Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a legendary monster gets burned out from terrorizing teenagers? Monster Slayer Matchmaking takes us into the world of Darla Drake, the infamous Duchess of Death, who's taking a much-needed break from her monster duties at Camp Clear Creek.

When we first meet Darla, she's in the depths of an existential crisis, spending her days reading stolen romance novels and conversing with her mother's decapitated (yet still very opinionated) head. Her comfortable sabbatical is rudely interrupted by Jarko Murkvale, an arrogant new monster who moves in on her territory while she's been off-duty. Rather than surrendering her stomping grounds, Darla challenges him to a series of monster competitions to prove who truly deserves the claim to Clear Creek.

What follows is a delightful enemies-to-potential-partners journey as these two monsters discover there might be more to life than terrorizing campers. The book creates a fascinating world where monsters coexist with modern society, complete with monster territory assignments, tracking apps, and even social gatherings. Brody Rossiter expertly balances humor with heart, crafting characters that, despite their monstrous nature, experience very human struggles with purpose, loneliness, and finding connection.

This cozy monster rom-com offers a refreshing take on paranormal romance with its closed-door approach and focus on emotional growth rather than explicit content. It's perfect for readers who enjoy their paranormal stories with a generous dose of humor, witty banter, and the comforting message that even monsters deserve their happily ever after.

Ready to discover if monsters who slay together truly stay together? Dive into this charming tale that proves love can bloom in even the most unlikely—and terrifying—circumstances.

Links to News Stories

• Hemingway Books has a special edition of the Hunger Games books
  • Website Link
• Owlcrate is doing a special edition of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy
  • Instagram Link
• Rebecca F Kenney, an attending author at Romantasycon will be releasing a Phantom of the Opera retelling called Cruel Angel 
  • Instagram Link
  • Amazon Link
• Barnes and Nobles is doing a signed special edition of The Book of Azrael 
  • Website Link
• The Bookish Box in collaboration with CM Nascosta is doing a special edition of Cambric Creek 
  • Instagram Link
  • Website Link
• Julie de Soto, author of Rose in Chain, and others, has mutually agreed to not be at Romance Con
  • Story / Announcement Link
  • Issue may stem from HP and Rowling boycotts

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

Step into the shadows of New Orleans with us as we unpack Geneva Lee's "Filthy Rich Fae," a supernatural crime drama where the lines between mafia power and fae magic blur into a dangerous, seductive world.

When ER nurse Kate Holloway strikes a bargain with the notorious fae crime lord Lachlan Gage to save her brother's soul, she finds herself bound to his world for thirty days—just long enough for forbidden attraction to take root. Our discussion explores how Lee blends the gritty realism of organized crime with the ethereal elements of fae mythology, creating what host Jonathan humorously dubs "cornotropia"—a story where multiple romance tropes collide and overlap.

The episode reveals fascinating divisions among our hosts, with Ashley giving the book enthusiastic praise and immediately diving into book two, while others found themselves wishing for more fantasy elements and less gunplay. We debate whether the romance truly qualifies as fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, or something altogether different when Lachlan persistently calls Kate "princess" despite her ordinary background. Does this hint at hidden royal connections, or is it simply his way of establishing dominance?

For listeners intrigued by genre crossovers, we discuss how "Filthy Rich Fae" serves as an excellent bridge between contemporary mafia romance and romantic fantasy—perfect for readers looking to expand their literary horizons without venturing too far from familiar territory. But be warned: while book one can stand reasonably well on its own, continuing to book two might leave you desperately awaiting the unreleased third installment.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• SJM has finished the first draft of book 6 of the ACoTaR series  
  • Instagram Link
• SenLinYu will be doing book signings and participating in panels at San Diego Comic Con, July 24-27
  • Instagram Link
•  Fourth Wing Amazon show has a new show runner: Jac Shaeffer
  • Facebook Link
• JR Ward author of the BDB series is taking a dip into romantasy
  • Instagram Link
  • 4 part series called the Kingdoms of the Compass series starts with Crown of War and Shadows due out Feb 17 2026
  • Also, on July 19th her author shop goes live
  • Instagram Link

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when grief meets magic? When a woman on the brink of death is whisked away to the dangerous Fae Court and given a bargain she can't refuse?

