07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Episode 07.25: Sci-Fi Romance: There's No Book Banning in Space

Release Date: March 5, 2025

Hosts: Bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop.

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Introduction to Space Romance

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter between Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop about their whimsical thoughts on space and asteroids. Sarah expresses her longing for space with the remark, “[00:03] I wish I was in space,” setting the tone for a lively discussion centered around sci-fi romance. Jen humorously adds, “[00:05] I was just gonna say that, Jen. In space,” highlighting their playful dynamic.

Revisiting the Space Romance Genre

Sarah and Jen delve into the history of space romance, reminiscing about their previous episode from Season One and noting how the genre has evolved since then. Jen reflects on the proliferation of books that echo themes from Ice Planet Barbarians by Jane Ann Krentz, expressing her reservations about the increasing number of stories featuring the kidnapping and enslavement of white women by aliens. “[08:55] Jen Prokop: If anybody was enslaved, if a white woman was enslaved, I was like, I’m gonna have to say no to that.”

Sarah contrasts her approach, embracing the more adventurous and unconventional aspects of space romance. “[10:21] Sarah McLean: Because I was just like, fuck this. The crazier the better.”

Establishing Parameters for Sci-Fi Romance Selections

Jen outlines her criteria for selecting sci-fi romance novels, emphasizing her desire to avoid colonialist fantasies and problematic gender dynamics. “[09:48] Jen Prokop: We need women. … I'm gonna have to say no to that.”

Sarah, on the other hand, shares her enthusiasm for daring and unconventional plots within the genre. “[10:15] Sarah McLean: Well, I am the opposite, because I was just like, fuck this. The crazier the better.”

Book Reviews and Recommendations

1. Chaos by Constance Fay

Jen revisits her favorite sci-fi romance series, starting with Chaos. She praises the protagonist, Sin, a bounty hunter with a tragic backstory. “[20:23] Jen Prokop: Sin has a universe-wide badass reputation because she spaced a whole ship of bad guys.”

Sarah adds her perspective, comparing the series to iconic space adventures with a romantic twist. “[28:05] Sarah McLean: Beth Revis’ The Chaotic Orbits series is the most sci-fi of the books I've read.”

2. Fiasco by Constance Fay

Jen discusses the sequel, Fiasco, highlighting the deepening relationships and complex plot involving imperial families and a relentless antagonist. “[27:32] Jen Prokop: … I thought it's probably the best grand gesture I've ever read.”

Sarah concurs, noting the intricate layering of sci-fi elements and character development. “[35:24] Sarah McLean: … Enzo is a very talented singer who is on his way to rock stardom.”

3. Calamity by Constance Fay

Jen anticipates diving back into the series with Calamity, expressing her excitement to continue exploring Sin's journey. “[28:05] Sara McLean: You're a Chaos reader is what you are.”

4. Heart Song by Heather Guer

Sarah and Jen explore Heart Song, a saga featuring a human heroine entangled with an alien leader. They discuss the unique communication dynamics and the soulful bond between the protagonists. “[53:21] Jen Prokop: … when they consummate it, the soul bond will be concrete.”

5. On Her Terms by Amy Spalding

Jen introduces On Her Terms, a sapphic romance about Clementine and Chloe navigating a fake dating scenario. “[36:35] Sarah McLean: … Amy Spaulding’s books are so fun and really great reads.”

6. Space Deputy by Jenny Schwartz

Sarah reviews Space Deputy, a three-book series blending humor and romance as the heroine Ada navigates life as a space scavenger. “[28:49] Sarah McLean: … Ada is drifting in space with her last 5% of oxygen.”

7. I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

Jen highlights this comedic take on alien romance, where the protagonist Dory teams up with a talking lion and encounters multiple alien suitors. “[45:12] Sarah McLean: … he's like, I am a monkey you aren't getting away anytime soon.”

8. Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

Jen discusses Winter's Orbit, a court intrigue romance involving forced marriage to secure a treaty. She praises the character development and the nuanced portrayal of consent and duty. “[54:36] Sarah McLean: … Janan’s husband was abusive.”

9. Space Army Recruits Series by Kinley Grace Ray

Sarah and Jen review this edgy series where space army recruits undergo orgy-based assessments to secure their positions. Jen humorously describes the plot’s unconventional approach to romance. “[84:01] Jennifer Prokop: … the entire plot of Space Army Recruits is them practicing orgy.”

10. Raw Desires from the Cyborg Unity Series by Cynthia Sachs

Jen reviews Raw Desires, focusing on the relationship between a cyborg named Raw and a woman named Tatu seeking revenge. She discusses the blend of action and erotic elements. “[80:40] Sarah McLean: … His human female is attempting to kill him.”

Exploring Diverse Themes in Sci-Fi Romance

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen emphasize the importance of diversity and ethical storytelling within sci-fi romance. They advocate for narratives that empower female protagonists and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. “[09:48] Sarah McLean: We need women.”

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts encourage listeners to explore the rich landscape of sci-fi romance, highlighting the balance between adventurous plots and meaningful character development. They express excitement for future episodes and continued exploration of the genre's evolving themes.

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Notable Quotes:

• "The crazier the better." — Sarah MacLean [10:15]

• "If anybody was enslaved, if a white woman was enslaved, I was like, I’m gonna have to say no to that." — Jen Prokop [08:55]

• "We need women. … I'm gonna have to say no to that." — Jen Prokop [09:48]

• "Chaos Reader is what you are." — Sarah MacLean [28:05]

• "I was really excited as everybody, because I've already talked about this one book, Chaos, by Constant Fay, like seven times because I loved it so much." — Jen Prokop [03:06]

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Additional Resources:

For a comprehensive list of all books discussed in this episode, including purchase links and further details, please visit the Show Notes.

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Join the Conversation:

Stay connected with Sarah and Jen on social media platforms:

• Sarah MacLean: Blue Sky, Instagram
• Jen Prokop: Blue Sky, Instagram
• Jen’s Newsletter: Beehive

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on the hosts' discussions and book reviews while omitting sponsor messages and introductory/outro sections as per the instructions.

Transcript

[Sarah McLean]

I wish I was in space.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I was just gonna say that, Jen. In space. Like, that's the part where, like, I mean, okay, listen, I know it's all gallows humor, but, you know, there's like, this asteroid they've been keeping an eye on.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah. It's getting closer and more likely to hit us.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Everyone's like, yes. Or, you know, like, what if we're rooting for the asteroid, we're rooting for the asteroid now. Just. Or like. Or. Or it's like, I think about all of the movies where it's like, you know, we fight off a. A band of evil aliens who.

[Sarah McLean]

We send Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis to blow up an asteroid.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Or, you know, Bill Pullman.

[Sarah McLean]

Don't waste your time.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Just. I think they. We'd be. Anybody could be better off, all of us probably with an alien overlord right now.

[Sarah McLean]

So, yeah, some of these aliens we read this week. Yes, for sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

100%. 100%. So we. Everybody, I guess we should introduce ourselves. Maybe we should just, like, stop bantering.

[Sarah McLean]

And go right to welcome everyone to fated mates. I'm Sarah McClain. I read romance novels and I write them.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I'm Jennifer Prokop, such as it is. A romance reader and reader. Really? Romance reader, editor, and critic. I'm back on it.

