forced roles emerge as emotional glue, building mutual understanding amid werewolf-vampire hierarchies.Sensual Scenting & Consent – A pivotal scene in California features Lo scenting Misery to claim her as pack—a powerfully intimate and respectful act that underscores simmering chemistry.Tech Meets Fantasy – From Raspberry Pi devices to spy museum dreams, this section blends realism and tech into a magical world with hacker wolves and digital-illiterate alphas.Dinner Parties & Declarations – Scenes with family-style meals, Capri Sun-esque blood pouches, and vampire birthday bans spotlight the novel’s clever juxtaposition of domestic charm and dark lore.Soup Check: Blood = Pleasure – Feeding becomes sensual as Misery drinks from Lo for the first time, sparking euphoric sensations, mutual vulnerability, and undeniable romantic bonding.Mating Misunderstandings – Lo clearly sees Misery as his mate, but Misery remains hilariously oblivious. The crew debates whether it’s cultural ignorance or classic rom-com blindness.Poisoned Peanut Butter & Plot Twists – Misery’s collapse after a sweet moment (literally—peanut butter!) suggests foul play, possibly from within. Suspicion brews around Juno’s motives.Fluffy Werewolf Cuddles – After near-death, Misery awakens to find Lo in wolf form guarding her. What follows is a heartwarming and deeply cozy one-bed-turned-closet moment that blurs romance with puppy-level affection.Predictions & Speculations – Is Serena dead? Is she Anna’s sister? Is Juno jealous or just shady? The roundtable lays their bets for what’s next—often with wine on the line.Join the Romanty Roundtable for another lively discussion full of insights, headcanons, literary laughs, and just the right amount of chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and weigh in with your predictions and favorite theories!

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 1–10Description: The Romanty Roundtable kicks off their readalong of Bride by Ali Hazelwood, diving into a steamy supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, and forbidden romance. In these early chapters, we meet Misery Lark—an academic forced into a political marriage with the mysterious werewolf Lowe. Packed with power dynamics, witty banter, and hidden agendas, this book starts hot and gets hotter. The crew discusses themes of autonomy, loyalty, identity, and spice, with plenty of detours into wolfish behavior and bloodplay banter.Key Topics Discussed:Misery Lark’s Dilemma — Half-vampire, full mess: Misery is forced into a werewolf marriage for political reasons while secretly trying to find her missing best friend. Her dry wit and inner voice steal the show early on.Lowe’s Alpha Energy — Territorial, protective, and fanged: Lowe, the werewolf alpha, brims with mate tropes, charm, and quiet dominance. His interactions with Misery sizzle from the start, blending gruffness with genuine intrigue.Fake Marriage, Real Sparks — Enemies to lovers with a bite: The political betrothal setup rapidly turns into romantic tension, with subtle shifts in power, desire, and trust between Misery and Lowe.Missing Friend Mystery — Misery’s secret mission: Beneath the surface romance lies a compelling mystery as Misery searches for her missing friend Kira and unravels truths about vampire-werewolf relations.Spice and Bloodplay — Early heat and taboo kinks: The group talks about Hazelwood’s fearless approach to spice, including bloodplay, mate tropes, and physical intimacy that’s intense, primal, and layered with emotional beats.Political Worldbuilding — Laws, tensions, and governance: From vampire nobility to werewolf social hierarchies, the hosts discuss the nuanced supernatural politics that shape the story’s stakes.Insights Based on Numbers10 chapters, 1 steamy encounter, 2 hidden motives: Lays the groundwork for deeper character arcs and evolving relationships.1 missing friend, 1 suspicious father, 3 vampire laws mentioned: The tension builds across multiple threads.2 fated mates?: The ambiguity around fate and choice keeps the romantic stakes high.

