Advertise on podcast: Romantasy Roundtable: Fantasy Romance Reviews

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Part 2 (Sewer Romances, Toxic Assassin Daddies & RIP, you deserved better) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to finish the prequel, and we are emotionally compromised. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the final two novellas of The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Underworld and The Assassin and the Empire. We witness the rise and tragic fall of a dear friend, discuss why Arobynn Hamel is the ultimate gaslighting "Assassin Daddy," and question Celaena Sardothien’s decision-making skills. But before the heartbreak, we have important business to attend to: Amanda decodes a prophetic dream about a lip piercing (and why her face is swollen), the crew debates NYC snowstorm survival (Team Trader Joe’s Meal Prep vs. Team Bodega Cat), and we finally, FINALLY,get a medical definition for the Inner Hip. Key Topics Discussed: Love in a Hopeless Place (A Sewer): We break down the pivotal scene where Celaena and Sam finally admit their feelings while drowning in wastewater. It’s gross, it’s dramatic, and it’s the only acceptable place for a first makeout session in this series apparently. Arobynn Hamel Hate Club: We dissect the manipulation of the King of the Assassins. From the creepy gifts to buying Lysandra’s virginity, he solidifies his status as a top-tier villain (who we wouldn't trust to hold our drink). The Inner Hip Resolved: Shoutout to our listener Jamie for solving the mystery! We now know it’s near the pelvic joint/bikini tie area, though Amanda still insists it is not an erogenous zone. Only time will tell RIP: The crew reacts to the off-screen death, the torture by Farran, and the devastating scene at the mortuary. We discuss why this prequel was necessary to understand Celaena’s trauma going into Throne of Glass. "I Will Not Be Afraid": We analyze the ending, the Salt Mines of Endovier, and the iconic mantra that defines the rest of the series (even if Rick quoted it wrong). Closing: Dry your tears, we are done with the prequel! PROGRAMMING NOTE: Ignore what we said in the outro! After the mics turned off, we decided to pivot. We are skipping Bound by Vengeance and diving straight into Throne of Glass next week. Chapters 1–26. Be there.

Episode Title: The Assassin’s Blade – Novellas 1-3 (Sam Cortland, Skull’s Bay & an inner hip) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable officially enters the Throne of Glass era! We are kicking off our journey into the Maasverse not with the first book, but with the prequel: The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas. Amanda (the newbie), Kim (the veteran), and Rick (the obsessed) break down the first three novellas: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, The Assassin and the Healer, and The Assassin and the Desert. We discuss Celaena Sardothien’s 16-year-old audacity, why Sam Cortland gives off the energy of a finance bro you met on a Hinge date, and the group’s firm belief that Rolf the Pirate Lord is actually just a Muppet with magic hands. Expect debates on the anatomy of the "inner hip," questionable teaching methods involving knives, and why the desert is full of scorpions named Josh. Key Topics Discussed: Reading Order Debate: Why we chose to start with the prequel (Star Wars style) to get the heartbreak out of the way early—even if Rick thinks Yoda was just a puppet until Episode 2. Sam Cortland vs. The World: We analyze Sam’s primal urge to be annoying, his "divorced dad" curtain-ripping energy, and why he feels like a guy who drinks IPAs for a living. The Healer & The Barmaid: A deep dive into Yrene Towers, her brutal self-defense lessons from Celaena, and why "sink or swim" driving lessons in a Florida hailstorm are safer than Celaena's teaching style. Desert Drama: Celaena heads to the Red Desert to train with the Silent Master, meets Ansel (and her betrayal), and learns that Stygian Spiders are basically just giant horses or "a million scorpions named Josh." The Inner Hip: The crew tries to locate this elusive body part (Is it the groin? The string bikini line? An erogenous zone?) and why pinching it is the ultimate female friendship bonding moment. Closing: Join us as we sprint through the desert and liberate slaves with style. Finish The Assassin’s Blade for next week—we have two more novellas to go before the emotional damage truly sets in!

