Of Swords and Soulmates
Episodes
"Bromantasy" - A Fun Cozy Queer Quest with Big Feelings
18 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailA queer quest, a derpy horse, a rolling pin raised like a sword, and one truly important question: is it gay to kiss your BFF while yo...
Monsterotica BookCon Field Report
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailA romance book convention where people line up for tattoos before they line up for book signings sets a very specific tone, and Monste...
"The Hurricane Wars" - No Hurricanes And A Shadow Daddy Anyway
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailThe Hurricane Wars sets expectations fast, and we had one immediate question: where are the hurricanes? We bring our full reading grou...
We Each Pick A Grumpy Sunshine Book And Compare Notes
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailGrumpy sunshine is the trope that turns emotional contrast into chemistry and we put it to the test with a brand-new format: we each p...
J.R. Ward Interview - Romantasy, Floppy Disks, and Vampires
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailA romantasy idea on literal floppy disks. A vampire series with 20+ books and a fandom that can crash a streaming app. A writing proce...
"I Am Dragon" - We Made JP Read a Movie
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailA bride gets kidnapped at her own wedding, dragged to a remote island, and the “monster” watching her from the shadows turns out t...
"Crown Of War And Shadow" - When Kindness is a Weapon
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us Fan MailA demon wall is cracking, a crown is missing, and the only person who can cross the Badlands alive might be the exact person you shoul...
Tropes - Forced Proximity and Why it Works...Sometimes
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textTwo characters. Zero escape. That’s the secret engine behind some of the most addictive romance books and rom-com movies, and we’re pul...
"I Got Abducted..." - Alien Romance, Chaos, a Lion, and a Pink T-Rex
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat if aliens tried to rebuild human culture using half-baked research and vibes—and you had to survive it with a lion, two dangerously ...
"My Funny Demon Valentine" - Love, Secrets, Jazz, & A Demon Curse
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send a textWhat happens when a prince of Hell chases jazz instead of damnation and a sharp violinist sees through his curse? We pull apart My Funny De...
"A Fate Inked in Blood" - Love and a Fiery Axe to the Head
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textAn axe, a prophecy, and a lie that detonates a romance—this conversation gets heated fast. We dive into Danielle L. Jensen’s A Fate ...
Wooing the Witch Queen: Come for the stacks, stay for the shadow mommy
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textA wicked queen, a runaway archduke in disguise, and a library begging to be tamed—this one had us grinning, gasping, and arguing about...
2025 Year-In-Review: Reads, Regrets, And Next-Reads
01 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textNew Year, new stacks… and a lot of honesty. We step back from single-title deep dives to survey a full year of romantasy and romance-a...
"Good Spirits" - When The Ghost Of Christmas Past Falls In Love
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textA ghost with a deadline. A people pleaser with a past. A Christmas Carol framework that dares to ask whether love can rewrite the rules....
From Mary Shelley To Del Toro: A Monster, A Maker, And The Cost Of Creation
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textA stitched body, a bruised heart, and a question that won’t let go: who bears the burden for what we make? We dive into Guillermo del ...
Wicked: Power, Friendship, Popularity, Love
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textOz isn’t just emerald and glitter; it’s a lesson in how stories get made and weaponized. We jump from Gregory Maguire’s Wicked to ...
Bonus: Inside Monsterotica BookCon 2025
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat if a convention put comfort, consent, and community first—and it actually worked? We unpack our weekend at the first Monsterotica...
Inside A Sold-Out Romantasy Convention: Authors, Panels, And Merch
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textOur Romantasy BookCon Orlando 2025 recap takes you inside Orlando’s packed romantasy gathering—where authors, panels, and pop-up sho...
"The Cruel Dark" - I went to a ghostly manor and all I got was...
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textA crumbling manor, a lost past, and a love that refuses to stay buried—this one had us arguing, laughing, and rethinking what makes a ...