[Sarah McLean]

You're a critic now? We're back to being a critic. Jen's back to being a critic.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, with a beehive, I really refuse to call it a substack. The substack is for Nazis. So I've been trying to really, like, not say, like a non substack substack. But beehive, nobody knows what it is, so I'm just gonna say I have a newsletter now and you can subscribe.

[Sarah McLean]

We'll put a link to it in show notes. If you want to hear Jen talk about, like, the bad, the sort of, the more challenging pieces of being a romance reader, that is where you can go. Because we keep it tight and we keep it upbeat here at me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Believe it or not.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, exactly.

[Sarah McLean]

Despite beginning this episode with, hey, maybe the asteroid will hit.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, so this week's episode is space romance, which we did back in season one.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, my God. Was it that long?

[Jennifer Prokop]

It has been a long.

[Sarah McLean]

So is it like a 14 minute episode? I mean, they were never 14.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They were never that long. But it was longer. But I mean, it really was, like, really far back there.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And originally when we had, like, talked about doing this again, I gotta pull.

[Sarah McLean]

Up that episode while we talk Because.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, it was basically. Look at it. It was basically ice planet barbarians and Emmy Chandler.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, yeah, Emmy Chandler's. And I didn't put her in here because you were like, surely.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I guess I figured.

[Sarah McLean]

Yes, we've talked about her. And, you know, we have this new rule. Everyone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, we're doing better.

[Sarah McLean]

Our. Our alien overlord Eric has a new rule for us.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And.

[Sarah McLean]

And. And actually, every time we talk about it, he then, after he edits the episode, comes into my office and he says, you know, that. What? I didn't tell you how to read all new books.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I just said, like, hey, maybe we.

[Sarah McLean]

Could talk about books.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And look, we are doing this because he was. It's fine. And I. I'm woman enough to say it.

[Sarah McLean]

We're getting over it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But in this case, we. I was super excited as everybody, because I've already talked about this one book, Chaos, by Constant Fay, like seven times because I loved it so much. And I was like, I love sci fi. Can we, like, go back into a sci fi. Like another space episode? Essentially.

[Sarah McLean]

But so. But here's the thing. You said to me sci fi. And I heard space. And then you were like, what if it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like.

[Sarah McLean]

Then you suggested, like, some other thing that was like, real sci fi, dystopian, like, future. And I was like, hang on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I thought we were doing space.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm prepping literal people in the universe, like, away from Earth and now. So who knows what you're gonna get today? Everybody. Well, I'll tell you straight up from me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You're gonna get me too. Me too.

[Sarah McLean]

It's aliens in space.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Because you know what? I actually. Dystopian's a little too real right now. I was like, I. That's. No kind of. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

I don't want to do.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I don't want read hold by Claire Kent. And apparently she has a whole new series. And Claire Kent is your.

[Sarah McLean]

Sounds great. Dystopian is into it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. So anyway, I was like, oh, okay. Like, let's space. Great, let's go. And back and do space. And so I looked back.

[Sarah McLean]

This is back when you were doing, like, serious show notes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, for sure. Like, there was so much more going.

[Sarah McLean]

On time, you guys, when we didn't phone it in at all.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Now I'm just. Like, I said a couple things here. This. Wait.

[Sarah McLean]

But I do feel like we have to, like, we have to note Sweet Starfire.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

Because of course we do. Because we have.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So listen, this was June of 2019. It was a long. No. Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

Then it wasn't season one.

[Jennifer Prokop]

2018. Our first episode was our first episode in 20.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, my God. It's 2025, guys. It's rough out here. It's rough for me. Okay, here we go. They first, the. The primordial space romance is Jane Ann Krentz's sweet Starfire. And this is a classic Jane and Krantz setup. This lady loves a telepath in all forms. In all forms. Every one of her series, every one of her pen names at some point, like, brings you around to telepaths. And so there is. So the heroine is, like, born into a society where everybody telepath except her. And so she is an outsider. Like, she's cast off from the society. And Teague is like a scavenger delivery guy. He's like Han Solo.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

In any. Like, you can hire him to do anything, to collect anything throughout space. And basically, she is on the hunt for some, like, magic fix to her telepathy. And she wants to pay him for a ride. Basically a normal ride.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

Out into the universe to, like, help find. Figure out her. Her issues and sort her issues. And she gets another kind of ride.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know it was coming.

[Sarah McLean]

And then that's that. So that's sweet Starfire. And listen, the COVID now thumbs down. The original cover has Fabio. No, it's not Fabio. The original cover is just like two people. She has gravity defying hair and gravity defying breasts.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Correct. And there's like a comet on the.

[Sarah McLean]

COVID It does not miss. So enjoy yourselves. Going to look for that.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She really does have gravity defying breasts, doesn't she?

[Sarah McLean]

Her breasts are like. They're so, like, buoyant. It's because obviously gravity is a different thing on whatever planet they're on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

All the best thing about these is, like, no gravity. Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Not even for your boobs.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. So here is. So here's. I want to, like, revisit. Kind of like one of my favorite things now is I don't know if anybody else cares, but I care. And it's my podcast. So sorry, everybody, you're gonna have to listen to me. Is I'm really always interested now too. And I don't think we did this as much as, like, how do you. Like, what were the parameters and how do you tackle it? And like, then like, also kind of like, what were the pitfalls? And so I think one of the things is 2019, when we did this, there were like, there was Ice planet barbarians. And in the intervening six years, there have been a lot of things ripping Off Ice Planet Barbarians. And some of them, I straight up as. What was like, oh, no, I can't really do this. And so I had, like, kind of started developing a little list of things that were like.

[Sarah McLean]

Because now, wait, here's my question. Is it you couldn't do it because it felt too close to Ice Planet Barbarian?

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, because I think. Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

Because I have, like, a very close sibling.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, no, no, no.

[Sarah McLean]

That's on my list.

[Jennifer Prokop]

There were a couple things that I was like, okay, I think we're going through some things and.

[Sarah McLean]

You mean personally.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes, yes. And so is wrong you and me, or you mean and romance writ large when we're going through things. Romance is going through things because it's like the most. The world's most sensitive tuning fork to the mood of. Of American readers room readers. Right?

[Sarah McLean]

Okay, sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay. In Ice Planet Barbarians, which we are not going to talk about except to say this. These women were kidnapped from Earth by some bad aliens and then land on a planet with some good aliens, and they all live happily ever after. But I found a lot of books, Sarah, where they are kidnapped from Earth and enslaved. These, like, pretty white ladies are kidnapped from Earth and enslaved by the bad aliens. And I was like, I'm gonna have to pass.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, no, no.

[Jennifer Prokop]

If. If anybody was enslaved, if a white woman was enslaved, I was like, I'm gonna have to say no to that. And so I just found myself thinking that there were, like, quite a few of, like, that kind of prototype happening. And I was like, I just. I can't. Insane colonialist fantasies are actually running rampant through our government right now. I just don't need that in my fiction. And I think the other thing that I. I also personally sort of said no to, although it is really a hallmark of Ice Planet Barbarians. But I just was like, I don't really personally right now want to read. It was like the gender. The gender dynamic of, like, our society is dying and the.