Episode Title: A Court of Silver Flames – Full Book Breakdown (Soup, Stairs & The Trifecta of Chachkis!) Description: The Romanty Roundtable is back for 2026, and we have officially achieved the Concussion Trifecta! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are diving headfirst into the House of Wind to tackle the behemoth that is A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We’re breaking down Nesta Archeron’s journey from self-destructive "woman about town" to Valkyrie warrior, dissecting the pregnancy trope that absolutely divided the table, and obsessing over Cassian, the ultimate German Shepherd boyfriend. Expect debates on whether the Blood Rite was realistic, how many chachkis (Dread Trove items) you need to save the world, and enough soup talk to feed an Illyrian army. Key Topics Discussed: The Soup Kitchen is Open: We analyze the sheer volume of soup (spicy scenes) in this book—a solid five cans of soup rating. From the stairwell to the infamous dining room table, Nesta and Cassian have zero chill. Valkyries Assemble: Nesta finds her squad in Gwyn and Emerie. We discuss the power of female friendship, the library priestesses, the sleepover that summoned a miniature pegasus, and the trio’s controversial victory in the Blood Rite. The Trifecta of Chachkis: Nesta becomes a High Necromancer in the Bog of Oorid, wielding the Mask and proving she’s the scariest Archeron sister. We track the hunt for the Harp and the Crown (and why the Kelpie is the absolute worst). Feyre’s Uterus vs. The Plot: The crew fights over the pregnancy storyline. Was it necessary? Why did Rhysand hide the truth (again)? Does a baby with wings justify a magical C-section crisis? Kim has thoughts (and a rating of 3 stars to prove it). Nesta vs. The Stairs: The true villain of the first 50% of the book: 10,000 steps. We discuss Nesta’s physical and mental rehabilitation and why Cassian is the most patient male in Prythian. Join us for the chaos, the concussions, and the catharsis. Next up, we’re leaving Prythian to start our journey into Throne of Glass. Grab your Assassin's Blade—we’re going back to where it all began!

Episode Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight – Full Book Review (The Hallmark Holiday Special!) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable is back to unwrap the gift that is A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas! Amanda, Kim, and Rick sit down to roast—we mean review—the bridge novella that sits between the main trilogy and the Nesta-verse. It’s the Winter Solstice in Velaris, which means less war and more shopping, decorating, and primal urges. The crew breaks down the "low stakes, high vibes" energy, Rhysand's questionable gift-giving budget, and why Nesta is the only one keeping it real in a city of toxic positivity. Expect heavy debates on whether this book is essential reading or just expensive fanfiction, a deep dive into The Wall Scene™, and a lot of concern for Tamlin’s depression beard. Key Topics Discussed: The Hallmark Movie Allegations: We discuss if this book is a vital plot bridge or just A Very Special Feyre Christmas episode. Rick is confused by the lack of death; Kim is just here for the vibes. The Wall Scene (Soup Check): We analyze Chapter 22. You know the one. The paint. The soup. The inner hip mechanics. It’s a 5-star spice rating in a 2-star plot. Nesta’s "Villain" Era: The crew defends (and fears) Nesta Archeron, who is currently rotting in a glorious apartment on Rhysand’s dime while roasting everyone who breathes near her. Shadow Daddy Duties: Azriel stands in corners and looks broodingly handsome while buying thoughtful gifts. We discuss his illegally good gift-giving love language. Tamlin’s Sad Boy Manor: Feyre drops by the Spring Court for a pity visit. We dissect the heavy "divorced dad energy" radiating off the High Lord of Spring. The Illyrian Baby Fever: The foreshadowing is heavy! We argue about the pregnancy trope setup and whether Rhysand needs to calm down about his legacy. Cassian’s Pining: Our favorite General is down bad. We track every moment Cassian tries to be nice to Nesta and gets emotionally annihilated for it. Amren’s Expensive Taste: The Tiny Ancient One demands jewelry. We respect the hustle. The Birkin Bag vs. Art Studio: We judge Rhysand’s gifts. Is a house a good gift? Or is it just a chore with a bow on it? The Slog of Happiness: Is it boring to watch people be happy? We debate if peace is actually the ultimate narrative slog. Closing: Grab your Illyrian leathers and your leftover Solstice wine—we’re about to get festive and feral. Next up: The absolute chaos of A Court of Silver Flames. Prepare your knees!

