Of Swords and Soulmates
Is this a kissing book? Of Swords and Soulmates features two couples (and sometimes more), with varying reading preferences and experiences, as they read, listen, and sometimes watch romantasy stories and discuss plot, fantasy elements, romance, spice, theories, and more. Join us for our non-expert opinions as we discuss, argue, rave, rant, and hopefully entertain. We may just help you find your next reading obsession or at least contribute to that TBR list!
Episodes
28 episodes
"That Time I Got Drunk and..." - Demons, Drunkenness, and Delight
Step into the whimsical world of “That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” by Kimberly Lemming, where humor and heart collide in a captivating romantic adventure. Join us for a delightful deep dive into this enchanting tale, as we unravel the j...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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59:24
"Throne in the Dark" - Dark Romance and Comedic Undertone Adventure
This episode embarks on an exploration of *A Throne in the Dark* by AK Caggiano, where dark romances clash with comedic undertones, leading characters on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. We dissect the book's intric...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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59:29
"Iron Flame" - Plot Twists and Predictions
Ever wondered how to navigate the often tumultuous seas of book collecting, especially when it comes to special editions? We've been there, shared the frustration, and today we're spilling the tea on all things literary buzz. From Callie Hart's...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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1:01:24
"Fourth Wing" - Power and Passion Tropes
What happens when the familiar meets the fantastical in Rebecca Yarros's "Fourth Wing"? Get ready to uncover whether the familiar tropes in her series soar or crash as we dissect the book's re-readability, Easter eggs, and world-building elemen...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:01:36
Book Bliss and Reading Regrets: A Year-End Literary Adventure
We reflect on our literary journey in 2024, discussing our favorite challenges, surprising reads, and popular books left unread. The episode showcases the variety of genres we explored and the sense of community built around our shared experien...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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56:45
"Jingle All the Slay" - A Hallmark Romantasy Mystery
This week, we're celebrating Sarah J. Maas's triumph with "House of Flame and Shadow" in the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards. Join us—Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan—as we passionately chat about the allure of Maas's different series and the ele...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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58:51
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" - Exploring a Magic Holiday Classic
What if you could transform an ordinary game of Dirty Santa into an unforgettable experience? Join us as we welcome Amy from Maple Grass Design, who shares her enchanting world of "surprise bubbles," meticulously crafted gifts that cater to eve...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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58:35
"Morning Glory Milking Farm" - A Humorous Dive into Monster Romance
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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59:59
"The Games Gods Play" - Hades Changes the Game
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 Ill...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:28:27
"A Dowry of Blood" - Vengeful Vampire Brides
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 editi...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:00:37
Adventures at the Fabled Fantasy Romantasy Book Con
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 h...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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59:27
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" - Our Review (Finally)
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 Sp...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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59:26
"Radiance" - Romance in an Arranged Interspecies Marriage
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 late...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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55:57
"Assistant to the Villain" - Not just a job, it's a romance.
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 b...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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59:59
"Six Scorched Roses" - Is it a Kissing Novella?
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 late...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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58:36
"The Audient and the Phantom Night" - Fated Mates on the High Seas
Ready to uncover the latest buzz in the fantasy and romance book world? This episode of "Of Swords and Soulmates" promises a treasure trove of updates and discussions that you won't want to miss. We kick off with the exhilarating news that Moir...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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59:02
"The Spellshop" - A Book Girl and a Talking Plant
This week on Swords and Soulmates, Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan discuss the potential opening of "The New Romantics," Orlando's first romance-exclusive bookstore. We share our excitement and concerns regarding the rise of niche bookshops, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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58:51
Mid-Year Book Wrap-Up
Welcome back to "Of Swords and Soulmates," where we embark on an exhilarating journey through the "Mid-Year Freak-Out Book Tag" questions! Alongside Kelly, Jonathan, Ashley, and Mari, we explore our top reads so far in 2024, including "The Wolf...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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37:21
"Ivy & Bone" - Witches, Devils, and Emotional Journeys
This episode kicks off with thrilling news from the Fabled Fantasy event in Orlando and their innovative app that helps attendees navigate schedules and panels. Plus, discover the stunning special edition release of Naomi Novik's Scholomance se...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:04:00
"Wolf Gone Wild" - Which witch with what werewolf?
What if we told you that you could experience a whirlwind of bookish excitement in just one episode? We promise you'll be on the edge of your seat with the latest announcements, including the hotly anticipated dates for PolyCon 2025 and insight...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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59:02
"The Last Storm" - The Role of Consent in Romantasy
Ready for some thrilling book news and riveting discussions? You'll want to stick around for this episode, where we kick things off with updates that every book lover needs to know. From Juliet Cross's newly launched shop brimming with signed b...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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56:51
Author Interview: Sebastian Nothwell
What happens when you challenge an author with a rich appreciation for Victorian literature and a penchant for upending societal norms? This week, we're thrilled to welcome Sebastian Nothwell, who recounts his journey to literary acclaim, motiv...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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36:09
"Oak King Holly King" - Fae Champions and Mortal Clerks
Join Jonathan, Kelly, Ashley, and Mari as we dive deep into the mesmerizing romance of Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell. We'll also unravel the magic behind exclusive editions like Fairyloot's When the Moon Hatched an...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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59:19
"Three Dark Crowns" - Three Queens...Three Gambits
Have you ever felt the heart-pounding anticipation of a plot twist you never saw coming, or the sting of a character's betrayal that felt all too real? Our latest episode of is a literary feast for the senses, as we unravel the complex world of...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:08:16
"The Liar's Crown": The Power of Bloodlines and Romance
Prepare to indulge your literary senses in a world where romance intertwines with the intrigue of royal fantasy. As we embark on a vibrant discussion, our quartet of book enthusiasts—Mari, Kelly, Ashley, and Jonathan —discuss Abigail Owen's "Th...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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59:39