[Sarah McLean]

You. We need women.

[Jennifer Prokop]

We need women. Because I was like. I also was, like, a little too real. She's just an incubator. So I personally had to like, if. If there was even like a snippet of that. I was like, and I'm moving on. And I found myself going back to books that I had read in, like, you know, 2015 or whatever and was like, oh, whoa. So anyway, those were just, like, some little parameters for me.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, I am the opposite, because I was just like, fuck this. The crazier the better.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, I got some vibe.

[Sarah McLean]

That was my vibe. And Listen, I've got one that you are going to immediately run and buy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay. I really pitched this topic to Sarah because I love this Constance Fay series called Uncharted Hearts. Right. So I really also was like, I'm gonna read some like I, I found myself putting them mentally on my, on a little continuum from like serious, what I'm calling serious sci fi to slutty sci fi.

[Sarah McLean]

Right. I did the same where I was like, okay, I'm gonna go from like a sci fi book. I would happily.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

Say a sci fi romance. I would happily like hand to somebody who is like, I really like sci fi. Two one handed reads.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Correct.

[Sarah McLean]

So. And, and so we all are on the same page.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think I, I just want to be really clear. Like there's a lot. There was some slutty sci fi for sure. And, and I agree, there was a.

[Sarah McLean]

Lot of slutty sci fi.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And I will tell you that I, I only have four books on to recommend today because one of the problems that I have is that I got trapped in one of these series. So I was. And then I forgot what I was doing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So I think that that is, that is, I think that's the case.

[Sarah McLean]

Now.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Here's the other thing though. I will tell you some of the more serious sci fi stuff I found was like more like women's fiction in space.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. Like, well, like, don't you feel a.

[Sarah McLean]

Little bit like the. Like Jesse, mahalo.

[Jennifer Prokop]

A little bit. Yeah. For sure. Right. A little bit like. Yeah. I mean, listen, I think they're romances, but for sure. Of course some of them are, you know, kind of the hallmarks of like it's heroin only when you're point of view.

[Sarah McLean]

Fucking an alien. Like, I feel like aliens. Here's my thing. I feel like aliens. They exist in romance. Not to make us, you know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

They don't lead us to commercial fiction.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They lead us to further down to slutty sci fi. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Into the deep end of the romance pool.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's like monster romance.

[Sarah McLean]

Why ride an alien if not.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. He's got a tail that he can.

[Sarah McLean]

You know, do with a suction tail. And yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So yeah, I don't.

[Sarah McLean]

I mean. And what's funny is actually I have some. Actually I have five books. I forgot I have a. I, my, my other book, which is sort of like riding this line is we're gonna talk about it, but it's Kimberly Lemming. We'll get to it. And, and her alien book is much hotter than her other books.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Interesting.

[Sarah McLean]

And I think it's because aliens.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

So, like, here's my thing is.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So listen, no one's ever banned a book in space.

[Sarah McLean]

Sarah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Everyone likes to. In space.

[Sarah McLean]

No one's ever banned a book in space. Put it on a T shirt, sell it to every sci fi romance writer and, like, join Authors Against Book Bans, my friends.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, Authors Against Book Bans is like, if we just relocate to space. Problem solved. Go ahead, tell David Levithan. I told him. So. Be like, Jen. Jen scratched the code. Everyone likes to get down in space.

[Sarah McLean]

Exactly. There's no time for book banning in space because you're too busy meeting aliens with interesting parts.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Everyone's got a blaster. That's fine. Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

So, yeah, so here's my thing. Do we think. Is it the buoyancy of space and like, the. The lack of gravity with breasts that makes Facebook sexier? No, but what do we really think we're doing with aliens? It is impossible to suggest that these books are not sexier with an alien.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, correct. I mean, I think for me it's really like, the opportunity for, you know, the slutty sci fi. The slutty romance.

[Sarah McLean]

Me against the world becomes you and me against the universe.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. But also, just like, you get to leave. You've literally left Earth and it's moral policing behind, like, literally. And so, like, it. I think that that is like, the big, you know, you get to just. And I think for romance writers especially, you know, I think it's always really interesting to hear people talk about the way that they think about, like, world building. And it's always, of course, like, in the context of our world. Duh. And I think that, like. So I think if you're writing a space romance, you are literally, you get to start without any of that. Right. And I. And so I. I would imagine that's part of it, but also I would imagine too, it's like a little bit of, like, start as you mean to go on. Like, right. Like, everybody already has blazed the slutty sci fi path, and so why not? Yeah, why not?

[Sarah McLean]

Agree. Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

If you wanted to write about, like, repressed aliens, I mean, like the Amish alien planet. I just don't know that anybody really needs that. You could just put that here.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, okay. I get it. Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

In fantasy romance, the world is like a character, right? Like, you have, like, people, like, walking through, and it's like, you know, they created creatures and all this. Right. And in sci fi romance, the world is like, that's not the case because space is a void. And so I also think that it's like really, you really are like ramping up people's interpersonal relationships. Because, like, I don't. Right.

[Sarah McLean]

So if you're on a planet.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Like ice planet barbarians. The planet. It's actually you. You're right, because ice planet barbarians. Like the planet is ice.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Like there's nothing to look at or. No, it's just ice. And I think. And space is space.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

I do feel like again, the lemming sort of is out of. It's out. It's. It's slightly different.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

But I probably wouldn't. If we weren't doing a space episode.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

I would play. I would categorize this differently than space.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think there's a lot of like, we're on a spaceship. Mm. Right. And I mean, it's like, imagine if every single fucking romance was just people in like an astro van. Right. Like you're on the ship. You know what, what else do you need to know? And so I think in a weird way, I don't know, I'm like, really. I really found myself thinking about like the kinds of plots that you get in space romance or in, you know, sci fi romance. Because either it's like, I'm a bounty hunter, so I'm just like bouncing around from world to world chasing somebody or. Right. Or it's like I am on a planet and it's like, what's it called again? Where you have like, it's like royal family drama. You know what I mean? Like, and I feel like also, I feel like a lot of space romance also just, it's like, if you like it, it's like really falling into like very specific kinds of stories. Whereas like with fantasy romance. And I mean, I'm sure this is not true. Right. I think in like sci fi there's like lots of options, but because we're like really just sticking with space, I think there's just a couple big like archetypes of stories.

[Sarah McLean]

I also think that there are some big buckets.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right?

[Sarah McLean]

There's. There's crash landed on. On a planet. Sci fi. There's spaceship sci fi. There's. There's like alien, just sort of general alien. Like you they met in the bar in Star Wars.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Correct.

[Sarah McLean]

Sci fi.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Like we're all just hanging around and aliens are normal.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Like it's set enough in the future that that's what it feels like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right?

[Sarah McLean]

Right. And then there's the kind of. Then there are like the ones where it's like on Earth. But the alien is science. Like, there's kind of. The alien is trapped in a basement, and they're studying him kind of.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right, Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Which There are more of those than you would think.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

So, yeah. And I just think it's. Oh, and then there's Prison Planet, which was a big thing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

When, like, Claire Ken, and Emmy Chandler wrote Prison Plan.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Then there was, like, this rash of.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Prison Planet books.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, but now that's not of interest. Yeah. But honestly, you guys, we're not going to talk about Emmy Chandler, but let me just say, those books are great.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, and I found myself really thinking about, like, okay, back to my whole, like, I didn't want to read about, like, kidnapped was fine. You got kidnapped fine. But, like, enslaved, I was like, I'm not doing it right. Because kidnapped is often like, I'm gonna break out. It's like, there's, like, a sense of agency to it.

