What happens when you sit down with a literary agent to talk publishing and end up talking about motherhood, romance, taking risks, the realities behind success, and everything in between?

You get a very Spill the Spice conversation. 🌶️

This week, Veronica & Lizzy are joined by Angie, founder of Lunar Literary Agency, for an honest look behind the curtain of the publishing world.

Angie shares her journey from editing more than 200 books to launching her own literary agency, why she believes in nurturing an author’s career rather than simply representing a book, and what writers should know about querying, rejection, trusting their creativity, and finally having the courage to hit send.

We talk about the parts of publishing that don’t always make the highlight reel, the pressure to succeed, competition in the literary world, championing diverse voices, balancing motherhood with building a career, and why every author-agent relationship looks a little different.

And because this is Spill the Spice, we don’t stay strictly in the publishing lane. 😂 We get into romance, emotional connection, the stories that stay with us, self-expression, the changing landscape of literature, and what it means to take a chance on yourself and your work.

We first met Angie at Villains & Vixens a year ago, making this conversation feel especially full-circle. Now we finally get to sit down, spill the publishing spice, and introduce you to the woman behind Lunar Literary Agency. 🌙

Whether you’re staring at a finished manuscript wondering if it’s good enough, already navigating the publishing world, or simply love hearing what happens behind the scenes of the books on your shelf, this episode is for you.

🌙 Learn more about Lunar Literary Agency:
https://lunarliteraryagency.com/

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

💗 Bloom StoriesImmersive audio storytelling for the romantics, the spice lovers, and anyone who likes their stories with a little extra heat. Use code SPILLTHESPICE to explore Bloom.

Explore Bloom Stories⁠

🖤 Heathens & Heartbreakers Book BashA weekend made for romance readers, authors, creators, and the bookishly obsessed. Spill the Spice is proud to be a sponsor of Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash.

Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash⁠

Sometimes the only way to find out what your story can become is to give it the chance. ✨

This week, we’re joined by Inez Ocon, author of the Shattered Queens series, for a conversation that goes far beyond dark romance.

We dive into the inspiration behind her emotionally powerful stories, writing trauma with authenticity, breaking generational cycles, body image, self-acceptance, mental health representation, and creating heroines who prove that being shattered doesn’t mean being broken.

Of course, we couldn’t resist talking about the spice too! From unforgettable quotes to the chemistry between her characters, we cover everything readers love about the Shattered Queens world.

If you’ve ever found healing through a story, connected with a character who felt real, or believe romance can be both emotionally powerful and incredibly spicy, this episode is for you.

✨ This episode is proudly sponsored by Bloom Stories. Discover immersive audio romances and fantasies, and save up to 80% with our code SPILLTHESPICE at www.bloomstories.com.

✨This episode is sponsored by Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, an unforgettable weekend in Dallas 2027 celebrating romance authors, readers, and all things bookish.

What was your favorite moment from today’s episode? 👇

This week we’re joined by USA Today bestselling author Bailey Hannah, the mind behind the beloved Wells Ranch series! 🤠🌾

From writing her first drafts on her phone to building one of romance’s favorite cowboy universes, Bailey shares the story behind her journey as an author, the inspiration for Wells Ranch, and why authentic, messy characters are at the heart of everything she writes.

We dive into:
The real-life inspiration behind Wells Ranch
Writing wherever inspiration strikes (yes, even on her phone!)
Tackling trauma, healing, and difficult topics in contemporary romance
Building unforgettable cowboys and emotionally complex heroines
Character development, reader connections, and how stories evolve in unexpected ways
Why Bailey hopes readers finish her books feeling hopeful

Of course, we couldn’t resist talking about our favorite Wells Ranch moments, behind-the-scenes writing secrets, and the scenes readers can’t stop talking about.

Whether you’re already a Wells Ranch fan or looking for your next cowboy romance obsession, this conversation is packed with laughter, honesty, and plenty of bookish goodness.

Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and come spill the spice with us.

A huge thank you to our sponsors for supporting this episode!

Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash- Join us June 26–28, 2027, in Dallas, Texas for an unforgettable weekend celebrating romance books, your favorite authors, and an incredible bookish community.