Episode Title: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a DemonDescription: In this episode, the Romanty Roundtable dives into That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming — a fast, fun, and ridiculous romantasy romp. The crew explores Cinnamon Hot Pepper’s journey from drunken spice farmer to unlikely demon-saving heroine. Filled with pirate hijinks, dragon transformations, dubious soups, and plenty of laughs, this tale delivers humor, steamy moments, and self-aware silliness. Expect hearty banter, sharp critiques, and more than a few detours into video games and soup metaphors.Key Topics Discussed: Cinnamon’s Unlikely Adventure — Drunken night leads to demon drama: Cinnamon Hot Pepper stumbles into an unexpected quest after smacking a demon with a cinnamon stick, discovering her “goddess” is an undead witch enslaving demons.Fallon the Dragon Demon — Demon ally with hidden powers: Cinnamon’s companion turns out to be a dragon demon, fiercely protective and increasingly enamored, adding steamy tension and pirate flair to their quest.Pirate Escapades — From city destruction to high seas: After burning a city in a rage, Fallon and Cinnamon become pirates, gathering allies (a werewolf, snake demon, and tavern owner) for their final showdown.Final Battle Against the Lich — Hero’s party clash and goddess defeat: The group battles the false goddess (a lich), Cinnamon smashes the last chalice, and Fallon’s dragon fury nearly destroys everything — until love saves the day.Soup & Romance Tropes — Dubious consensual scenes stir debate: The crew critiques repetitive “soup” scenes (steamy moments) and the handling of dubious consent tropes, while reflecting on the book’s self-aware absurdity.Bonus detours — Video games & ratings talk: Tangents include Clare Obscure Expedition 33 game reviews and musings on star ratings, highlighting the fun chaos of the podcast.Insights Based on Numbers200 pages, 15 chapters, 1 epilogue: A compact tale that barrels through plot points at breakneck speed.4 temples/chalices smashed: A video game-like progression that fuels the quest structure.3 months of island honeymoon: Marks the characters’ transition from chaos to peace, highlighting the shift from adventure to domesticity.Average crew rating: 2.5 stars: Reflects enjoyment of the humor but criticism of repetitive tropes and consent issues.

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 50–EndDescription: The finale of Onyx Storm delivers everything fans could want—intense showdowns, magical revelations, emotional heartbreak, and hilarious commentary from the Romantasy Round Table crew. As Violet navigates devastating losses, newfound powers, and shocking betrayals, the team breaks down every major twist and epic moment with passion and wit.Key Topics Discussed: • Violet’s Second Signet – Dreamwalking:Violet’s new power allows her to enter others’ dreams, revealing her as a rare dreamwalker—more powerful than Zaden’s ability to read thoughts. This magic emerges from her emotional drive to reach Andarna and shapes her journey profoundly. • The Return of the Irids:The peaceful Irid dragons return in a critical moment, reigniting the wards and shifting the balance of power. Leoan, revealed to be of Andarna’s line, powers the wards to protect Violet, emphasizing family ties and destiny. • Battle and Loss – Theophony’s Threat:Wyvern swarm, Tairn is wounded, and Andarna leaves Violet. Theophony attacks, threatening Meera’s life and igniting major conflict. Though Meera’s throat is slit, a stunning siphon-based healing saves her—highlighting magic’s complexity and emotional stakes. • Violet’s Three Signets – A Magical Evolution:A groundbreaking moment suggests Violet holds three signets, two from Tairn, reflecting his strength and lineage. This unprecedented power hints at her unique destiny in the world of riders and dragons. • Family Secrets and the Path to Venon:Violet’s past comes to light—her incomplete dedication to the priesthood, her parents’ secret decisions, and Zaden’s confession of turning Venon. A shadow looms: is Violet destined to turn too? Or will she resist temptation? • Theophony vs. Violet – Magic Showdown:In an explosive duel, Violet faces off against Theophony, who reveals storm magic and a personal vendetta tied to Violet’s mother. Violet’s clever use of lightning and aerial acrobatics turns the tide, with Scale and Tairn as loyal allies. • Rider-Dragon Bonds Deepen:The team explores how dragon personalities reflect their riders. Violet, Rhiannon, and others showcase these profound relationships during high-stakes battles, adding emotional depth and fun to the action. • Comic Relief and Chaos:From dragons named “Queer” and “Tiny” to debates over Venon baby names and Rebecca Yarros’ love of chairs, the crew blends deep analysis with irreverent fun and their trademark banter.Join the Romantasy Round Table as they wrap up Onyx Storm with epic insights, heartfelt commentary, and a healthy dose of chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite moments in the comments!