Monster romance often gets a bad reputation—dismissed as shallow fantasy or even harmful to readers. Our deep dive into Mallory Dunlan's "Captured by the Fae Beast" reveals why these criticisms miss the mark. This novel stands out by beginning with profound loss rather than the typical setup of a protagonist desperate to escape their mundane life. After witnessing her partner's death during a mountain climbing accident, our heroine finds herself captive to a feared Fae prince with a monstrous reputation and appearance to match.

The story brilliantly explores how being treated as a monster can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Prince Rhysand has accepted his reputation as "The Beast" after years of being feared and reviled, even by his own mother. What unfolds over the course of a year and a day isn't just romance but mutual healing—she processes her grief while he discovers someone who finally sees beyond his beastly exterior. 

We examine the fantasy world-building that introduces fascinating concepts like magical soul connections that don't necessarily indicate romantic destiny, and humans rescued from their moment of death. These elements create moral complexity that elevates the story beyond simple fairytale retellings. 

Join us for this passionate discussion that might just convince you these stories offer more psychological depth and emotional resonance than critics give them credit for. 

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Toxic Fandom - Ali Hazelwood bullied off social media, cancels Fabled Fantasy attendance
  • Instagram Link
  • TikTok Link
  • News Article
• Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon, a romance set in the world of Critical Role
  • Barnes and Noble
• Zomromcom by Olivia Dade, magic/paranormal/horror romance
  • Author will be doing a book tour, releases August 5th
  • News Site
• Bookcon is back! April 18 & 19, 2026 in NYC
  • Instagram Post
  • Website
• SJM has signed a multi-year worldwide licensing deal 
  • Instagram Post
• The Porn-Brained Women Of Monster Smut
  • Facebook Post
  • Problematic conservative article calls monster smut bad because it causes 'porn brain' in women
  • CM Nascosta's (whose book cover Morning Glory Milking Farm) response was to make merchandise on her Etsy Store
  • Etsy Store

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a legendary dragon slayer is sent to kill a dragon in a kingdom where dragons are revered, not feared? And what if that dragon turns out to be connected to the kingdom's mysterious and captivating ruler? These questions lie at the heart of Neon Yang's "Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame," our Pride Month selection that sparked passionate debate among our hosts.

From the moment we dive into this 176-page fantasy novella, we're divided on whether Yang successfully delivers a complete story within such tight constraints. Some of us found the Asian-influenced fantasy world richly developed despite its brevity, praising the poetic writing style and creative approach to dragon lore. Others felt the worldbuilding resembled "a house of cards" – impressive at first glance but lacking the depth needed for true immersion. 

The romance between Yeva, the armored guild knight who hasn't removed her mask since childhood, and Lady Suki, the enigmatic ruler of a dragon-worshipping kingdom, forms the emotional core of the story. While some hosts appreciated the subtle development of their relationship, others questioned whether the novella format allowed enough space for a convincing emotional journey. Our spirited discussion explores whether their connection feels earned or merely convenient to the plot, particularly as Yeva faces the ultimate choice between duty and desire.

Perhaps most fascinating is our exploration of Yang's were-dragon concept, which cleverly reimagines traditional monster tropes through a distinctly feminine lens. The revelation about Lady Suki's monthly "blood illness" proved to be one of the novella's most memorable and thought-provoking elements, demonstrating how fantasy can transform familiar experiences into something magical and unexpected.

Whether you enjoy compact fantasy tales or prefer more expansive worldbuilding, our balanced analysis will help you decide if this queer fantasy novella deserves a place on your Pride Month reading list. And don't miss our hosts' exciting mid-year reading recommendations as we look ahead to a second half of 2023 packed with highly anticipated fantasy romance releases!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is getting the Owlcrate treatment
  • Instagram Link
• Fabled Fantasy Events has started doing Romantasy Retreats, first is Savannah GA
  • Website
• Paramount adapting Divine Rivals into a movie, Sofia Alvarez will be writing the script
  • Instagram Link
• Tor publishing is rereleasing T. Kingfisher’s Nine Goblins
  • Facebook Link
• The Graphic Audio for Laura Thalassa’s Pestilence is out now
  • Facebook Link
• Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles to be an animated film, Nov 3, 2028 release date
  • News Article
• June is LGBTQ+ Pride month

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

Our hosts dive deep into this 1999 cult classic, examining how it blends Catholic doctrine with elements of Greek mythology and Jewish mysticism to create a uniquely irreverent yet thoughtful commentary on faith. Is there hints of romance sprinkled into this film?