Bloom Stories- Looking for your next audio obsession? Bloom Stories offers over 1,000 immersive romance audio fantasies, roleplays, and guided experiences. Use code SPILLTHESPICE through our affiliate link to save on your membership.

As always, thank you for listening and supporting Spill the Spice Podcast! 🖤🌶️

We’re back after a month away with our Spice Stack Challenge check-in!

June didn’t exactly go according to plan, but we still made our way through some incredible reads, found a few new favorites, and (of course) added even more books to our ever-growing TBRs.

In this mini episode, we’re sharing what we finished, what we’re still working through, our standout reads of the month, and whether our TBR challenge was actually a success… or just another excuse to buy more books.

Join us for a cozy catch-up before we jump back into our regular episodes!

📚 Featured reads include:• Anathema by Keri Lake• Brutal Serpent by Kate Raven• The Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy• The Bourbon Boys series by Victoria Wilder• His Grace, The Duke by Emily Rath• Silver Elite by Dani Francis
…and more!

Because let’s be honest… buying books and reading books are still two completely different hobbies. 🌶️📖

This week, we’re diving into the Sentient Object Holiday Series, a collection of romance novellas featuring everything from bathtubs and books to rubber duckies, white t-shirts, light bulbs, mountains, and more. Yes, really.

We discuss our favorites, rank the stories, debate which object romances were surprisingly believable, and try to explain these books with a straight face. Along the way, we chat about curiosity, imagination, self-discovery, and why sometimes the most unexpected stories end up being the most memorable.

What surprised us most wasn’t the premise. It was how much heart, humor, creativity, and genuine charm each story contained.

We expected to have favorites. We did not expect to fall a little bit in love with every single story in the series.

Join us for one of the funniest, most chaotic, and unexpectedly wholesome episodes we’ve recorded in a long time.

This episode is sponsored by

www.bloomstories.com

www.heathensandheartbreakers.com

This week on Spill the Spice Podcast, we sit down with bestselling author Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark, for a conversation that moves through darkness, healing, power, and everything in between.

We dive into her evolution as a writer, from lighter stories into the grit and intensity of dark romance and fantasy, and how personal experiences, trauma, and growth shape the characters she creates. From morally gray dynamics and taboo themes to the emotional weight behind vulnerability and connection, this episode explores what it really means to tell stories that don’t look away from the hard things.

We talk about reverse harems and why choose tropes, the role of freedom in fantasy, the balance between emotional depth and storytelling, and how humor can exist even inside the heaviest narratives. Lucy shares insight into her creative process, her approach to writing complex characters, and the importance of both reader responsibility and connection in today’s book world.

This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and unexpectedly fun, a reminder that even in the darkest stories, there’s always something deeply human at the center.

Spoiler conversations are waiting on Patreon

https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon

This episode is brought to you by our sponsors, Bloom Stories and Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash.

Bloom Stories offers immersive, audio-based storytelling experiences designed to bring your favorite fantasies to life.

www.bloomstories.com

Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash is a romance-centered book event blending authors, readers, and unforgettable experiences in a space where dark, spicy, and magical stories collide.

www.heathensandheartbreakers.com

In this episode with Amelia Mist, we dive into the evolution of writing, identity, and what it really means to grow, both as a person and as a storyteller .

From character development and emotional depth to the way our own experiences shape the stories we tell, this conversation goes deeper than just books.

From the shift between Thief and Mercenary to the deeper layers of character development, this conversation explores how our own experiences, beliefs, and even the harder moments in life shape the stories we tell. We talk about emotional depth, the weight of personal growth, and how characters begin to reflect the changes we’re navigating in real time.

This episode goes beyond the surface. It’s about learning, unlearning, and allowing both yourself and your writing to evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable.

✨ Don’t forget, our giveaway with Amelia is still live until 04.25

✨ And if you want the full, unfiltered conversations, spoiler chats are waiting for you on Patreon

https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon

A huge thank you to our sponsors 🖤

Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash

An immersive bookish event where romance, chaos, and magic collide. Think panels, parties, and a little bit of mischief.