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 34–49Description: In this thrilling installment of Romanty Roundtable, the hosts dive into chapters 34–49 of Onyx Storm, where the emotional stakes rise and the fantastical elements intensify. From poisoned dinner parties and dragon diplomacy to mysterious signets and kitten gifts, this section of the book offers rich plot development, complex character arcs, and laugh-out-loud moments. The team brings their signature humor and heartfelt analysis to every twist and turn.Special thanks to The Literary Lifestyle for their incredible chapter summaries that helped guide this week’s discussion!Dinner with Zaden’s Mom – Violet and the crew confront family drama and political pressure over cauliflower-laden meals, while contract marriages and stepbrothers emerge from the shadows.Wisdom Trials and Poison Plots – The group faces a philosophical challenge with the Triumvirate, leading to a dinner laced with double poison. Violet’s brilliance shines as she negotiates freedom and survival.Double Poison Reveal – Violet flips the script with a surprise double-cross, leveraging Andarna’s stealth for dramatic blackmail, and establishing a hard-earned alliance.The Luck Trial Turns Deadly – A mystical card game gifts everything from tunics to kittens… and ends in tragedy. Trager’s death is swift and heartbreaking, marking a powerful narrative shift.Dragon Diplomacy and Andarna’s Origin – Feather-tailed Irid dragons arrive, revealing complex moral codes and judging Violet’s use of Andarna. Andarna’s past as the “criterion” sparks questions of ethics and purpose.Riddick’s Rise – The fan-favorite continues to shine with wit, loyalty, and emotional depth, navigating Violet’s secrets and confronting Zaden’s growing darkness.Violet’s Second Signet Hints – Dream-based power theories and cryptic warnings suggest Violet may have the ability to enter others’ dreams or minds, raising tantalizing questions about her true potential.Zaden’s Inner Turmoil – The shadow wielder’s red-eyed secrets and potential fall into darkness are revealed to Riddick, sparking a moral debate that tests squad loyalty.Military Briefings and Magical Balances – The team returns to Basgiath to discover massive destruction, traitor speculation, and a second shadow wielder—hinting at cosmic balances and double signets.Broccoli the Kitten & Birthday Gifts – Light-hearted moments shine through grief with the introduction of Broccoli the kitten and a heartfelt birthday scene between Violet and Zaden.Join the Romanty Roundtable as they unpack this emotionally intense and philosophically rich section of Onyx Storm. From epic dragon lore to witty banter, this episode has it all. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts about Broccoli, signets, and soup!

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 17–33Description: This episode of Romanty Roundtable dives deep into chapters 17–33 of Onyx Storm, where the fantasy saga surges forward with intense action, rich worldbuilding, and sizzling character dynamics. Violet and her quest squad are back—and this time, the stakes are even higher. Expect plenty of twists, heartfelt revelations, and the podcast's signature humor as the crew unpacks magical battles, dragon lore, political drama, and romantic turmoil.Special thanks to The Literary Lifestyle for their incredible chapter summaries that helped guide this week’s discussion!https://theliterarylifestyle.com/onyx-storm-summary/Key Topics Discussed:Dane’s Underwhelming Arc – The much-anticipated reveal fizzles as Dane simply hands over the book offscreen, prompting critiques of lazy storytelling and missed tension.Classic Fantasy Quest Unlocked – Violet's journey truly begins with secret codes, cryptic letters from her father, and a mission to retrieve rare magical items far beyond the reach of known magic.Prince Halden Arrives – Violet’s ex reenters the picture, causing jealousy sparks with Zaden. Their complicated history gets tangled in diplomacy and dragonfire.The Password is... Love? – Intricate riddles lead to the unlocking of Violet's father’s book, revealing deep truths and literary nods (Dan Brown and ACOTAR fans will be thrilled).Quest Squad Chaos – Violet forms her ideal team: Zaden, Meera, Riddick, Cat, Halden, and more—a cocktail of exes, frenemies, and misfits on a mission. Hilarity (and danger) ensues.Wyverns and Tragedy – A powerful wyvern attack leads to Aura's fiery downfall. Andarna and Tairn return with fierce dragon energy, shifting the balance of power.Ice Magic Unleashed – Riddick reveals his terrifying new abilities, hinting at the limits of signet training and the creative evolution of magic beyond the school system.Dragon Diplomacy – Violet negotiates with kings and nobles, trading secrets, shells, and sarcastic burns to keep her squad alive and their mission intact.Steamy Romance – Zaden and Violet finally act on their tension in a scene that’s both spicy and emotionally vulnerable—dubbed “The Soup Chapter” by the crew.Andarna's Reveal – The mysterious dragon is confirmed as the seventh kind, showcasing stealth, sass, and immense magical potential in key battle moments.Panther Fights and Political Moves – The tension escalates in Devarelli with betrayals, assassinations, and magical brawls that leave Halden sidelined and Zaden in charge.Join the Romanty Roundtable for an episode full of literary theories, emotional unpacking, and signature chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite quest squad moments in the comments!