Episode Title: The First Annual Soupy Awards + Ultimate Tier Ranking (Drunk Edition!) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable crew is signing off for the year, and we are absolutely feral. Rick, Amanda, and Kim are fueled by "Fairy Wine" (Hugos) and aggressive chip-eating ASMR to bring you our massive Year-End Review. We aren't just giving out stars; we’ve invented a chaotic new Tier List ranging from "My House, My Chair, My Woman" (S-Tier) to "Should Have Been a DNF" (F-Tier). Expect unhinged debates about lesbians in space, a re-evaluation of every soup scene (sex scene) we read this year during Post-Soup Clarity, and the inauguration of the Soupy Awards. Who is the ultimate Shadow Daddy? Which book committed the crime of "The Part That Throbbed"? And why does The Night Circus still haunt our nightmares? Grab a drink—this one gets messy. Key Topics Discussed: The Definitive Tier List: We rank everything from Fourth Wing and ACOTAR (S-Tier legends) to the absolute slog of From Blood and Ash (D-Tier) and the nonexistent plot of The Night Circus (F-Tier). Post-Soup Clarity: We aggressively audit the spice. Phantasma takes the crown for quantity and creativity, while Iron Flame gets a promotion. Plus, we officially ban the words "folds," "flaps," and "hilt" from 2026. The Soupy Awards: We hand out trophies for Best Little Guy (Onyx vs. Bartholomew), NPC of the Year, and the Jack F'N Barlow Award for the character we hate the most. The "Dylan Award": Honoring the characters gone too soon (RIP Liam and Dylan). Book of the Year: The crew comes to a rare consensus on the book that defined the podcast (Spoiler: It involves dragons). Closing: Join us for the chaos, the cringe, and the justice for Kingfisher. We’ll see you next year when we dive headfirst into the Maasverse (Throne of Glass & Crescent City). Don't touch our chips!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 40–End (The "Onyx Lives" Meltdown Edition) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has survived the emotional apocalypse of Brimstone by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick are emotionally compromised but ready to break down the explosive finale (Chapters 40–52). We dive into the chaos of Saeris becoming a world-breaking resurrectionist, the long-awaited reveal of Kingfisher’s True Name (goodbye, bird metaphors!), and Rick’s sudden, bagel-fueled embrace of his Jewish heritage. Expect screaming about Onyx the Quicksilver Fox, debates on whether Arisian the Dragon is actually just a big puppy, and a very serious complaint about the severe lack of soup (spice) in the final act. We discuss why Tal is finally invited to the cookout, why Belikon refuses to stay dead, and how Kaiden is officially the ultimate Shadow Daddy. Key Topics Discussed: Onyx Lives (Thank the 7 Gods): Rick prays to every deity from Buddha to Moses as we process the absolute trauma of Onyx’s sacrifice and Saeris' desperate use of Alchemion power to undo death itself. The Artist Formerly Known as Kingfisher: We finally get a name—Khydan Greystar Finvarra—and accept "Khy" as a valid nickname. Also, turns out he’s a demigod with shadow magic? We love a divine power-up. Tal’s Redemption & Plant Daddies: Tal mourns Zalvena and gets a shiny new sword, while Kerrion reveals his plant magic, proving that "nice guys" who like horns are top-tier. The Soup Drought: The crew laments that despite the high stakes, we were denied our enemies-to-lovers payoff. We wanted an orgy; we got political maneuvering and beheadings. Join us for the tears, the rage, and the realization that a bird is a book. Next up: We’re getting festive (and messy) with A Court of Frost and Starlight—aka the Holiday Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 26–39 (Red Wedding Vibes & The Three-Minute Soup) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns with a "Tale of Rick and Roses" (where the girls are apparently just hair clips?). Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down Chapters 26–39 of Brimstone, and frankly, we are not okay. We go from Saeris going full Magneto with twin god swords to Tal interrupting his own orgy to deliver plot points. We finally confirm that Carrion Swift is the undisputed Pansexual King, realize the Stargazer birds were the book the whole time (Rick loves when a bird is a book), and survive a literal Red Wedding ending where everyone vomits black blood. Plus, we debate whether Lights Out is a rom-com or a "dom-com," Rick declares his hatred for "Balls" (the dancing kind), and Amanda gives a masterclass on Vancouver soccer. Key Topics Discussed: Magneto Era: Saeris splits Solace into twin swords, decapitates guards, and proves she is the Captain now. Fischer just stands back and admires the violence. The Soup is Real: No more dreams. We get the Fisher Reunion (described as a "gymnastics trial") and the infamous "Three Minutes" scene against a mirror while Tal waits outside. The Pansexual King: Carrion delivers the iconic "The thing about leaning" speech, confirming he likes the wine, not the label. We stan. Foley is John Cena: The depressed vampire wolf cleans up nice! He enters the Even Light Ball like a WWE surprise entrant to be the 6th petitioner. The Red Wedding: Just when we thought Tal was serving looks, he serves poison to the entire court (and himself). The "Scion of No One" moment left us screaming. Archer Watch: We almost lost our favorite Fire Sprite/Dobby, and Rick was ready to riot. He is alive, one inch taller, and dancing. Closing: Join us for the emotional damage, the soccer tangents, and the realization that Hayden is an entitled brat. Chapters 40–End are next—finish the book, bring your tissues, and prepare for the ACOTAR Christmas Special!

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 13–25 Description: Buckle up, besties — Brimstone drops the brakes in this middle section, and Amanda, Kim, and Rick are simply feral about it. Ambushes, demon scorpions named Josh (yes, really), dream-soup shenanigans, a vampire-wolf named Foley (sorry, still not scary), and an eldritch spaghetti monster who maybe wants a favor and maybe wants your soul…? The Romantasy Roundtable chews through chaos, court politics, and enough editing errors to power a drinking game. Highlights include: A Million %$#@ Scorpions Named Josh: The most un-intimidating demon name in history; the nightmare fuel itself is very real. Fisher Throws Carrion Out a Window: Buddy-cop energy at its finest — including “Did something hit me?” / “Yeah, I punched you.” Library Boom-Pow: Saeris casually detonates a 20-foot hole in a wall and gets banned after dark like a magical middle-schooler. Dream Soup Supreme: Shirtless, panicked Fisher; mate-bond chaos; Onyx cameos; bite-healing; emotional dump fest. The people were FED. Foley the Vampire Sad Boy: Former wolf, current recluse, future reluctant mentor. Also unfortunately named after a catheter. Carrion Swift, Pansexual King: “I prefer my women and my men prettier than you.” The people’s prince has spoken. Cleansing Day Massacre: Fisher goes full righteous fury at reproductive oppression — shadow knives for everyone. The Secret Forge Vault: 1,223 stairs, dangerous quicksilver storage, and Elroy hitting Fischer with a fire iron. Art. Plus: Hanksgiving, tote-bag economics, Jets slander, Rick’s moral alignment chart (Tal: good/bad/good/bad), and RIP to the brave little paper bird. Next up: Chapters 26–39 — stop at Chapter 40. Let the chaos continue.