The film follows two fallen angels (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) who discover a loophole that would allow them to return to heaven—with the unfortunate side effect of negating all existence. Standing in their way is a ragtag group including the last living descendant of Jesus (Linda Fiorentino), the 13th apostle (Chris Rock), a muse-turned-stripper (Salma Hayek), and everyone's favorite stoners, Jay and Silent Bob.

Twenty-plus years later, some aspects haven't aged well, but the film's willingness to question religious authority while respecting personal faith still resonates. Our hosts debate whether the movie holds up, with opinions ranging from "five stars, would watch again" to "not as impressive as I remembered." We also unpack the fascinating production stories, including how Kevin Smith famously joined Catholic protesters demonstrating against his own film and how the marketing team replaced Fiorentino's body with another actress's more curvaceous figure without her permission.

Whether you're revisiting this controversial classic or hearing about it for the first time, our conversation highlights why "Dogma" remains a significant cultural touchstone that's worth tracking down on DVD—at least until Smith's recently reclaimed rights finally bring it back to screens everywhere. Have you seen Dogma? Let us know what you thought about this religious satire that dared to ask the important questions, like whether God really is a skee-ball enthusiast.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Acrylipics is doing a special edition version of Abigail Owen’s Games Gods Play
  • Link (Instagram)
• Frankenstein is getting the Minalima treatment (Oct 28)
  • MinaLima Site
• Leigh Bardugo book teased
  • Unnamed Ninth House book 3 will likely publish in Fall 2026
  • Amazon Link 
• Prologue snippet released for SenLinYu novel -  Alchemised
  • Link (Instagram)  
• Controversy over AI use by romantasy author
  • LA Times Story

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

Betrayal has never been so tantalizing as in Maya Corland's "Five Broken Blades," where five deadly assassins must form an uneasy alliance against an immortal tyrant—if they don't kill each other first.

When a mysterious summons brings together the most dangerous liars in the land, their mission seems straightforward: assassinate the God-King Jun who rules with immortal cruelty. Yet nothing about this alliance is simple. Royo, the hired hitman haunted by past mistakes; Sora, the poison maiden whose very touch brings death; Prince Ewan, banished for alleged crimes; and two equally lethal companions must navigate a labyrinth of deception where trust itself becomes a weapon.

We dive deep into this Asian-inspired fantasy world with its fascinating magical artifacts and rich cultural elements. The poison maidens concept draws from ancient folklore, while the magical relics—each carrying their own terrible price—add layers of intrigue to an already complex plot. Our hosts offer conflicting perspectives on Corland's multi-POV storytelling approach, with some finding it immersive and others feeling overwhelmed by the constant perspective shifts.

The romantic elements woven throughout the narrative sparked particular interest. Taeyang's willingness to risk death just for a chance to kiss the poison-laced Sora creates a poignant forbidden romance, while Royo's grumpy-sunshine dynamic with Ari provides moments of tenderness amid danger. These relationships aren't mere subplots but crucial elements that fundamentally alter the characters' motivations and choices.

Whether you're seeking political intrigue, complex character studies, or slow-burn romance in your fantasy, "Five Broken Blades" offers a taste of each—though you'll have to decide for yourself if this blend of deadly missions and blossoming feelings hits the mark. Listen as we unravel the many layers of betrayal, redemption, and unexpected connection in the first installment of Corland's captivating trilogy.

