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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

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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

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Ever wondered how literature can unite communities in times of need? Join us on an uncharted adventure at the Fabled Fantasy Romanacy Book Con in Orlando, where we explore the vibrant world of books and the heartwarming initiatives supporting hurricane-affected areas. Our journey uncovers the magic that happens when literary enthusiasts come together. From panels to vendor stalls, our first book-focused event is a whirlwind of connection and discovery.

We reflect on the intimate charm of the convention and its standout moments, like the spirited panel on monster romance. Meet the captivating storytellers who transformed our experience, including Rose Centuriello, TB Wise, Emma Hamm, Juliette Cross, Kendare Blake, Lish McBride, and more! Amidst the camaraderie, we humorously recount the need for a book rolly cart to manage our purchases and the not-so-necessary airbrush kit we couldn't resist. Our enthusiasm for future events is palpable, as we anticipate forming even deeper connections with authors and fellow book lovers.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Hurricane Relief
  • Red Cross - redcross.org
  • World Central Kitchen - wck.org
  • For book specific: BINC foundation, Book Industry Charitable Foundation - bincfoundation.org
  • Libro.fm - for audiobooks but you can pick an indie bookstore to support in an affected area.
• Fabled Fantasy Romantasy BookCon event
  • Official Website
  • What were our expectations?
  • Our thoughts of how it went
  • What we’d like to see/do next year?
  • Tickets for 2025 on sale now!

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Prepare for a whimsical journey through the realms of bookish fantasy and romance as we recount our latest reading adventure. We can't contain our excitement about the thrilling book releases on the horizon, including "Pride and Prejudice in Space" by Alexis Lampley and the enchanting Fairy Loot edition of "Kiki's Delivery Service." Our inner geeks are also buzzing over Ruby Dixon's upcoming minotaur stories, which promise to add a fresh twist to the fantasy genre.

Finally, we review and discuss the behemoth romantasy book, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Our hearts (and ratings) are divided over this novel. Kelly and Jonathan's differing takes on its Beauty and the Beast-inspired storyline reveal the book's slow progression and the interesting dynamics that evolve as the series unfolds and how foreknowledge of a series can affect your opinions. Our debate is lively, chuckling at sunk cost fallacies and swapping anecdotes of how character developments have swayed our opinions.

We delve into a passionate exploration of the fantasy-rich world and the intricate web of romance spun within. From examining the transformative journey of its protagonist to assessing the book's "spice" factor, we leave no stone unturned. Aa usual, we also have a spirited discussion about the impact of its cover art, and whether some of us will continue the series. Prepare for an engaging ride through the heart of fantasy and romance!

• Links from the News Segment and Show
  • Pride and Prejudice in Space by Alexis Lampley
    • Exactly what the title says
    • Official link
  • Fairyloot special edition of Kiki’s Delivery Service
    • Not part of the normal monthly box, must order separately
    • Early access October 17th or 18th (non-subscribers)
    • Link to details (FaceBook)
    • Hardcover, digitally sprayed edges, custom endpapers, and more
  • The Enchanted Greenshouse by Sarah Beth Durst
    • Prequel to The Spellshop
    • Website announcement
    • July 2025
  • Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
    • Author of the Ice Planet Barbarian series
    • October 15, 2024 release
    • Website announcement
  • Hissin and Kissin - A Monster Lover Podcast
    • Website

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Ready for a whirlwind of fantasy excitement and bookish delights? This episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as we unravel the mysteries and magic of Grace Draven's Radiance.

Join us as we dive into the latest buzz in the fantasy literary world in our extended news segment. We discuss a sneak peek at the stunning cover for Juliet Cross's Southern Charm series and the launch of ACoTaR-themed tights by Snag Tights Company. Universal Orlando is gearing up for an enchanting Wicked experience to celebrate the upcoming movie release, complete with immersive retail, food, and walkthroughs.

We are excited that Sebastian Nothwell's Oak King, Holly King is now available as an audiobook. We also discuss Jasmine Moss's Blood of Hercules, which promises a thrilling blend of dark humor and slow-burn romance, there's something for every fantasy lover. We also shine a spotlight on Abigail Owen's The Games Gods Play, a captivating Hades and Persephone retelling that's already making waves.

Our main feature is Draven's Radiance, where we'll explore its intricate world-building, epic romance, and the unique cultural exchanges that set it apart. Can romance bloom in an arranged marriage between two different species? We discuss how the slow burn romance between the main characters starts at repulsion and grows into a flirty romance that ends in passion. The main female character isn’t a helpless damsel, she turns out to have depths of determination and courage equal to her warrior spouse.