Episode Title: Brimstone – Chapters 1–12 (Accidental Dosing & The Buddy Comedy Era) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable has officially entered the Brimstone era! Amanda, Kim, and Rick (who is absolutely lying about how much of the book he’s read) dive headfirst into the first 12 chapters of Callie Hart’s sequel to Quicksilver. The crew breaks down Saeris’s transition into her Vampire Queen villain era—complete with a feral coronation, a lethal sheer dress, and an accidental venom-dosing incident that leaves Kingfisher high as a kite and slicing lords in half. We dissect the terrifying new "Super Feeders" that drain magic, the "Elroy" publishing error that gaslit the entire podcast, and the start of the ultimate Buddy Comedy: Kingfisher and Carrion Swift going on a road trip. Expect deep dives into shadow wing symbolism, justice for Onyx (the fox who crossed the Andes!), and Sage the ChatGPT’s unhinged prophecies about "children of shadow and soup." Key Topics Discussed: The Hall of Tears Coronation: Saeris claims her throne by biting Kingfisher in front of the Lords of Midnight, accidentally turning the blood rite into a euphoric aphrodisiac scene. Oops. Good Soup Alert (Chapter 7): We analyze the spicy reunion where Fisher confesses he wants to marry her (but can't because he has no true name) and unleashes his shadow wings in the bedroom. The Super Feeders: A new horror has arrived across the river—magic-draining zombies connected to a rotting tree. Callie Hart loves to traumatize Danya, and we discuss why. The Buddy Comedy: The gang splits up! Saeris stays to forge, while Kingfisher and Carrion (carrying the entire comedic weight of the series) head to the Silver City. Rick vs. The Truth: We investigate the allegations that Rick has already finished the book despite claiming he stopped at Chapter 12. (Spoiler: He’s definitely lying). Join us for the rot, the romance, and the rumors. Chapters 13–25 are next—bring your relics and your holiday rom-coms because things are getting dark!

Episode Title: Quicksilver – Chapters 29–End (The "Good Soup" Finale) Description: The Romantasy Roundtable reaches the feral conclusion of Quicksilver by Callie Hart! Amanda, Kim, and Rick break down chapters 29 through the end, where the good soup is plentiful, the Shadow Daddy angst is at an all-time high, and Carrion Swift officially steals the show (and a potted plant). The crew debates whether Kingfisher beats the Tamlin allegations during the war camp separation, screams about the iconic "seven gods" line, and processes Saeris’s chaotic transformation into a hybrid vampire queen. We also unpack the ballad of Ajun gate, the truth about the coin toss, and why Rick is officially the president of the Carrion Swift Fan Club. Expect unhinged theories, Sage the ChatGPT’s dramatic predictions, and a lot of feelings about a sword named Simon. Key Topics Discussed: The Seven Gods of Soup: We dissect that line in Chapter 37. It’s the spiciest scene yet, complete with mating bond realizations, shadow-gate booty calls, and Fisher finally admitting his feelings (sort of). Carrion's Era: Rick’s favorite character gets an emotional support plant, a quicksilver sword named Simon that loves dirty jokes, and proves he’s the ultimate ride-or-die by poisoning Malcolm. The Coin Toss & The Triad: We finally learn Fisher's secret shame regarding Gillith, reveal the connection between Malcolm, Belikon, and Madra, and watch Saeris pull a fast one with a demon’s throat coin. Hybrid Queen: The cliffhanger to end them all! Saeris dies (again), meets Zaerith the God of Chaos, and wakes up as a new hybrid species and the rightful Vampire Queen of the wrong side of the river. Join us as we try to recover from that cliffhanger. Next up: We’re diving straight into Brimstone (Chapters 1–12)—bring your umbrellas because the forecast calls for more angst and probably more soup.