• Links from the News Segment and Show:
  • Million Lives Book Festival fiasco - the Fyre Festival of the book world
    • Lots of new indie authors affected
    • An event coordinator’s take on why it failed
    • Another News Article
    • Affected authors info
  • Kendare Blake has a new book coming out
    • The Stolen Queen
  • A Feast of Thorns and Roses Cookbook
    • Amazon Link - $20.99
  • Devney Perry’s romantasy debut Shield of Sparrows to be made into a movie with MGM/Amazon 
    • News Website
  • Hannah Nicole Maehrer will be at Romantasy BookCon in Orlando, Oct 23-25 2025
    • Instagram Post
  • Bridgerton season 4 coming in 2026 and season 5 and 6 have been picked up 
    • Variety News Article

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

When musical comedy duo Grief Cat wrote a song about fairies getting it on during band practice, they had no idea it would become their biggest hit. But that's exactly what happened when Annie and Louisa's romantasy-inspired jam "Fairies Fucking" connected with readers and listeners who share their passion for paranormal love stories.

In this delightfully meandering conversation, we explore how Grief Cat came to be (named after the concept of adopting a cat post-breakup), their musical backgrounds, and what happened when Louisa discovered Sarah J. Maas and dove headfirst into romantasy reading. With over 125 books under her belt already this year, she's bringing that literary passion directly into their music—and fans are eating it up.

The discussion ranges from favorite monster romances like the Duskwalker Brides series (featuring skull-headed monsters who eat people yet somehow make for swoon-worthy heroes) to what's missing in current romantasy storytelling. The duo wishes for more female monsters who aren't conventionally attractive and heroines whose power comes from embracing femininity rather than rejecting it. Their insights reveal how deeply they've engaged with the genre as both creators and consumers.

Between book recommendations, ukulele talk (Louisa's instrument Dolores would definitely choose Bucca di Beppo for dinner), and discussions about the unique magic of live performance, Grief Cat shares wisdom about staying authentic despite criticism. "Don't take feedback from people whose opinions you wouldn't value," they advise—a reminder that whether you're writing songs about supernatural smut or simply enjoying it, caring less about judgments from the cheap seats is always good practice.

With new music coming later this year including singles dropping in June, Grief Cat invites listeners to find them online and at upcoming events like Monsterotica Con. Follow them on Instagram and TikTok @griefcatpartytime to join their journey at the intersection of music and monster love.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano traditional published covers revealed
  • Instagram Link
  • Releases 11/05/25
• Today's guest - Griefcat
  • Official Website
• Monsterotica Convention is May 8-10!
  • https://monsteroticabookcon.com/

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

Unraveling the secrets of Sarah J. Maas's intricate fantasy world, we dive deep into "Crown of Midnight," the pivotal second installment of the Throne of Glass series. Our hosts explore how this book serves as the essential bridge that transforms what seemed like a straightforward assassin tale into an epic fantasy with far-reaching implications.

The conversation examines Celaena's complex journey as she secretly spares her targets while pretending to fulfill her duties as the king's champion. This moral struggle sets the stage for the shocking tragedy that our hosts identify as the true catalyst that reshapes everything. Was this sacrifice planned? The mysterious Chapter 25 suggests a sacrifice to spark something greater, a revelation that hit our hosts differently during their first and second readings.

Magic emerges as a central force in this installment, with Dorian's unexpected abilities, the introduction of the witches, and tantalizing glimpses of ancient powers. We debate the effectiveness of these elements, with some hosts celebrating the expanded world-building while others question certain storytelling choices. The romance receives mixed reviews too, with compelling arguments that Kael might be more in love with the heroic idea of saving Selina than with truly knowing her.

By the end of "Crown of Midnight," her world – and identity – have been completely upended. The final reveal positions the series to explode into something far grander than readers might have anticipated from the first book. Whether you're continuing the journey through Erilea or considering whether to pick up this series, our breakdown offers both critical analysis and passionate appreciation for how this middle chapter transforms the Throne of Glass series.

• ·Links from the News Segment and Show:
  •  Independent Bookstore Day this year is Saturday April 26th
    •  https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day
  • New Medusa retelling book
    • I, Medusa by Ayana gray

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

Magic always has a price—but what if that price is your body, your mind, or even your humanity?