Bloom Stories

Audio stories designed to awaken your senses. Intimate, immersive, and perfect for exploring your desires.

In this episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, we sit down with Allie Oleander, author of Willing Prey, to dive into the world of primal play, dark romance, and the emotional depth behind the stories that push boundaries.

What starts as a conversation about hunter x prey dynamics quickly unfolds into something much deeper. We explore the connection between desire, vulnerability, and trust, and how power dynamics in fiction can mirror real emotional experiences.

Allie shares her journey as an author, the inspiration behind Willing Prey, and how she balances intensity with emotional safety in her writing. We talk about kink beyond the physical, the importance of communication and aftercare, and why exploring darker themes can be both cathartic and healing.

This episode also touches on mental health, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling to create space for emotions that don’t always have a place elsewhere.

If you love dark romance, primal energy, and conversations that go beyond the surface, this one is for you.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com

This episode is sponsored by www.bloomstories.com

If you’ve been craving stories that live on the edge of desire, tension, and power, Bloom Stories is where fantasy and connection collide.

Bloom creates immersive audio fantasies that explore power dynamics, curiosity, and what actually turns you on… in a way that feels intentional and empowering.

Use our code SPILLTHESPICE to explore your desires with a special discount.

www.heathensandheartbreakers.com

Ready to step into a world of romance, chaos, and magic?

Join Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, happening June 24–26, 2027 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, TX.

Think dark forest fairyland meets ballroom fantasy… panels, vendors, karaoke, and the unforgettable Midsummer Night’s Dream Ball.

It’s romantic, edgy, and a little unhinged in the best way.

This week on Spill the Spice Podcast, we’re sitting down with indie romance author Lola B. Marie to talk about the stories behind A Soul Seen, Immortal for the Plot, and In My Boxes & Breakups Era.

From ghostly romance in haunted hotels to chaotic vampire banter and deeply personal second-chance journeys, Lola’s books blend heart, humor, and just enough spice to keep readers hooked.

In this episode we dive into her writing process, the real-life experiences that shape her characters, and how vulnerability on the page can lead to some of the most powerful moments in storytelling. We also talk about identity, the expectations placed on women in relationships and society, and what it means to reclaim your voice when the life you built no longer feels like your own.

We get into everything from character backstories and reader reactions to writing intimate scenes, mental health, creativity, and the messy, complicated ways love shows up in real life.

✨ Giveaway Reminder

We’re celebrating this episode with a giveaway featuring signed copies and bookish goodies from all three of Lola’s books. Leave a comment on this episode or our giveaway post for bonus entries.

This episode is proudly sponsored by ⁠Bloom Stories⁠, where immersive, emotionally charged audio fantasies bring desire and storytelling together in unforgettable ways.

We’re also honored to be partnered with ⁠Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash⁠, a one-of-a-kind reader and author event celebrating bold stories, passionate readers, and the vibrant indie romance community.

In this episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, we sit down with romantic fantasy author P.E. Craven for a conversation that weaves together storytelling, elemental magic, mythology, and the emotional core of romance.

We dive into the inspiration behind her Realm Leaper series, and her newest series Oak, the influence of Celtic mythology, and the hero’s journey that shapes her characters’ identities. From slow burn relationship dynamics to the power of vulnerability in intimate scenes, P.E. Craven shares how connection, growth, and fate intertwine inside high-stakes fantasy worlds.

We also explore the realities of balancing life and writing, navigating reader expectations, and why writing is a marathon, not a sprint. P.E. opens up about her journey from dancer to teacher to author, the creative shifts sparked during the pandemic, and how storytelling became both a lifeline and a transformation.

Beyond craft, we talk self-publishing, the evolution of the indie author space, building community, and the joy of connecting with readers at conventions.

This episode is about identity, resilience, intimacy, and the magic that happens when characters choose each other in the middle of chaos.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com

This episode is proudly sponsored by Bloom Stories, where immersive, emotionally charged audio fantasies bring desire and storytelling together in unforgettable ways.

We’re also honored to partner with Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, a bold and vibrant reader and author event celebrating the indie romance community.