Episode Title: Quicksilver – Chapters 15–28 Description: In Part 2 of Quicksilver, Amanda, Kim, and Rick descend gleefully into the chaos: shadow gates, tavern brawls, dinner-table politics, feral makeouts, 50,000 vampires, ancient swords that explode like confetti, and one fox familiar who is so over everyone’s emotional trauma. The trio debates coercion, consent, Beauty-and-the-Beast tropes, mating-bond tattoos, and why Fischer keeps running away like he’s late for a different book. Also: Carrion Swift continues to be the bisexual menace of our hearts. Highlights include:  • Area Codes, Bros: The pod opens unhinged and remains unhinged. Waffles, Bookstagram, and unsolicited mic techniques abound.  • Bill the Horse & Ada the Hellbitch: Peak Romantasy animal-branding; Barbie logistics immediately derail the plot.  • Shadow Gates & Red Flags: Fischer yeets Saeris through magical portals using the blood oath—no one likes it.  • Relic Factory Hell: Fifteen thousand silver rings hit the table; Saeris realizes she accidentally signed up for eternal magical overtime.  • Sprites, Swords & Soup: Archer the fire sprite judges them lovingly; Nimro the sword gets sentience; someone always vomits.  • Carrion Swift Reunion Tour: Moss hand jobs from water sprites, cake vs. “quiche,” chaos-goblin advice in the forge, and the ongoing campaign to make “Swifty” merch canon.  • Dinner Table Hostility: Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes, forbidden seating charts, and recurring “why are you sitting THERE?” drama.  • Vampire Daddy Arrives: Malcolm strolls in like a runway villain and implies Fischer’s a traitor and chaos ensues.  • The Shadow Sex Scene: Reality breaks. Tattoos migrate. A bird ends up on a boob. Onyx gets snack privileges.  • Cottagecore Interlude: Ballard village, stew, dryads, nymphs, and Wendy the Jewish-fa-grandma interrogating their relationship. Plus: Moss hand jobs, kingfisher ornithology with Mark’s Memo™, mating-bond theories, Carrion being everyone’s guy, and a whole ethics seminar about fae choking. Next up: Chapters 29–End — finish Quicksilver ASAP because Brimstone is almost out and Rick is vibrating.

Episode Title: Quicksilver — Chapters 1–14 Description: The Roundtable dives headfirst into the desert dust, frostbitten fae courts, molten magic, and very questionable “danger kissing” as we begin Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Amanda enters blind, Rick and Kim enter feral, and by chapter fourteen we have foxes, shadow smoke, blood oaths, and enough teeth-baring to make SJM file a copyright claim. Highlights include: • The Willow Tree Incident, Part II: Amanda retells how her engagement photos turned into an impromptu From Blood and Ash soup-scene confession. The photographer now knows more about vampire sex under trees than she ever asked for. • The New Hotness Era: The pod is chasing Brimstone’s release, mimosas are flowing, and the Night & the Moth episode view counts go head-to-head with Enchantra. Democracy wins, but chaos reigns. • Saris “Book Girly” Fain: We meet our desert thief heroine, who immediately breaks into a fantasy REI store for a golden gauntlet she absolutely should not steal. She melts metal, scales walls, stabs guardians, and survives being shish-kabobbed by the queen’s hit squad. Elite behavior. • Queen Madra, Immortal Menace: She’s beautiful, she’s unhinged, and she casually threatens genocide five minutes into meeting Saris. The vibes are “evil fae dictator meets Renaissance Faire bridezilla.” • Death Himself Arrives: A sword is pulled from a floor. A quicksilver pool erupts. A shirtless, furious, metallic shadow creature rises like a romance-novel Dwayne Johnson. The pod unanimously agrees: Death is hot. • Welcome to Yvelia: Saris wakes up in a winter wonderland full of beautiful fae, political trauma, an oracle who is definitely faking visions for fun, and a librarian who is essentially Jewish Grandpa Fae. • Kingfisher, Our Grumpy Shadow Daddy: He’s 1,733 years old, bitter, blood-stained, and allergic to shirts. He calls Saris a butterfly that dies in one day, which is both rude and