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!