In this spicy new episode of Dear Fantasy Author, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with New York Times bestselling author, Jade Presley, to talk all things The Never List, a steamy “why choose” romantasy packed with magic, myth, and four very swoon-worthy love interests. This book became an instant book club favorite—and we were so excited to get the inside scoop directly from the author herself!

Jade shares how she built this unforgettable fantasy world (including the inspiration behind the gem-themed cities), why she wanted her magic system to feel earned, and what it was like stepping into a new pen name to write romantasy after years of YA. She also opens up about crafting a heroine who doesn’t have to choose—and why giving us four book boyfriends just made sense.

This conversation covers everything from reader feedback and cliffhanger chaos to the logistics of balancing four legends (and their distinct love languages). There’s also a sneak peek at what readers can expect in Book 2—plus a few teaser quotes, easter eggs, and fan-favorite moments to revisit.

In true Dear Fantasy Reader fashion, this is not your average author Q&A. Our questions are fangirl-led—asked by readers who are almost as emotionally invested in the story as the author herself.

The episode features both spoiler-free and spoiler-filled segments (with clear warnings and timestamps in the show notes), followed by two bonus sections: a hilarious Are You Smarter Than a Fangirl? trivia showdown, and our signature Reader’s Letter, where the hosts share a heartfelt thank-you to the author.

Whether you’ve already read The Never List or are just fantasy-curious and spice-positive, this episode is packed with worldbuilding, swoons, and plenty of why-choose energy.

 

Segment Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:54 Spoiler-Free Segment

20:54 Spoiler-Filled Segment

53:45 Are You Smarter Than A Fangirl? Trivia

01:04:28 The Reader’s Letter

01:07:26 About Dear Fantasy Reader

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

 

THE NEVER LIST KEY DETAILS PDF GUIDE (Patreon): https://www.patreon.com/posts/key-details-list-130119001?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

THE NEVER LIST KEY DETAILS VISUAL GUIDE (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKNcia4vp64/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Ready to add one more book to your TBR? Order The Never List: https://amzn.to/4kVRAGy

 

Follow AUTHOR’s Journey:

Website - www.jadepresley.com

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@jadepresleyauthor

Instagram - www.instagram.com/jadepresleyauthor/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/people/Jade-Presley/100078448732792/

  Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?

The DFRP chapters so far:

• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame

• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep

• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive

• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!

• Hazel McBride, author of A Fate Forged In Fire, interview - https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/9594e5aa-cf8d-4fdb-9ee4-ddd8eb5e9600/Season_3_E18.mp3

• Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox, authors of Riftborne, Duskbound & The Ascended, interview - https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/9594e5aa-cf8d-4fdb-9ee4-ddd8eb5e9600/S4_DFA_Ep._2__Grenwich__Lennox_FULL_AUDIO.mp3

• Stacey McEwan, author of Ledge & A Forbidden Alchemy, interview - https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/9594e5aa-cf8d-4fdb-9ee4-ddd8eb5e9600/stacy.mp3

• Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we’re interviewing next!

• Season 5: Book Reactions & Standalone Coverage — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn’t fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.

• & MORE TO COME!

 

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

 

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

 

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

 

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD COMMUNITY: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

 

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

 

New regular season episodes drop Thursdays (with early access Wednesdays on Patreon).

Don’t forget to share this episode with your bookish friends!