scientifically confusing. The name Kingfisher remains universally hated. • Sexual Tension Level: Hard Cheese: The infamous “Swallow” moment arrives. Saris nearly dies on cheese because she’s too flustered to function. Everlane barges in demanding to know why the room smells like a brothel. The pod screams. • The Fox Named Onyx: He latches onto Saris. Kingfisher threatens to make him a hat. Rick takes offense. Amanda calls him a “hell b****.” Honestly perfect. • The Kiss That Was Way Too Soon: Saris straddles Kingfisher in the forge in a moment that is equal parts trauma response, quicksilver magic, and poor judgment. Kim reminds everyone that danger-f***ing is not healthy behavior. • The Blood Oath Disaster: Saris tries to flee through the Silver Sea, but Kingfisher catches her, tackles her, and drops the bomb that she stole his fakerelic. He bargains for her cooperation, nearly dies retrieving her “brother,” and shows up with… Kherion Swift, Rick’s problematic fave and smuggler-boy Lando/Han Solo hybrid. • The Fine Print: Saris accidentally vows to help Kingfisher “in any way he asks,” which is how she ends up on a horse in the snow with a fox, an unconscious smuggler, and a fae man who thinks threats count as flirting. Recurring Themes: Shadow Daddy Energy Level: Very HighTeeth-Baring Moments: Too ManyTrauma Responses Mistaken for Romance: OngoingKherion Swift Hype: Rick OnlyPronunciation Guide Rage: Amanda OnlySnow vs Desert Worldbuilding: Actually ExcellentAmerican Girl Doll Silver Eye Discourse: Surprisingly Important Predictions (Amanda-Only Zone): Saris is definitely an alchemist, maybe part fae, definitely part chaos. Kingfisher is obviously the love interest unless this book tries to do a Tamlin Switcheroo. Kherion will cause trouble. Hayden’s identity is questionable. And something very wrong is going on with those quicksilver pathways. What Else We’re Reading: Rick just finished Mistborn (“objectively good, not fun”). Amanda is emotionally destroyed by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere. Kim is finishing Crest City after a Quaker-travel-induced reading drought. CTA: Tell us your thoughts on Chapters 1–14. Are you Team Shadow Daddy, Team Smuggler Boy, or Team Fox? Email romantasyroundtablegmail.com, drop a comment on BookTok, or send us your favorite cursed fae nicknames.

Episode Title: Mate, Murder, Minestrone – Game Night Special Description: Recording-marathon brain has fully set in, so Amanda, Kim, and Rick take a break from plot to play Mate, Murder, Minestrone—their extremely on-brand, soupified take on f**k, marry, kill. From Poppy slander and dragon riders to cursed fantasy names and the eternal menace of “honeydew,” the Romanty Roundtable turns every trope, quote, and side character into chaotic relationship choices. Nothing is safe, not even the soup. Highlights include: Poppy Must Perish: Violet, Feyre, and Poppy face judgment, and Poppy does not make it out of this round alive.One Bed, One Chair, One Horse: Kim negotiates her favorite soup scenes while also refusing to harm a single fictional pony.Dragon Rider vs. Devil Prince: Rick builds his dream afterlife: lifelong dragon-riding, occasional devil-prince situationship.Hawkthrone, Kingfisher, Rowington: The panel debates which cursed YA name sounds the most like a lacrosse-playing finance bro.Heartmates, Honeydew, The Joining: The holy trinity of invented romance words goes under the knife (sorry, honeydew).Traitor Boys & Baby Predators: Jack Barlow, Benji, and Alastair get their own hate-f**k vs. yeet-off-a-cliff segment.Violence, Feyre Darling, Trouble, Angel, Killer: What if every nickname screams “red flag” in a different font?Quote Chaos Finale: “My house, my chair, my woman,” “the f**k-aware,” and “you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?” battle for top soup line. Plus: Wine vs. cappuccino vs. tiny Trader Joe’s OJ, Henry VIII wife lore, “Jewish werewolf lumberjack” as a type, and Tristan’s brief refusal to participate in our nonsense. Next up: Back to our regular readalong—check the next episode title for which book and chapters we’re diving into next.