Ever struggled with managing an ever-growing To-Be-Read (TBR) pile? You're not alone. In our final segment, we tackle the excitement and stress of TBRs, offering insights into reading habits and book tracking. Whether you're a meticulous tracker or a carefree reader, we've got perspectives that will resonate with you. Don't miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode of "Of Swords and Soulmates"!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• A Rebel Without Claws From Juliette Cross cover reveal - Official link
• Snag Tights company has officially licensed ACOTR tights now - Snag Tights Website
• Gregory Maguire’s Wicked Universal Orlando resort experience - Official Universal Announcement
• Bookish Box special signed luxe edition of Carissa Broadbent works - Instagram Announcement
• Quicksilver by Callie Hart available in a signed special edition - Waterstones Website
• Sarah A Parker, author of When the Moon Hatched, touring the US from Sep 28th through Oct 5th - Official Website
• Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell now available as an audiobook -Audible Link
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024) - Website

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Can a workplace romance with a magical twist truly captivate your heart? Meet us on "Of Swords and Soulmates" as we talk about the buzz around Hannah Nicole Maehrer's "Assistant to the Villain." Fueled by social media hype, this charming tale blends humor, romance, and fantasy in a way that had us all hooked. We discuss our star ratings and how this book compares to our favorite films and TV shows.

We kick off the episode with some exciting news—Netflix is bringing Scott Westerfeld's YA dystopian novel "Uglies" to life, starring Joey King! We share our thoughts on this adaptation and reminisce about our personal connections to the book. But it’s not all rosy in the literary world; we touch on the recent Hugo Awards controversy, where deserving authors like Ziran Jay Zhao and RF Kuang were excluded. Thankfully, George RR Martin’s Alfie Awards stepped in to honor these overlooked talents, providing a heartwarming resolution to the issue.

Our deep dive into "Assistant to the Villain" is packed with laughter, insights, and debates on the romance dynamics within. We scrutinize the slow-burn relationship, the intriguing character motivations, and the effectiveness of the romantic tension. Comparing the book’s relationships to iconic pairings like Jim and Pam or Han and Leia, we explore the broader impact of romance in storytelling. We dip into a tangent on what makes a villain a villain, and who is the baddie? To wrap things up, we tease our next episode featuring a review of "Radiance" by Grace Draven. Make sure to follow us on all our social media platforms and check our website for more updates!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Uglies TV show drops September 13th on Netflix (link to show page)
  • Based on the YA dystopian series by Scott Westerfeld
• George R. R. Martin hosted the “Alfies” this year
  • Named after Alfred Bester, Martin hosts this when authors get snubbed.
  • Due to the controversy with the 2023 Hugo Awards, he invited Xiran Jay Zhao (author of Iron Widow) and RF Kuang (author of Babel)
  • The Hugo Awards have had past controversies, such as in 2013-2017, & 2021
• Paperback of Fourth Wing is coming out September 17th.
  • Link to Instagram post
  • Will include a new chapter from Xaden's POV
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
  • Goodreads

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Ever wondered how book bans impact the genres we love, particularly romance and romantasy? This week on "Of Swords and Soulmates," we begin with a light-hearted mix-up about Jonathan's podcast persona, JP. Then, we're thrilled to share the latest buzz from the romanticist book world, spotlighting Katie Roberts' stunning opus collection for her "Deal with the Demon" series and Jennifer Armantrout's special edition collaboration for her "Blood and Ash" series. We also dive into the recent book bans in Utah. Hear our take on how these bans affect beloved authors like Sarah J. Maas, Judy Blume, and Margaret Atwood, and the broader implications this has on genres predominantly enjoyed by women.

As we segue into our main topic, get ready for an intriguing discussion on Carissa Broadbent's "Six Scorched Roses," a romanticist story you won't want to miss.
we discuss this fascinating novella that combines elements of Beauty and the Beast with a unique vampire twist. We delve into themes of classism, neurodivergence, and the blend of magic and science within the story. Our hosts debate the novella's brevity and its impact on the depth of the fantasy elements, with a lively rating discussion to boot. Don't miss our next episode, where we'll review "Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Mayer!

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Katee Robert’s A Deal With a Demon series is getting the Opus treatment at FaeCrate
  • Priced at $160 per set (plus shipping), ships Dec 2024-Jan 2025.
  • FaeCrate Exclusve (Link)
• Jennifer Armentrout special edition books
  • Special Arcane Society editions of the Blood and Ash series.
  • Signed and unsigned options, Cost is $195 (plus tax and shipping).
  • Date - TBA
• The title of the Moonfall series by Sarah A. Parker announced
  • The Ballad of Falling Dragons (Amazon link)
  • Releases 10/07/25, or you can get a signed version on 07/2025 from Waterstones
• Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel by Kiersten White
  • What if Lucy didn’t die but instead finds herself, finds love, and has the chance for some revenge on Dracula?
  • Releases 09/10/24
  • Amazon Affiliate Link
• Banned Books List in Utah includes Sarah J. Maas
  • Guardian Article
  • Banned Book Week is Sept. 22-28, 2024
• Dragoncon
  • Largest multi-genre convention (anime, art, fantasy, literature, sci-fi, and more)
  • https://www.dragoncon.org
  • Thursday Aug 29th - Monday Sep 2nd in Atlanta, GA
• Romantasy Book Convention (Orlando 2024)
  • https://www.fabledfantasyevents.com/
• This episode's book is Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
  • Goodreads

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