"Vampires of El Norte" - Vaqueros, Vampires, and a Choice of Freedom
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textLove might not stop a war, but it can teach you how to survive one. We head to the 1840s Texas–Mexico border for a deep dive on Vampir...
Navigating Your First Book Con: Tips, Tricks, and What to Expect
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEntering the bustling world of book conventions can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or co...
"The Enchanted Greenhouse" - Second Chances and Forgiveness
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textSometimes the harshest punishment isn't death—it's complete isolation. For creating a sentient plant because she was lonely,...
Tropes - Enemies to Lovers: When Hate Ignites Passion
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhy do we find ourselves so drawn to stories where characters who initially hate each other end up falling madly in love? The enemies to...
"My Minotaur Husband" - Horns, Heart, and Other Huge Assets
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat would dating look like if humans were an endangered species? That's the fascinating premise behind Leon Reilly's "My...
"Dating and Dismemberment" - A Monster's Midlife Crisis
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat happens when a legendary monster gets burned out from terrorizing teenagers? Monster Slayer Matchmaking takes us into the world of ...
"Filthy Rich Fae" - Fae Mafia Romance in New Orleans
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStep into the shadows of New Orleans with us as we unpack Geneva Lee's "Filthy Rich Fae," a supernatural crime drama wher...
"Captured by the Fae Beast" - Who Saves Who?
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat 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 s...
"Brighter than Scale" - Duty and Heart Collide
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat happens when a legendary dragon slayer is sent to kill a dragon in a kingdom where dragons are revered, not feared? And what if tha...
"Dogma" - Faith, Loopholes, and Nostalgia
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textOur hosts dive deep into this 1999 cult classic, examining how it blends Catholic doctrine with elements of Greek mythology and Jewish m...
"Five Broken Blades" - Five Killers, One Crown, and a Web of Deception
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textBetrayal has never been so tantalizing as in Maya Corland's "Five Broken Blades," where five deadly assassins must form a...
Griefcat - When songwriters dive into romantasy, magic happens
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhen musical comedy duo Grief Cat wrote a song about fairies getting it on during band practice, they had no idea it would become their ...
"Crown of Midnight" - A deadly game of secrets and lies
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textUnraveling the secrets of Sarah J. Maas's intricate fantasy world, we dive deep into "Crown of Midnight," the pivotal sec...
"One Dark Window" - Fever Dreams and Highway Schemes
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textMagic always has a price—but what if that price is your body, your mind, or even your humanity?Rachel Gillig's "One Dark Win...
"Throne of Glass" - Death Camp to King's Champ
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhen a teenage author asked herself "What if Cinderella was an assassin fleeing the palace?" she couldn't have known she ...
"Onyx Storm" - Dragons, Lies, and the War Within
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhen Rebecca Yarros released Onyx Storm, the third installment in her Empyrean series, fans dropped everything to immerse themselves in ...
"That Time I Got Drunk and..." - Demons, Drunkenness, and Delight
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textStep into the whimsical world of “That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” by Kimberly Lemming, where humor and heart collide in a c...
"Throne in the Dark" - Dark Romance and Comedic Undertone Adventure
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis episode embarks on an exploration of *A Throne in the Dark* by AK Caggiano, where dark romances clash with comedic undertones, lead...
"Iron Flame" - Plot Twists and Predictions
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver wondered how to navigate the often tumultuous seas of book collecting, especially when it comes to special editions? We've bee...
"Fourth Wing" - Power and Passion Tropes
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat happens when the familiar meets the fantastical in Rebecca Yarros's "Fourth Wing"? Get ready to uncover whether the ...
Book Bliss and Reading Regrets: A Year-End Literary Adventure
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWe reflect on our literary journey in 2024, discussing our favorite challenges, surprising reads, and popular books left unread. The epi...
"Jingle All the Slay" - A Hallmark Romantasy Mystery
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis week, we're celebrating Sarah J. Maas's triumph with "House of Flame and Shadow" in the 2024 Goodreads Choice A...