Episode Title: Mate – Chapters 27–End Description: The Mate finale delivers chaos, cults, and enough soup to feed the entire Northwest Pack. Rick, Amanda, and Kim close out Ali Hazelwood’s werewolf fever dream with deep literary insight (and deeper regret) as they unpack the Jewish werewolf conspiracy, inflatable anatomy, and one of the wildest epilogues in Romantasy history. Highlights include:  • Bagels & Bar Mitzvahs: Rick celebrates Jewish werewolves with a New Jersey bagel and avocado, sparking the immortal question—are were-butterflies next?  • Cult Family Reunion: Serena gets kidnapped, meets her manipulative Aunt Irene, and learns her mom was in a supernatural MLM. The vibes are Waco with a side of therapy.  • Love, Duty, and Pancakes: Cohen’s tragic celibacy vow finally crumbles, proving that even alphas can’t fight destiny—or the call of breakfast foods.  • The Heat Saga: Three full chapters of… soup. There’s fruit, water breaks, werewolf anatomy lessons, and one line so horrifying it scarred the entire pod (“This is where my come goes”).  • Puppy Power Finale: Serena turns into a tiny wolf, takes a bullet for Cohen, and lives to bark about it. True love bites—literally.  • Post-Battle Banter: Misery and Serena’s hospital reunion includes frog therapy, toenail trimming, and the line “you’ve been deaunted.” Friendship goals achieved.  • Happily Ever After (and Bitten): The celibacy covenant gets yeeted, Cohen gets bitten first (finally), and the pod celebrates a satisfying if soup-soaked ending. Mary’s Missives! The team revives their favorite chaos segment as colleague Mary reviews Mate—a book she’s never read. Topics include hybrid identity, Jewish–Sicilian solidarity, and why “I remain tragically unf***ed” might be the most relatable line of the year. Final Ratings:  • Stars: 4  • Soups: 3.5 (For comparison: Bride got 3.5 stars and 4 soups. Growth? Maybe.) CTA: Tell us—did Mate make you howl or just overheat? Email romantygmail.com, drop a comment on BookTok, or bring us your theories about Jewish werewolves and the cult of hydration.

Episode Title: Mate – Chapters 13–26 Description: The Romanty Roundtable returns to the Pacific Northwest for part two of Ali Hazelwood’s Mate, where cults form, vows break, and everyone’s constantly shirtless. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle the middle stretch of the book—half domestic fluff, half hormonal apocalypse—as Cohen’s celibacy pact collides with Serena’s fast-approaching heat. Between werewolf theology, “good girl” debates, and the debut of The Howler App™, the trio agrees: there’s still no plot, but they’re having an amazing time. Highlights include: Domestic Wolfcore: Grocery dates, pink penguin pocketknives, and Cohen buying her every item she even glanced at.Pack Dinner Drama: Meatballs, lemon-ricotta pancakes, and one young wolf learning what “touch her and die” really means.Celibate Alpha Energy, Part 2: Haircuts, shaving foam innuendo, and the immortal line—“I remain tragically un-[bleep]ed.”Werewolf Bar Mitzvah Continues: The covenant origins revealed—Cohen took his vow at 15, uniting a shattered pack and locking up his libido forever.Cult of Constantine: Cliff-jumping prophets, suicidal acolytes, and the horrifying possibility that Serena might be divine…or related.Self Soup Scene™: Ice baths, glands, and Cohen proving chivalry isn’t dead—it’s just sweaty.Heat Cycle Havoc: Biology lectures, hormone injections, and the line heard round the pod: “My smell brings all the wolves to the yard.” Plus: Drag Race linguistics, the eternal “Killer vs Princess” nickname debate, and a bonus Moonstruck detour that somehow makes perfect sense. Next up: Mate – Chapters 27 to End. Expect resolution, revelation, and probably one final ladle of soup.