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Talk about a full-circle moment. 🥹🩰🖤

Longtime Nerds may already know Kate Baron from her previous visits to Fiction Fanatics as a fan fiction author. But this time, Kate is back for a VERY special reason: she’s officially a published author!

We sit down with Kate to celebrate the release of her debut novel, Shadow Veiled, and talk about everything that happened between then and now. From taking the leap from fan fiction to original fiction, to creating the dark academia and ballet-filled world of Shadow Veiled, to finally seeing her name on the cover of an actual book—we get into the entire journey. 🕯️🥀

Kate opens up about her inspiration, her characters, the writing and publishing process, and what it feels like to finally share this story with readers. And because it’s Kate, there are plenty of laughs, tangents, and classic Fiction Fanaticschaos along the way.

Getting to watch someone we already loved as a writer turn her dream into something we can literally hold in our handshas been incredibly special.

Kate, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. 🖤

Grab your copy of Shadow Veiled and come celebrate with us—this is one episode longtime Nerds definitely don’t want to miss. 🩰🕯️

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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WE’RE BACK, NERDS!!! 📚💖

After a little summer break, the Fiction Fanatics girls are finally back together and there is a lot to catch up on.

This week, we’re keeping things cozy and catching you up on what we’ve been doing all summer, what’s been happening in our lives, and—obviously—what we’ve been reading. 👀📖

We’re talking summer adventures, current reads, books we loved (and maybe some we didn’t 👀), what’s been sitting on our TBRs, and everything in between. Basically, consider this one big overdue catch-up with your bookish besties. 💕

Grab your coffee—or your current read—and come hang out with us. We missed you, Nerds!! And we have SO much coming your way this fall. 🎙️✨

Welcome back to Fiction Fanatics. 💜

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Hi Nerds 🤍

We’re popping in with a quick little life update! Between traveling, work, and taking care of babies (!!), life has been a little full lately — in the best way, but definitely busy.

Because of that, we’re going to be shifting to one episode a month for the summer instead of our usual weekly schedule. We still love this podcast (and you guys) so much, and we want to keep showing up in a way that feels fun, thoughtful, and very Fiction Fanatics.

We’re not going anywhere — just slowing down a bit for this season ✨

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Nerds… we’re back in the pack. 🐺🔥

For our February Book of the Month, we’re diving into Mate, the sequel from Ali Hazelwood — and we have so much to say.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How this sequel expands the world and raises the stakes
• Seeing beloved characters again (and why we were so happy to be back)
• The new characters who completely stole our hearts
• Our favorite scenes (yes, THOSE scenes)
• The tension, the devotion, the pack politics
• And why Ali’s paranormal era is working for us

There’s something so satisfying about returning to a world you already love — and Mate gave us that comfort while still delivering new dynamics, deeper emotion, and major swoon moments.

We’re celebrating the old characters, obsessing over the new ones, and breaking down why this sequel felt bigger, bolder, and even more intense.

Come howl with us. 🐺💋

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Nerds, it was finally time — we’re diving into Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, and we have so much to say.

In this episode of Fiction Fanatics, we break down the world of Legendborn — from its Arthurian roots and secret societies to its raw exploration of grief, power, identity, and rage. We talk characters we loved (and questioned), moments that hit us emotionally, and why this story feels so important in the fantasy landscape.

This conversation is thoughtful, passionate, and occasionally unhinged (in the best way). Whether you’re a longtime fan of Legendborn or picking it up for the first time, this episode is a deep dive into what makes Tracy Deonn’s storytelling so compelling — and why this book stays with you long after the final page.

⚔️ Magic, mythology, grief, and chosen family — let’s talk about it.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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In this episode, we’re wrapping up 2025 and looking ahead to what 2026 has in store. We chat about the things we truly loved this year, the things that were… just okay, and what we’re most excited about moving forward.

It’s a relaxed, reflective conversation with plenty of laughs—and if you stick around to the end, Ivy and Tobey make a special appearance 

Thanks for being part of another year with us. We’re so excited for what’s next.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Nerds, this episode was dark in all the best ways — and way more fun than we expected. 😈✨

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Caitlin Starling, and from the start, the conversation was equal parts unsettling, smart, and genuinely playful. Caitlin is brilliant, sharp, and quietly hilarious, and chatting with her felt like slipping into a conversation that’s just a little dangerous — in the best possible way.

We talk about her approach to writing psychological, genre-blending stories, why darkness can be such a powerful playground for creativity, and how tension, obsession, and fear can coexist with wit and curiosity on the page. The conversation flows easily, the laughs sneak up on you, and the ideas linger long after.

🖤 Thoughtful, eerie, and unexpectedly fun — this is one you’ll want to settle into.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Nerds, we loved this episode. 🤍

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by Emiko Jean, and from the moment we started talking, everything just clicked. The conversation flowed so naturally that it felt less like an interview and more like a cozy, bookish hangout — complete with laughter, thoughtful moments, and yes, a tangent or two we didn’t want to stop.

We chat about Emiko’s journey as a writer, what draws her to emotionally rich stories, and the heart behind her latest novel, Love Me Tomorrow. Along the way, we talk love, memory, connection, and how stories can surprise us when we let them lead.

This episode reminded us exactly why we love doing this podcast — genuine conversations, incredible authors, and those moments where everything feels easy and fun.

✨ Warm, funny, heartfelt, and full of love — we adored Emiko, and we think you will too.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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Nerds, this episode is truly something special. 🤍

Today on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Alyson Richman, and from the very first question, we were captivated by her warmth, depth, and singular way of storytelling. Alyson has a remarkable ability to weave history, love, grief, and art into narratives that feel both intimate and timeless.

We talk about her journey to becoming an author, the themes that thread through her work, and what draws her to stories shaped by memory and loss. Our conversation dives deep into her latest novel, The Missing Pages, a haunting and heartfelt reimagining of the Titanic tragedy of Harry Widener — told through the voice of his ghost in the Harvard library built in his honor.

Part love story, part ghost story, and a powerful meditation on how books preserve the people we’ve lost, this episode is for anyone who believes stories can outlive us.

✨ Thoughtful, moving, and unforgettable — this is one you won’t want to miss.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***

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We are absolutely smitten with this episode. 💖

This week on Fiction Fanatics, we’re joined by the wonderful Laurie Gilmore, and from the very first minute, it felt like chatting with a longtime friend. We talk about her writing journey, the heart behind her stories, and the magic of creating characters that feel like home.

Laurie shares insights into her creative process, what inspires her cozy, heartfelt worlds, and how she balances romance, emotion, and comfort on the page. Plus, there are plenty of laughs, bookish tangents, and those moments where conversation just flows.

This is one of those episodes that reminds us why we love what we do — genuine connection, great stories, and authors who feel like kindred spirits.

✨ Grab a blanket, your favorite drink, and settle in — this one’s a joy from start to finish.

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***Produced by Jen Hardin***