Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - "07.23: Long Live Historicals!"
Release Date: February 16, 2025
Hosts:
- Sarah McLean: Bestselling romance novelist.
- Jennifer Prokop: Romance reader and editor.
Episode Overview
In this engaging episode of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast, co-hosts Sarah McLean and Jennifer Prokop delve deep into the vibrant world of historical romance novels. Titled "Long Live Historicals!", the episode is dedicated to exploring a curated list of new and noteworthy historical romances, spanning both traditionally published and independent titles. The hosts share their insights, favorite picks, and discuss the evolving landscape of the genre, all while maintaining their signature lively banter.
Key Discussions and Book Recommendations
1. Exploring New Horizons in Historicals
The episode kicks off with Sarah and Jen addressing feedback about the podcast's recurring book selections. They express their determination to introduce fresh content, setting the stage for an episode bursting with new recommendations.
2. Celebrating Diversity in Romance
In honor of Black History Month, the hosts highlight a curated list of black romance novels available on Bookshop.org, offering a 20% discount. They discuss the platform's expansion into digital formats, sharing personal experiences with ebook readers and emphasizing the importance of supporting diverse voices in the genre.
- Jen Prokop at [02:05]: “Bookshop.org now has a reading app for buying and reading digital books. Many romance readers are moving to ebooks, but the platform's integration has its quirks.”
3. Featured Historical Romance Titles
Sarah and Jen dive into a series of historical romance novels, providing detailed summaries, personal reflections, and notable quotes from each book. Below are some of their highlighted selections:
a. "Double Exposure" by Rayan Gray
A captivating enemies-to-lovers tale set against the backdrop of art theft in Chicago. The story follows Jillian Rhodes, a master art thief, and Sloan Caffrey, her ex-lover, as they navigate a complex heist that threatens to reunite them.
- Sarah McLean at [19:02]: “She is like, doing the stealing and returning the item, and then she makes money. It's a great setup for a sexy, heisty romance.”
b. "Lion's Lover" by Maggie Sims
This novel features Isabella, a courtesan yearning for a family, who must help a troubled young lord overcome his vices in exchange for a chance at love. The arrangement leads to unexpected romance amidst the challenges of Regency society.
- Jen Prokop at [26:21]: “It is also for those who enjoy an age gap where the heroine is older than the hero. I very much enjoyed this.”
c. "The Sapphire Heiress" by Ella Leon
Ethan Locke, a pirate whose aging was halted by a magical sapphire, embarks on a quest to reclaim it. The journey intertwines with May Blackthorn's pursuit of family, leading them through treasure hunts and secret societies.
- Sarah McLean at [29:46]: “The sapphire stopped the aging process. Historical romance is fucking bananas, and I love it so much.”
d. "Wooing the Witch Queen" by Stephanie Burgess
Queen Saskia, a sorceress balancing her duties with magical responsibilities, encounters Fabian, a dark wizard with hidden motives. Their alliance blurs the lines between duty and desire.
- Jen Prokop at [33:26]: “Fabian appears at her door, promising to help her with her magic library, but little does she know his true identity.”
e. "A Shore Thing" by Joanna Lowell
Set in 1880s Cornwall, this story follows Kit, a transgender man struggling with acceptance, and Muriel, a woman determined to challenge male-dominated bike clubs. Their clash leads to a spirited romance filled with charm and tension.
- Sarah McLean at [43:05]: “Every time one of them marks the other with chalk from the end of their pool... that's a point. Honestly, I cannot.”
f. "The Villain" by Victoria Vale
A dark mafia romance where Georgia must navigate betrayal and revenge while dealing with the enigmatic Earl of Heartmoor. The story delves into themes of power, vengeance, and unexpected love.
- Jen Prokop at [54:35]: “It's a very dark book with a core of serious stuff, but it's incredibly sexy.”
g. "Never Woo the Wrong Lady" by Charlie Lane
Andromeda and Tristan, entrenched in a web of mistaken identities and family pressures, find themselves caught between societal expectations and their burgeoning feelings. Their journey explores themes of love, revenge, and personal growth.
- Sarah McLean at [86:59]: “It's a really nice romance that I would happily read again. It was a really lovely couple of hours.”
h. "A Bloomy Head" by J. Winifred Butterworth
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-revolutionary France, this regency mystery follows Kate and her siblings as they unravel family secrets while navigating love and loss.
- Jen Prokop at [78:37]: “It is a truly marvelous book... watching them all work in concert without really knowing it.”
i. "Seduce in a Storm" by Royalene Singh
A novella centered around Holi festivities and mistaken identity, where Malini's playful prank leads her to reconnect with a past love. The story captures the essence of rekindled romance amidst cultural celebrations.
- Sarah McLean at [67:07]: “And they're like a little bit at each other, but she sort of takes off into the... Onto his estate and it starts to rain.”
Notable Quotes
Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen share memorable lines from the books, emphasizing pivotal moments and character dynamics. Here are a few standout quotes:
-
Sarah McLean at [19:14]: “She gets onto the path at the top of the hill and like somebody rings their bicycle bell. And then there's a collision... it starts to become clear that maybe this whole thing is a setup.”
-
Jennifer Prokop at [54:35]: “This is a very dark book with a core of serious stuff, but it's incredibly sexy.”
-
Jen Prokop at [78:37]: “It is a truly marvelous book... watching them all work in concert without really knowing it.”
Community and Engagement
Towards the end of the episode, Sarah and Jen encourage listeners to engage with the podcast community through social media platforms like Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. They also promote their Patreon for exclusive content and invite listeners to join their Discord server for ongoing discussions about romance novels.
Sarah mentions an upcoming beginner's romance class via Zoom, catering to aspiring writers looking to develop their manuscripts, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to supporting both readers and writers in the romance community.
Conclusion
"Long Live Historicals!" serves as a vibrant celebration of historical romance, showcasing a diverse array of stories that push the boundaries of the genre. Sarah McLean and Jennifer Prokop expertly guide listeners through each narrative, offering genuine enthusiasm and insightful commentary. Whether you're a long-time fan of historical romances or new to the genre, this episode promises a treasure trove of recommendations to enrich your reading list.
Stay Connected:
- Website: fatedmates.net
- Social Media: Instagram, Threads, Bluesky
- Patreon: Access exclusive content and join the community Discord server.
- Bookshop.org: Explore the recommended books and support independent bookstores.
Note: All book titles and author names mentioned are owned by their respective publishers and authors.