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 1–16Description:The Onyx Storm adventure begins! The Romanty Roundtable crew kicks off their deep dive into the first 16 chapters of Rebecca Yarros' highly anticipated third installment in the Fourth Wing series. With wild conspiracy theories, emotional dragon moments, and a brand-new Quest Squad forming (sort of), this episode is packed with laughs, lore, and lots of lightning.From Violet’s dual-dragons dilemma to Zaden’s ever-growing shadowy signet, the gang explores memory-sharing theories, silver-haired Venon, and whether Violet is more powerful—and more connected—than we ever imagined. Plus, we unpack Tairn and Andarna’s elite-level banter, soup scenes, and wild fan predictions about time travel, betrayal, and…wrestling plot metaphors?Key Topics Discussed:Andarna’s Evolution – From freshman dragon to time-bending MVP, we track Andarna’s powerful growth and her significance to Violet’s second signet theory.Zaden the Venon – Is he truly lost? Or can Violet “cure” him? We debate what it means to channel shadow magic—and what his role in the revolution might really be.Theophany’s Arrival – Who is the lightning-wielding, silver-haired villain? A future version of Violet? A long-lost relative? A scribe cover-up? The theories fly.Quest Squad Assembles – Violet sets off on a new mission with a very non-friend-squad team. Will the OG gang reunite? Or are we doomed to fight Venon with strangers?Second Signets & Dragon Lineage – Double-signet powers, family dragons, and how memory and legacy might shape who’s chosen to fight—and win.Soup Scenes & Shadow Kisses – There’s still romance in the air! We break down the spicy (and shadowy) moments between Violet and Zaden.Scribe Conspiracies – Are the scribes hiding everything? Is this story even reliable? We ask the big meta-questions—and toss in a Zootopia reference for good measure.What’s Up with Dane? – Has our least-favorite ex gone full redemption arc? Or is he setting up for the ultimate twist?Join Rick, Amanda, and Kim as they make predictions, share Kindle highlights, and debate everything from lavender lemonade to silver hair genetics. It’s book club chaos at its finest.Drop your wildest Onyx Storm theory in the comments!Like, subscribe, and follow for weekly romantasy deep dives!Now streaming on all podcast platforms.

Episode Title: Iron Flame – Chapters 52–EndDescription: The epic conclusion to Iron Flame brings all the tension, heartbreak, and revelations fans have been waiting for! In this episode, we dive into the final chapters of Violet’s journey as she uncovers betrayals, discovers hidden powers, and confronts the full wrath of the Venon. With powerful character arcs, game-changing plot twists, and emotionally charged moments, this finale has it all—plus some hilarious detours, theories, and favorite quotes from the hosts.Key Topics Discussed:The Tunnel Mission – Violet’s team faces Solas the dragon in a deadly underground battle. Vezia dies, Sloan reveals her signet, and Cat defies expectations to fight beside Violet.Xaden’s Second Signet – He finally reveals he can read intentions, showing how much trust has grown between him and Violet.Jack’s Dark Turn – Jack returns, kills his dragon, and is revealed to be Venon. His betrayal leads to the destruction of the wardstone at Basgiath.The Final Battle – Violet, her mother, and their squad defend Basgiath against a massive Venon and Wyvern invasion. Andarna plays a pivotal role with her camouflage and time-bending powers.Violet’s Squad Unites – Violet’s team shows growth and loyalty as they stay together during the final fight, showcasing their bond and development.New Dragon Lore – A seventh dragon type is revealed—Andarna’s true identity—and Brennan repairs the wardstone with a surprising use of his mender signet.Political Power Plays – General Melgren tries to recruit the revolution but is rebuffed. Violet’s mother surprises everyone by handing over the second journal, hinting at deeper motives.Theories and Emotional Beats – From foreshadowing Xaden’s mother to big feelings about Andarna’s arc, the team dives deep with both heart and humor.Join the Romanty Roundtable crew for their final Iron Flame discussion—full of laughter, insights, and just the right amount of chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite moments in the comments!