November 06, 2025

From Orcs to TikTok: Inside the Monster Romance Niche

18 minutes

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Ever wondered what happens when Bookstagram meets cosplay and orc romances? In this episode, I’m catching up with my longtime friend Katie from KSquaredReads, one half of the OG Bookstagram duo you’ve seen everywhere.

We talk about her transition to BookTok, why cosplay has become her creative escape, and how the Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn completely reignited her love of monster romance. We also chat about the evolution of romance heroes—from the red-flag alpha males of 2016 to today’s morally-gray men and golden retrievers. If you’ve ever defended your love of dark romance, this one’s for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Orc Sworn Series by Finley Fenn — Buy on Amazon | Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon — Buy on Amazon | Shifter Romance | Audio ✅

Ensnared (The Spider’s Mate Series) by Tiffany Roberts — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi / Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne — Buy on Amazon | Enemies to Lovers / Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering — Buy on Amazon | Toxic Relationship / Domestic Fiction | Audio ✅

Credence by Penelope Douglas — Buy on Amazon | Dark Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

🕒 Timestamps

[00:00] – Catching up with Katie from KSquaredReads

[02:00] – Wedding chaos & friendship with Kellisa

[05:00] – How cosplay became her creative escape

[08:00] – Fanfic eras & new obsessions

[10:00] – The evolution of romance heroes

[14:00] – Orc Sworn & monster romance recommendations

[16:00] – Other monster romances: Ruby Dixon & Tiffany Roberts

[17:00] – Where to find Katie online

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