Rachel Gillig's "One Dark Window" transports readers into a hauntingly beautiful gothic fantasy where survival means harboring dangerous secrets. In a mist-locked kingdom where magic is treated as a disease to be eradicated, Elspeth Spindle lives with a terrifying reality: an ancient spirit called the Nightmare resides within her mind, the result of surviving a magical fever that should have killed her. He protects her, keeps her secrets, but slowly—darkly—claims more of her consciousness with each passing day.

When a chance encounter with a mysterious highwayman pulls Elspeth into a quest to gather twelve providence cards before the solstice, she's thrust into a world where nothing is as it seems. These cards—powerful magical artifacts—might hold the cure for the kingdom's affliction, but obtaining them means navigating treacherous political waters, confronting painful truths about her family, and risking exposure of her own forbidden magic. As if that weren't complicated enough, the highwayman happens to be the king's nephew and captain of the Destriers, guilty of high treason.

What makes this novel truly exceptional is Gillig's breathtaking prose. The writing flows like dark poetry, creating an atmospheric experience that pulls you deeper into this world with each turning page. The unique magic system, where power is concentrated in 78 providence cards that exact physical tolls on their users, offers fascinating commentary on power, sacrifice, and the lengths we'll go to protect those we love. And while romance isn't the central focus, the developing relationship between Elspeth and Ravyn adds emotional complexity to an already rich narrative.

Discover why readers are calling "One Dark Window" one of the most captivating fantasy reads of the year. Pick up your copy and step through the window into a world where monsters might not be what you fear most—it might be what's already inside you.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Ali Hazelwood cancels UK signing / tour due to political issues
  • Instagram Link
  • Cites safety concerns due to the current political events and concern of exiting / re-entering USA
• Waterstones Cancels US Orders
  • TikTok Post
  • UK bookseller Waterstone is no longer accepting orders from the US and canceling some orders due to the tariffs.
• Plated Prisoner show update
  • Website News Article
• Barnes and Noble special edition of Assistant to the Villian
  • B&N Link
  • $32.99. Shipping in September 2025
• New Book by Rachael Gillig, The Knight and the Mothman
  • Website Article
• T. Kingfisher is the Dragon*Con Literary Guest of Honor
  •  Website Article
• April is Arab American Heritage month, National Neurodiversity Awareness month, and National Poetry month!

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099

Send us Fan Mail

When a teenage author asked herself "What if Cinderella was an assassin fleeing the palace?" she couldn't have known she was creating the foundation for one of fantasy's most beloved series. In this anniversary episode, we celebrate our podcast's first year by diving into Throne of Glass, the story of Celaena Sardothien – deadly assassin, reluctant competitor, and surprisingly relatable protagonist.

Our hosts debate the fascinating world-building that hints at a larger mythology, with magic that persists despite colonial-like suppression – much like human ingenuity finding ways around walls and barriers in our own history. We explore what makes Celaena such a compelling character, balancing deadly skill with vulnerability and confidence. The curious "pentagon of passion" between characters creates interesting dynamics without quite qualifying this as a romance in our books.

Whether you're new to Sarah J. Maas or revisiting where her literary journey began, this episode offers fresh perspectives on the foundation of an epic series. Subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts, and join our reading community on Goodreads or Fable to discuss our next book: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• We made it a year!!! Gift us a review to unwrap!
• T Kingfisher announced a sequel to Swordheart
  • Threads Post/Article
  • Titled Daggerbound, will be out in 2026
  • Also, another book coming out Nov 2025, called Snake-Eater
    • Instagram Post
    • In an isolated desert town, a young woman seeking a fresh start is confronted by ancient gods, malevolent supernatural forces, and eccentric neighbors
• New website lists book conventions
  • https://romcons.com 
  • Romance, fantasy, and romantasy book conventions
  • Good tool for planning ahead the year’s bookish activities
• Charissa Weaks is doing a special edition release of The Wolf and the Witch through The Arcane Society 
  • Shopify Link
  • $35. Stenciled edges and reversible slipcover
  • Shipping in August 2025
• Ali Hazelwood is releasing a new book May 27
  • News Link
  • Title is Problematic Summer Romance
  • Contemporary romance with age gap set in Sicily  

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

TikTok - @of.swords.and.sou

Fable BookClub - https://fable.co/club/of-swords-and-soulmates-with-mari-391738504099