[Sarah McLean]

Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, that's the story. And even, like, I was kidnapped, and, like, now I'm in, like, the Prison planet, you know, whatever. Right. Like, yeah. I mean, I like some of those, too, but I don't know. So anyway, I had a great time. I read a ton of books. This week's episode of Faded Mates is brought to you by Yvette Dioro, author of Mind to Match.

[Sarah McLean]

Jen, this, of course, is just hitting all of my pleasure centers. The heroine of this book, Signora Ramos, has built her career on the idea that love can be gamed. Right? It is a business. She is a matchmaker, and it can be crafted and calculated and executed. And if you are a professional, you can make a perfect match. Now, she's given this the opportunity to prove herself as one of the nation's top matchmakers. But the test that she has to pass is, can she match Enzo Flores with his perfect match? Enzo is a very talented singer who is on his way to rock stardom, except he needs one kind of extra piece of flair to push him into stardom and to make him somebody that the world is tempted to follow and eager to know more about. And that piece of flair, let's be honest, is a relationship. So that said, his team has hired signora to be a part of this matchmaking experience, to do the matchmaking and find him the perfect match and really launch him into pr, like, stardom. And he's pissed about it because he thinks his music should stand on its own. That's the whole game.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Isn't it adorable?

[Sarah McLean]

Enzo 2025. Enzo. It's cute so these two are spending time together. They are like navigating life on tour. They are starting to really get to know each other under the auspices of finding him the perfect match. But what happens, Jen, when the matchmaker just might be that perfect match?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I love it.

[Sarah McLean]

I love a rock star romance.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, so in order to celebrate this first book in a new series, Yvette is doing something super cool, which is you can head over to her Instagram and she is doing a kind of a challenge where she is doing a give back giveaway. So donate to a local food bank and tag and follow her and she'll pick a few of those folks from the tag, donate a match essentially in their honor to that food bank. Get it mine to match and send them a copy of the book. So you could totally participate in that. I know, I'm going to. The book is also available in Kindle Unlimited, so everybody please check out Mine to match. And if your podcasting app supports it, you can click on the chapter title right now to be taken, I think, to that Instagram post where that way we can support this really cool idea of romance giving back. We love it. And I love to see a matchmaker romance with a rock star. Hello. So thanks to Yvette for sponsoring this week's episode. The first book I actually want to talk about. So everybody has heard me talked about Chaos by Constance Fay, which is the book where she goes down to a prison planet and she like, the guy is like a super soldier and she. So I talked about this in like the preview episode. I recommended it to V E Schwab and so I love that one. And then because I have no fear, I went back and read the second book, even though I have not yet read the first. And that one's called Fiasco. And in Fiasco, it's like this there again. Another real common thing in these books is that there's like these big like imperial families. So the Pierce family are the bad guys and they're the bad guys in Chaos. And there's the same bad guys in Fiasco. And the main character, her name is Sin, is a bounty hunter. And she has this really tragic backstory which is she grew up on a planet where it was like an ocean and the everybody lives on like a trawler. Like, you know, it's this huge planet wide trawler that like goes up and down the planet based on like where things are growing. And her cousin was abducted by, what was the first person abducted by a man who has become a famous abductor of children called the Abyssian Abductor. Because what he does is if he doesn't get paid, he throws the kids into like an ocean abyss and like drowns them. But if.

[Sarah McLean]

Yikes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Exactly. But if he does get paid, he like lets them go. And so at the beginning of this book, Sin is like, it's really funny. Like, she like, is going to do a bounty and she ends up like, meaning the like kind of interrupting the bad guys. He's having sex with someone else and so he's like, you know, I'm coming for you and I know who you are. And then she like rescues this like little lizard that eats metal. I mean, it's just like kind of like it.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I really liked like the like how funny this whole opening scene was. And then she gets this job that's essential, essentially like another one of these rich families. A woman who's like, I had a secret daughter and the, the abductor has her. The Abyssian abductor has her. And I, I know that you have a connection and I want you to go find my daughter and I'm gonna pay you this insane amount of money. And so in order to do this, she has to go back on the calamity, which is like the spaceship. She kind of knows these people and kind of sneak back on. And Micah Aurora is the like the medic on, on board. And you know, they are super attracted to each other and so they kind of like get wrapped up together in like the search for this Abyssian abductor. And the thing that I thought was a clever conceit is Carmichael the bad guy. Carmichael Pierce, the bad guy, contacts her and is like, I know that you are searching for this lost girl and I know you're doing with Micah and he is wanted by my family, so you're going to have to turn him in. So she essentially is like forced. She's going to be forced to essentially betray this man that she is really interested in, even though they are like a team. So there's like lots and lots of like really interesting layers going on. And then I also think one of the other things I really like is Sin has a, a universe wide badass reputation because she spaced a whole ship of bad guys, which means essentially like sent them all into space and you just drop dead instantaneously. And we learn that like she herself has been out in space without like a helmet on. And it has so traumatized her that she like, can't sleep. And so like, there's just, I don't know like, tons and tons of really good layers. I was really pleased by the ending of this book and I'm actually going to write about it on my beehive because I thought it's probably the best grand gesture I've ever read.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, that is a big statement.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It is a big statement. And I don't typically care for grand gestures. It's not something I really find myself like, orienting myself towards that. But this one was really good. So I was like, oh, maybe I'll write about why it was really good with. And it's obviously a huge spoiler. So I'm not going to get into it here, but hopefully in the next week or two, I'll write about that by the time this is out. So cool. Yeah. So that's Fiasco. So I loved it and I love Chaos. And now I'm gonna go backwards and read Calamity.

[Sarah McLean]

You're a Chaos reader is what you are.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Fine.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay. I want to talk about Beth Revis and the Chaotic Orbits series, which is the most sci fi of the books. Like the most serious sci fi of the books that I have read. So this is a three book series and it follows the same characters through all three books. And the third book isn't out yet. So I am trusting that we are going to be delivered the real, like final hea at the end of this because I am in it. I'm in it to win it. So the first book, Full Speed to a Crash Landing, is a novella. It is the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The.

[Sarah McLean]

The whole series is like a broad space heist.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

So you can tell Beth really loves Star wars like that. This is really deeply embedded into this. Anyway, Ada, our heroine in the beginning of Full Speed to a Crash Landing is like drifting in space. She's in what I envision is the Millennium Falcon, like a real scavenger ship that she like, she's all alone. She has nobody in there with her. She is a scavenger. And she has been sent to like the outs. She's taken a job or there's like a reason why she is like out in the middle of like empty space, orbiting kind of around a planet, a small planet where a crash has taken. We are. We're sort of led to believe that there was another spaceship crash there and she was the first scavenger to get to it and scavenge the content. She's like a metal. And like, basically like she scavenges metal and then sells it. Okay, so, but bad news because something has gone wrong with her ship. She is just Drifting out there in space. And she is on like her last 5% of oxygen and she's gonna die. Except at a distance. There is another ship. And she can. She can tell that it is there. Like the ship, her ship can see it. And she keeps sending these kind of messages to this other ship. And she's like, I'm dying.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, I come get me.

