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Join us as we welcome the fabulous Sarah and Jess from the "Hissing and Kissing" podcast, who bring their unique insights into the realm of romantasy literature. Together, we explore the fascinating roots of monster romance and how pop culture shapes our modern love stories. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of nostalgia, we reminisce about our Dragon Con meet-up and dive headfirst into a discussion that's as entertaining as it is enlightening.

What's more thrilling than banned books and indie bookshop crawls? We take a stroll down memory lane, discussing the joys of youthful reading and spotlighting the role of libraries in our literary journeys. Our excitement for upcoming events like Krampusnacht in Orlando is palpable, but nothing quite steals the spotlight like our spoiler-free review of "Morning Glory Milking Farm" by C.M. Nascosta. This book's intriguing themes and unique charm are sure to tickle the fancy of any monster romance aficionado, promising a conversation that's both thought-provoking and wildly entertaining.

Expect a good laugh as we revel in the imaginative world of romance plots featuring non-human characters. From humorous takes on unrealistic abs to personal interpretations of character designs, we explore the playful side of monster romance. As we wrap up the episode, we tease our book club's upcoming read and hint at future discussions that blend literary magic with camaraderie. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just curious about the genre, our episode guarantees a journey filled with laughs, insights, and a touch of romance.

• Links from the News Segment and Show (not all were discussed):
  • Goodreads Choice Awards open for voting
    • Voting Page
    • Nov 24 first round closes, Dec 1, final round closes, Dec 5 – winners announced
  • SenLinYu, author of Manacled, announced the final draft of Alchemised has been sent in for final edits.
    • News Article Link
  • Florida releases list of banned books in schools
    • Several SJM and other romantasy authors included as well as the usual authors (Atwood, King, and even some classic literature)
    • Link to News Article
  • Atlanta Indie Bookshop Crawl
    • Nov 22 – Dec 1
    • Website
  • Dance of the Dragons even in Orlando
    • Nov 22 and 23
    • Website

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With excitement in the air, we’re joined by Summer and Becky from Summer Reading Creations as we look at the discovery of an unknown Bram Stoker short story, "Gibbet Hill". Alongside this thrilling discovery, we can't ignore the buzz around Illumicrate's special edition of "House of Flame and Shadow" and the enchanting advent calendars sparking holiday joy. This takes us into a tangent as we talk about ACoTaR, Crescent City, andThrone of Glass.

Our journey through the mythical and modern tales continues with a hearty discussion on Abigail Owen's latest book, weaving Greek mythology into a contemporary narrative. The nuances of character relationships, especially involving the mysterious Hades, lead to engaging debates about loyalty and destiny. We draw comparisons to popular works like Neon Gods and Lore Olympus, shedding light on the fresh twists Owen brings to her storytelling. Ratings and reviews reveal a spectrum of opinions, with some praising the book's imaginative retelling while others eagerly anticipate the sequel for more answers.

Adding a whimsical touch to our literary adventure, Summer and Becky introduce their charming take on the "blind date with a book" concept. This delightful surprise reading experience adds a dash of mystery and joy to any book lover's collection. As we wrap up, we invite you to connect with our vibrant podcast community across social media, dive into our book club on the Fable app, and join us on a literary journey full of surprises, discussions, and the magic that only books can bring.

Links from the News Segment and Show

• New Bram Stoker short story found after 134 yrs – “Gibbet Hill”
  • BBC Story
• Illumicrate special edition of House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
  • Website link
  • £40 + shipping, will ship in Feb/Mar 2025
  • Presale November 19 for subscribers, general sale November 21
• Assistant to the Villain series book 3 has a name and release date
  • Accomplice to the Villain releases Sept. 25, 2025
  • Publisher Link
• Barbarian's Treat by Ruby Dixon
  • Amazon Link
  • 84-page Halloween novella set in the world of IPB
• Dance of the Dragons event in Orlando
  • Event website
  • Nov 22 and 23rd
• Summer Reading Creations
  • Website

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/ofswordsandsoulmates

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if Dracula's brides plotted his downfall? Join us as we discuss A Dowry of Blood. We first ponder what makes a special edition book truly special. We dive into the vibrant world of special edition book releases and explore what fuels our excitement for these modern retellings and captivating collections, promising listeners a feast for their eyes and imagination.

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of fantasy and fandoms as we chat about the new Hunger Games prequel focusing on Haymitch's untold stories. Plus, we're gearing up for the Dance of the Dragons event in Orlando, where market-style setups and intimate author interactions await. Ruby Dixon's enchanting reads take center stage as we share our admiration for her storytelling prowess and stunning book editions that have captured our hearts.

We shift gears to a spirited discussion on S.T. Gibson's A Dowry of Blood, where the dusty velvet ambiance leaves us craving more depth and innovation. The conversation doesn't shy away from exploring the complex interplay of romance and spice, touching on themes of manipulation and connection. We wrap it up with a quick discussion on what our favorite book or show was for the previous month. Engage with us as we explore these varied and rich topics, inviting listeners to share thoughts and feedback on our picks and insights.

• Links from the News Segment and Show:
• Special Edition of Dark Olympus by Katee Robert
  • Link to Backerkit
  • Books will be hardcover with reversible dust jackets, linen covers, and special edges. The set will come in a foiled slipcase.
  • It will release on 03/03/2025
• LitJoy Crate special edition of The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
  • Link to LitJoy Crate
  • October 23, 10am MT - Lunacorn EARLY ACCESS sales open for preorder
  • October 24, 10am MT - Public sales open for preorder
  • Estimated Ship Date - Spring 2025
• 4 new Kindle models recently released
  • Meet the all-new Kindle family, including the first color Kindle
• New Hunger Games Book - Sunrise on the Reaping
  • https://amzn.to/3YaqYIu
  • Releases 03/18/25
• Dance of the Dragons event in Orlando
  • https://www.alluxiaevents.com/dragons
  • Nov 22 and 23rd

Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/ofswordsandsoulmates