Of Swords and Soulmates
Episodes
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!...