[Sarah McLean]

Are you there? Like, and international space law, according to this world building, it suggests that like, if you are in, in proximity to a ship like this, you're like, you are required to go save the people on board. So this like, handsome voice finally comes over the transom and is like, are you for real? Like, is this for real? Because. And she's like, yes, it's fucking for real. I'm dying. And so, like, there's. Look, this is a great exercise in a book that begins in the exact right place because you're like instantly like, oh, like she's losing oxygen. She's gonna die in this, like floating in space. And it's really sad. There's this moment where she sort of thinks to herself, like, like, I'll just be out here.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

I'll just be like floating trash in space. Right. And no one will come for me and no one will miss me. And it's just me alone in the world. And like, it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's intense.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, yeah. And it feels like, wow. You feel alone in the world while you're on Earth. Try being in a spaceship. Right, Right. Anyway, long story short, she gets saved. She wakes up like with the bends or whatever in on a government vessel. Like a Earth government vessel piloted by captain by like some difficult person, but like co captain or lieutenant captain or whatever. Second in command, Sky Ryan White, who is like hot as, like stern as. And he is pretty. So like it becomes pretty clear that this government vessel has also been sent out to this crashed ship to find something. And they don't. Like, Ada doesn't know it's all like from Ada's pov. Like she doesn't know what they're after, after. But they know Ada's been down on the ground there and it's like a new planet there.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's.

[Sarah McLean]

So what's really fascinating about this first book is like Beth is really layering in so much sci fi stuff. Like you feel like you're, you know, she tells you about the, like the ship. She tells you about the planet which is like birthing itself. There are volcanoes all over it. Like she's really cares about the. The sci fi ness of this universe, which is really nice, like that doesn't actually happen a ton in sci fi romance. Like often it is like they crash landed and the planet is icy and now they bang, right, like, but Beth is doing something very differently. So this. So this kind of like the novella trots along. They start to discover that like they're both keeping secrets from each other, but the banter is top notch. And then the novella ends on like a hardcore cliffhanger. But congratulations everybody. You can dive immediately into the second book, which is how to Steal a Galaxy where Ada is now like working with a rebel group that has like hired her to do some more stealing. And this second book is really about like climate, eco terrorism, like the sort of grief that is coming to pass around, like what's happening to Earth in this like future time felt very like important in a lot of ways. This storyline, despite the fact that it's still full of like all this great banter because Ada is sent down into this, like to this charity event and she goes there to, to steal something. And, and well, she goes there ostensibly to find Ryan and Ryan has sort of t. It becomes clear that Ryan's like teed up this whole event knowing that Ada will be there to steal stuff. And so he is trying to like, still be stern and like do his job. And he's gonna catch her in the act and, and arrest her for being a scavenger. What he's not expecting is she intends to kidnap him and get the hell out of there and like pull him into her like rebel, amazing group, amazing. And it is really fun. And so like, first of all, I love the, the flipping of the script that she does, the kidnapping. He's not expecting it. I will say these are not. These books are. They are very like sexy in thought, but they are not sexy on page. And so you should just know this is. These are not gonna like, these are not one handed reads. We are on that continuum as well as far as I'm concerned. I just want to say. And then the final book in this series comes out April 8, which is last Chance to Save the World. This week's episode of Fated Maids is sponsored by Amy Spalding, author of On Her Terms.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So in this we have a sapphic romance about a woman who is pretty late in life coming out, which I think will be really appealing. Clementine has like just broken up with a boyfriend and she's 36 and she just realizes she doesn't want to be single forever and maybe it is time for her to experience some New things. So she and her dog groomer, Chloe enter into a fake dating situation where they are going to go to Clementine's parents and party and Chloe's friend's wedding. And the two of them spent a lot of time together, even though Chloe has been out forever and Clem is just kind of like, I don't even really know what I'm doing. So the attraction between them grows stronger and is starting to feel very real. But what if Clem is just right, but Chloe is kind of like, I don't know if I just want to be somebody's like, fake date, right? So they have to figure out real feelings in this fake dating world. And also, also, this is a book that has received some great reviews, including Ashley Herring Blake called this a gem of a romance.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, that is a great, A great endorsement. And if. And listen, I'll just tell you, Amy Spaulding's books are so fun and really great reads. So if you're looking for a queer romance, a sapphic romance, a romance about people late in life coming out and discovering who they are and what they want, and one with a big found family, this one is for you. You can read on her terms right now in print, ebook or audiobook. And if your podcasting app supports it, you can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Amy Spalding for sponsoring this week's episode.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Let me Talk about Space Deputy by Jenny Schwartz. Now, everybody, I. I'm gonna tell you something which is. I. Okay, so this is a book. It's. I read the first book and then it's like a series of four, and it's kind of barely a romance, but I really like the main character. So I, I was really invested to keep reading, even kind of like once I figured it out. And it's not that there's like, not a, Like a romance. It's not that there's like, like she's not interested in somebody, but it's just like very easy, right? So anyway, basically, here's. And. But here's why I loved it. Okay, so in Space Deputy, which, come on, that's the greatest thing ever, right? The main character's name is. Oh, it is the Interstellar Sheriff series. Okay. Her name is Selma. And what happens is it she has come from a real, like, I don't like backwards, like, kind of piece of shit planet, like the rock planet or whatever. Let's. Or like the rock, whatever. It literally is called that. And she, but she's like, was super Smart and really talented. And so she ends up going to, like, intergalactic. The Galactic Justice Academy, where she was the valedictorian. Like, she kicked everybody's ass. She worked really hard. She was really great. But what happens at the beginning is that she has been. It's like graduation day. And on graduation day, as you graduate from the Galactic Justice Academy, you are assigned, like, your. Your role. So, like, essentially, it's like going to West Point, right? You have to put in a certain number of years of work to, like, pay off your education. And typically, the valedictorian would get a really prime job. And instead she is going to be sent to the saloon sector. Right? Perfect. And she is, like, really pissed because she basically understands that the message is, like, you might come here and best everybody, but we in the end will still beat you, right? Like, and we don't. We're gonna. You're never going to be the equal to any of us. So, you know, get your ass out to this loser sector. And the person that she's going to work with there is the sheriff, same as Max. And on her, and she's like, they won't even put her on, like, a fast ship there. She's, like, on the slowest ship. You know what I mean? And she's like, this all sucks. So she starts doing some research and realizes that the saloon sector is so, like, isolated that it's, like, one of the only places in the universe where she will not have to, like, she'll essentially be able to, like, work her 40 hours a week as the space deputy and then be able to, like, do, like, extra work. And so she's like, fine, I will figure out a way to, like, take on an. And so what she, like, figures out that she can do is be, like, an information broker. And so, you know, she basically gets there and, you know, she goes to Max's office and is kind of expecting him to be a jerk. And it turns out that he's actually a really good guy. And he knows her brother, and she kind of tells. And this part's really cool. He has. His ship, has an AI called Lon. Her name of the ship is the Lonesome. And Lon is the name of, like, the AI that runs the ship. And then he has another AI that's like a human that should be just like a battle robot, but instead is, like, clearly, like, beyond, like, has feelings and stuff. And so she is, like, kind of puzzling over, like, how can this space deputy have enough money to have, like, the most advanced AI? Technology. Right. I've ever seen. And so she's kind of both, like, really curious about what's going on there and also, like, learning her job as a Space Deputy. And it really. And then basically, like, it's really cute. Like, Lon and Harry, that's the other one. Like, essentially, like, set these two up together and he's like. Max is like. It turns out I actually really like you. And, like, bam. That's the romance. But it really is. I don't know. It just was like a really. It was really cute. And I, like. I said, I really, really loved. I loved Thelma's character because one of the things that was very interesting to me is she, as she interacts with. With different aliens and different people, is she. They're kind of like, why are you acting this way? You're not in school anymore. And she really has to, like, you really see someone transitioning essentially from being a student to being a worker. And I don't know. I just thought it was really. I just. I really liked it. So I thought it was really fun. And there are four more books in the sea. Are there four books total in the series Space Rodeo, Space Specter, and Space Baby? Because clearly she and Max have a baby by the fourth book. And so. And, you know, these are all in Kindle Unlimited, and they were really fun. So that's Space Deputy by Jenny Schwartz.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm going to talk about Kimberly Lemming. I Got abducted by aliens and now I'm Trapped in a rom com is Kimberly Lemming's book. And we know Kimberly Lemming because her book, that Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf, came out last year, I think, and was very, very fun. You can get that on Kindle Unlimited if you're a KU subscriber. You can get it wherever. But it's also on KU right now. So, okay, the heroine of this book, Dorothy, is. And it's like a little bit of a Wizard of Oz retelling this. It's clearly wizard of Oz coded, and I'm gonna explain why. So Dory is a PhD in wildlife biology, and she crash lands. No, she's looking for. She doesn't crash land. She is, like, out studying mere cats.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And.