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" - Exploring a Magic Holiday Classic
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat if you could transform an ordinary game of Dirty Santa into an unforgettable experience? Join us as we welcome Amy from Maple Grass...
"Morning Glory Milking Farm" - A Humorous Dive into Monster Romance
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textJoin us as we welcome the fabulous Sarah and Jess from the "Hissing and Kissing" podcast, who bring their unique insights into...
"The Games Gods Play" - Hades Changes the Game
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWith excitement in the air, we’re joined by Summer and Becky from Summer Reading Creations as we look at the discovery of an unknown B...
"A Dowry of Blood" - Vengeful Vampire Brides
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHave you ever wondered what would happen if Dracula's brides plotted his downfall? Join us as we discuss A Dowry of Blood. We first...
Adventures at the Fabled Fantasy Romantasy Book Con
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver wondered how literature can unite communities in times of need? Join us on an uncharted adventure at the Fabled Fantasy Romanacy Bo...
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" - Our Review (Finally)
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPrepare for a whimsical journey through the realms of bookish fantasy and romance as we recount our latest reading adventure. We can&apo...
"Radiance" - Romance in an Arranged Interspecies Marriage
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textReady for a whirlwind of fantasy excitement and bookish delights? This episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat as we unrav...
"Assistant to the Villain" - Not just a job, it's a romance.
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textCan a workplace romance with a magical twist truly captivate your heart? Meet us on "Of Swords and Soulmates" as we talk about...
"Six Scorched Roses" - Is it a Kissing Novella?
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEver wondered how book bans impact the genres we love, particularly romance and romantasy? This week on "Of Swords and Soulmates,&q...
"The Audient and the Phantom Night" - Fated Mates on the High Seas
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textReady to uncover the latest buzz in the fantasy and romance book world? This episode of "Of Swords and Soulmates" promises a t...
"The Spellshop" - A Book Girl and a Talking Plant
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis week on Swords and Soulmates, Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan discuss the potential opening of "The New Romantics," Orl...
Mid-Year Book Wrap-Up
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWelcome back to "Of Swords and Soulmates," where we embark on an exhilarating journey through the "Mid-Year Freak-Out Boo...
"Ivy & Bone" - Witches, Devils, and Emotional Journeys
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textThis episode kicks off with thrilling news from the Fabled Fantasy event in Orlando and their innovative app that helps attendees naviga...
"Wolf Gone Wild" - Which witch with what werewolf?
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat if we told you that you could experience a whirlwind of bookish excitement in just one episode? We promise you'll be on the ed...
"The Last Storm" - The Role of Consent in Romantasy
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textReady for some thrilling book news and riveting discussions? You'll want to stick around for this episode, where we kick things off...
Author Interview: Sebastian Nothwell
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textWhat happens when you challenge an author with a rich appreciation for Victorian literature and a penchant for upending societal norms? ...
"Oak King Holly King" - Fae Champions and Mortal Clerks
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textJoin Jonathan, Kelly, Ashley, and Mari as we dive deep into the mesmerizing romance of Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell. We&apo...
"Three Dark Crowns" - Three Queens...Three Gambits
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textHave you ever felt the heart-pounding anticipation of a plot twist you never saw coming, or the sting of a character's betrayal tha...
"The Liar's Crown": The Power of Bloodlines and Romance
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textPrepare to indulge your literary senses in a world where romance intertwines with the intrigue of royal fantasy. As we embark on a vibra...
Revisiting "The Mummy" - A Timeless Tale of Romance and Adventure
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textUnearth the secrets of "The Mummy" as we mark its 25th anniversary, not just reminiscing about its thrills but also digging in...
Vikings in the Mist / Shadows of Kiev
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textDiscover the enchanting intersections of romantic literature and fantasy realms as we, your impassioned hosts Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and J...
Episode Zero: Exploring the Fusion of Romance and Fantasy
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a textEmbark on an enchanting journey through the intertwined paths of romance and fantasy with your guides Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan!...