[Sarah McLean]

And she gets sucked up by, like, an alien. Like, an alien. An alien ship beam. Right? And then she is. And. And, oh, well, she's out. I should. I should also qualify that when she is out studying the meerkats, she is attacked, almost nearly attacked by a lion. And the alien beam Sucks up her. The lion into. And the lion like into a ship. So they have been. These are like bad aliens that they have been abducted by and. And Dory and this lion who now can speak and whose name of course is Toto, of course. They like steal an escape pod. They get out and she realizes like, oh shit, I can't drive an escape pod.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You're a virgin who can't drive.

[Sarah McLean]

Exactly. And they crash land on an alien planet where. Which is inhabited by like giant frogs. A dinosaur. Many dinosaurs. Several dinosaurs and multiple hot people who. And it's going to be important that there are multiple of them. So she crash lands on a plan on the planet. The dinosaurs are coming for her. And this now talking lion, who by the way is very fun to read. Like, this is a very. This is not a serious sci fi book. This is a very fun, funny sci fi.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I like that. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Now the prior book, like I said, like it was sexy, but it was not sexy. Very sexy. And this book has. Well, we're gonna get to it. So she is. She and this new talking lion are nearly attacked by a dinosaur. But they are saved by a guy, an alien whose name is Sol S O L or Saul. And Saul immediately clocks Dory as his mate. Like faded me. So they start to like traipse through this like jungle planet because that's where they are now. And to find like safety, security, whatever. And along the way this like. And Saul is like, I'm. You are like my fated mate. And he's like, I'm gonna protect you. Like I'm a. You know, I'm kind and gentle and I'm listening. Like, he's the good. The good one. And then they stumble upon another guy whose name is Locke. L O K. And he is like 100% like grumpy stern daddy, right? And he's like, oh, hang on a second. I'm pretty sure she's my mate too. And what is a girl to do, Jenny?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I hope it's. Give them both a test run and.

[Sarah McLean]

Maybe at the same time, together, together, together, together. So this ends up being like this is. This is way hotter than the first one. It has like the. The Omega verse. Girlies will be happy because there's nodding in this one. But there's also like, this is a total. This is a real threesome book. Like these three. This is a triad. They're end up together. And it's like very twisty turny. It's like a big adventure novel. And it's them basically having to all like, make life survive on this dinosaur planet, all while this very human PhD and her talking lion are allowed, like, find their way, you know, coming to terms with the fact that, like, they might not be able to get back to Earth except the opportunity, when the opportunity arises, you know, what's she gonna do? Because these aliens, there are two of them, and they have, like, suction tails and stuff. Ridged.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Ridged things, obviously.

[Sarah McLean]

Suction things.

[Jennifer Prokop]

How it should be. Okay, I have one more like, very serious. Maybe I should have gone before him like. Like in my. Right before I start transitioning. And that is Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell. And this is a. This is like a really. This one falls more into the, like, like, court intrigue type of plot. Okay. And so Prince. I don't know. I mean, I'm always like, how do you say these names? Okay, but it's. These are not. I'm not hurting anybody. They can't come down and yell at me about not understanding their language. Okay? So Prince Keem is essentially. He's like a. One of the empress's, like, great grandchildren. And, you know, and he's basically like a real fuck up now. He is. And so it opens with her essentially calling him into a meeting and telling him that he is going to have to marry in order to lock down a treaty. Because if the treaty isn't locked down and this is all like the court stuff, right? Like, there she is, the leader of a small confederation of planets, and there's like a space gate or a wormhole or something that is like, you know, essentially like they're. They're the way they get to the outside world. And that is like, managed by a treaty. And if the treaty. Treaty between the seven planets isn't all locked down, then they will lose access to this thing. So whatever. And so she calls him in and is like, okay, I'm gonna need you to go ahead and marry Count Jana. And he has just been widowed, like, in the past couple of weeks. And his first husband was one of Keem's, like, cousins. Kim's kind of like, this feels wrong. Like, isn't he sad? You know what I mean? And so one of the things you get right off the jump is that he is actually like, kind of. Everybody thinks he's like a bit of a doofus. Like, he's got a, like a, like a space himbo vibe about him, but it's really just that he is very kind. And, you know, when he was younger, he would, like, do dumb stuff, like get drunk and everybody like, you know, have pictures taken with the paparazzi because he's part of the emperor's family and all that stuff. And, you know, with me, he's like, but I haven't done stuff like that for years. But he also realizes that there is literally no way out of this. So they get married, like, literally the next day, and then they're instantaneously, like, thrown into interviews. And, you know, there's like a big, like the, I want to say, like the, the marriage ceremony, like the paperwork signing and all this sort of stuff. And these two are so awkward with each other. Bless. You know what I mean? Because Keem is kind of like, I'm a dumb himbo. And I'm just assuming that because, you know, Janan's husband just died, that he's really sad. And Janan is very much like, I have a. I have have to do this for my home planet. If I don't do this, this will be very bad for my people. And he thinks that, like, Keen is like, kind of effortlessly, like, cool in the way that, like, wealthy rich people are, right? Like, he's just like, he, you know, this guy has never struggled with anything. So they, you just see them really, like, kind of miss, like, misreading each other. Now, as this is all going on, there is a, like a low level thing where something is really going weird with Jane's, like, communication system, you know, his smartwatch, right? Like, he. And it turns out, and like, you. And like, any smart reader will like, kind of guess what's gonna happen, which is like, he keeps getting weird messages forwarded to him that were really supposed to be for his husband's account, but they were linked somehow. And then once his husband died, they were supposed to shut down the account and they didn't. He's trying to, like, figure out what's going on. And basically. So then like, you're kind of like, okay, well, what's going to happen with this? Clearly, like, something is up with this, right? Well, when the. So the. Anyway they sign the paperwork, the person comes to, like, evaluate their marriage and make sure that the treaty is all online and real casually, this person. And I can't remember their title, you know, the whatever is like, well, I mean, obviously your first husband was killed and they won't give you any information about it. And so I'm gonna have to say right now I'm not satisfied with the status of your marriage and the treaty cannot go forward. And it's like these two are like, wait, what? And so now they're in like a kind of palace intrigue situation where they barely know each other, but they only can really trust each other. I thought the beginning of this book, it feel this book is long. Like a lot of these books can be long, like fantasy. You know, you're doing a lot of world building and this one had a lot of world building. I felt like the beginning where like you're really establishing like the two of them as like romantic partners and kind of like what's going on with strong longer at. In the end there was like all the palace intrigue stuff kind of fires up and I will admit I was like a little less interested in that in general. But I finished the whole book. I mean it just was like very. It, it felt a little like uneven, like almost like kind of two books in one. I thought it was really great. And I also thought what you end up finding is that Janan's husband, the cousin, was like abusive. And so I just also am always really interested in like the bravery. Like he ends up being a very likable character because you just really see that like marriage was not good to him. And so to be forced immediately to marry someone else and from the same family and then kind of be told like, if you don't do this right, our whole planet is in kind of in danger. And just like the weight of that on him and like the dignity with which he is like, okay, I know what I have to do right now. But then they end up finding love and it's terrific. So that's Winter's Orbit. Now there's a second book called Ocean's Echo that is not the same characters but is in the same world. So if you like this one, you could start reading the next one.

[Sarah McLean]

This week's episode of Fated Mates is sponsored by Elle Kennedy, author of the Charlie Method. Newell Kennedy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, Newell Kennedy, like, everybody, bring your fans out. So in this one we've got college senior Charlotte Kingston and she basically is living a bit of a dual life. In one version of herself. She's the perfect, like sorority girl, SEM student, right? Adopted daughter of an overachieving family. But at night she's Charlie, a risk taking daredevil, chatting on the dating app with two anonymous hotties. Now, meanwhile, Sarah, I want it. Will Larson is supposed to be like the boy next door. And but his congressman father is always like, worried that Will is going to get in some hot water and some trouble. After a big scandal at a Division 1 hockey program, Will's dad is going to like, sort of like clean up the image of his hockey playing son. But Will is like, nobody can find out that he and his best friend Beckett sometimes share girls in bedroom. What? And Charlie figures out, oh, I have been talking to these two hockey players and things get steamy really fast. But those secrets are so messy and they are piling up. So Charlie, Will and Beckett are all going to have to make some difficult decisions. Things are going to be so hard. Sarah.

[Sarah McLean]

Everyone. I don't know that you need any more of a sell on that, but if you would like to read the Charlie Method and maybe employ it yourself, you can read it right now in print, ebook or audiobook in special podcasting apps. You can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Elle Kennedy for sponsoring this week's episode and for keeping it spicy. I want to talk about Heather Guer's Heart Song, which I read immediately after Heather Guer's preferential treatment, which everybody knows I am obsessed with. Okay, and so here's the deal. Heart Song is a. It is that we are in some. I don't know if we're on Earth, but we're definitely like in some kind of earth run place in the universe. And I'm going to be clear that Heather probably tells us that in the text, but I fully have blocked that out. Point is the heroine of this book, tha is a human woman who is married to like a commander of like an earth force. Like a human force, right? And he's a very, very bad dude. Like, like super bad. Turns out that like Thema was a courtesan. Like a, like a sex worker and a singer. Like a very, very famous. The. The structure of this world is a little bit like a Regency, even though it's obviously like in the future. She was like an opera singer, except she, you know, whatever. There are recordings of her. She was very famous and she was trotted around to all sorts of parties and like concerts and everything. And she was basically like a big celebrity. This man, this terrible man's wife hired her to perform at his birthday party and she came and she performed. This all happens like before the book begins. And she performed at this birthday party and he became like obsessed with like having her. This is just a man who like, wants to collect things and like claim them. And so he basically like got rid of his wife and he kidnapped this woman and married her. And like now she is married to him and he trots her around as like, like his wife and shows her off at things. But like, he Treats her horribly. Simultaneously, he is. They are, like, out in the universe, like, capturing alien people and alien forces, right? And he's captured in his forces, the. The terrible husband's forces have captured this new kind of alien. And no one really, like, no one's ever seen this. This flavor of alien or he. And he doesn't speak. And they can't figure out quite, like, he speaks some sort of version of Creole, but, like, they haven't.

[Jennifer Prokop]

What.

[Sarah McLean]

Whatever that means in space. They know that from what they've captured from his ship, but they don't. He refuses to speak any language. Like, he doesn't speak any of the languages that are known. And so. But they like to torture him with music. And they use, like, a record that she had recorded years ago, and it. He responds to it. And so then the husband sort of, like, comes into her space and is like, hey, I need you to come down into the dungeons and, like, into the, like, cells of the, like, jail. And I need you to sing to, like, speak to this alien who responds to your voice choice. And she's like, what the. Like, I've never been down here. I don't know these people. And he's like, well, you don't have a choice. And he, like, throws her to. Into this space. He's like, we know he speaks Creole. You also speak Creole. And he likes your music.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure, Go with God.

[Sarah McLean]

And he. She, like. He throws her so viciously, she, like, breaks her arm, like, while, like, in the process, right? And she starts to interact with this person. This, like, other. This alien being Rakan, who is, like, scale. He's, like, stands up on his feet. He looks like a human, but he's got scales. He's bright red. She's like, he looks like a dragon. This is like. This is Heather Guerrero. Does dragons, right? Well, turns out that when he speaks, he speaks, and it's, like, impossible to hear. Like, his voice is. Is like an orchestra, so it just sounds like it's. He can't. He speaks on, like, multiple. It sounds. It's very. It's all music. And these two become just, like, obsessed with each other. And she's ultimately, like, I can get you out of here, and I can, like, steal a key, like, open a door, get you to a place where you can escape from this. This terrible place. And he's like, well, you know, and she's like, but please take me with you. Like, please just help me. Like, I. I get that. Like, I'm. I'm the wife of your captor, but, like, I. I desperately want to be out of here. So they escape. And the problem is, is that he has felt this like in. They had. He's like, we. We are soul bonded. Like there is a faded mates piece here, but in the science or in the world building of this structure, if they don't consummate it, then ultimately the soul bond will like, fade. Okay. And he. It comes. It becomes clear that he is the leader of his alien race or alien species. And so he's like, required basically to marry one of his own and like, to bond with one of his own. So like, there is a really lovely conflict built into this because these two deeply connect. They are both really broken. They are healed by each other, but at the same time, like, they can't fuck because if they do, right, there's.

[Jennifer Prokop]

A soul bond problem.

[Sarah McLean]

The soul bond will be concrete, you know, made flesh and then locked in. Also, he's gotta go back and like, lead a whole nation of aliens. These are real alien problems.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's actually very. Like, mine is like a similar. Like has like a real plot, but. And then a like real sexy, sexy time.

[Sarah McLean]

So, yeah, this is. That is the last one, I think, where I have like an actual plot.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And then you're like. And then they.

[Sarah McLean]

The rest are like plot vibes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, well, we're gonna let me do plot before we get to plot vibes. All right. I'm gonna talk about again. Chaos Reader. I'm like just reading the last book in any series apparently, is my. The way I was approaching sci fi romance. Like I was at the end of the universe. So I read a book called Ruling Sitcon. It's the Clinician series or the Clockanian series. I guess it's the Clickanion series by Victoria Aveline. And in this book there are a bunch. A group of humans have been kidnapped from Earth. And this is like. But they all have. I don't know, it looks like they all have kind of different books. But Sophia in this book, along with a group of humans is going on like a planetary tour. Like, right. They're taking her around and she's seeing some of the different places. She's gonna meet some, you know, meet the aliens and some new people. And this is all again, like, there's an empress or a queen who is like sent them out on this tour because it's almost like a. Like humans are. Are like a status symbol almost. So when at the end of the previous book, I think think in the previous book they must be kidnapped and. Or like, again, I wasn't quite sure because I haven't read the previous books, but she was hostage with a bunch of humans in this one place, and they all get away except for her. She's like, the last one. And so she ends up being taken captive. And in this place, the grumpy, sexy warrior king, and his name is Siktand. S I K T H A N D again, Sikhand has taken her hostage, and he is essentially planning. He's like, kind of in a pickle. Like, he. She's a political pawn. But it has to make him and his people look strong and not weak. And as soon as, like, pretty quickly after she's taken captive by him, him, the queen or the Empress dies. And now there's like, some sort of question about what's going to happen. So there's like, all this unrest. And in the meantime, though, he has put her in, like, this tower that turns out to be like the. The queen's quarters. And he's not married. He had, like, a fiance and she, like, dumped him. And, you know, kind of Elizabeth little vibes. Now he's too sad, and he'll never find the right white woman slash alien. And what she doesn't realize is that, like, there is like, a secret mirror where he can watch her. And this man just loves to watch her. He's, like, obsessed with her. Like, she takes like. Like her makeup and the things that they give her to make herself beautiful, and she's like, drawing with them. And, you know, like a thing that's like, kind of been a problem for her is when they were abducted by aliens, they did some like, sort of scan that like, fixed all of your illnesses, but at the same time, like, like, like erased all her tattoos. And so she is kind of like, if you're gonna keep me here, you know how you know. And so it's like. It's got like a. A real, like, them getting to know each other vibe. And, you know, of course he's like, possessive and grumpy and jealous. And she's like the most perfect, perfect, beautiful thing. And so they. And then. Listen, Sarah, I forgot how much I love this one thing. In an alien romance, I'm so simple. I'm like, such a basic bitch.

[Sarah McLean]

I want to hear in these aliens.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Don'T kiss with their mouths. And he has to do research on kissing.

[Sarah McLean]

Amazing. And you love a character. You love a hero who, like, has no frame of reference for.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes. He's.

[Sarah McLean]

It's so fascinating to me, Jen, because you don't like a virgin hero, but you love a hero who's like, I don't know. I've never taken a bath.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes, right, right. Like, right, exactly. Like and. But so it's actually great.

[Sarah McLean]

So then contain multitudes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know. So he's like. He's like. Turns out, kiss thing's great. And then like the part where she gives him a blow job. Like, of course, like in his society, no one has ever. You know, like, that's just not really done. And he's like, this is amazing. And then he's got a tail and he's like throwing her around with it. And you know what? They don't really have sex till the end. But the whole back end of this book is them like making out. And I liked it a lot. So I feel like I might go back and read some of these. Victoria Avaline, she had. Has a ton of sci fi romances in general. She just seems to really. This is where she lives now.

[Sarah McLean]

All right, what else you got?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I have two more that are in like more of the slutty sci fi side.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, all right, well, I'm. I've got two that are on that side as well.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, perfect.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm gonna save the best for last.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It'd be amazing if our same. Our best were the same. Okay. But go ahead. Let's. That's.

[Sarah McLean]

We're gonna talk about Heather Fox. Okay. Who wrote a series. So this series, if you are an ice planet barbarians girly, this is it for you. You want to go here next? And the series is called Mates for the Rascarons. And the first book is called Stranded. And there are eight books in this series. It begins in a similar. You will. You will find it familiar the way that this. The setup of this book. Okay, so Liv, who is the heroine and 11 other women are on a spaceship headed for Alpha Colony, which is like a place where Liv's sister has gone missing. And she is supposed to be like there looking for information about her sister's disappearance parents. But her unfortunately. And 11 other women end up crash landing on a planet they didn't know existed. Another jungle planet, actually. But I did not. Listen, I didn't read these books intentionally. They just both have jungles in them and everything on this planet is deadly, including the hero's penis.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, no, this is everyone who is like I. Okay, listen, all your serious. But this is what I'm really here for.

[Sarah McLean]

So they land on this planet. Wait, Jen, this is really serious. Sorry.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right? This is like.

[Sarah McLean]

This is real romance that's happening here. The crash land on this planet. Liv goes to sleep because she's tired. I don't know. Doesn't matter. She starts to dream and she dreams of this man, this land. Like, big alien dude who just wants to go down on her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's all. Listen, like so.

[Sarah McLean]

And then he does, like, in the dream, he's like, super hot for her, right? Like, they have these, like, very intense, like. So then she's like. She wakes up, she's like, that's so weird. Like, I. I don't know what that was, right? And then, like, she just thinks, like, okay, I just had like, a sex dream about an alien. And she, like, tells her friend. She's like, I know we crash landed on this planet and this is all very weird, but, like, did you. I just had, like the craziest sex dream. And the friend is like, well, at least you got that right. Like, good job. So, okay, here's the thing. Then it splits. This is why dual POV is so important in this. Then we switch to Gregor's. Not Gregor. Gregor's point of view. And Gregor is like. He wakes up and he's like, holy, I dreamed so that means my faded mate is nearby.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, he knows what it means. Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

In their, like, little world.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I.

[Sarah McLean]

Listen, I don't want to get too deep into the. How do humans get involved in this kind? It doesn't matter. Just stop. No, everybody, I don't want to hear your. I don't want to hear your questions.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I don't want to hear your nonsense.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, save them for severance. So, okay, she's. He's basically like, holy, I dreamed of having sex with somebody in my dreams. And that means it's on faded mate nearby.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Got it. I gotta find her.

[Sarah McLean]

So he basically, like, turns to his buddy and he's like, I gotta find her. Something's up. And wouldn't you know, Jen, that this whole group of aliens is, like, headed out into the jungle.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

To, like, search out. Because they're like, well, weirdly, something crashed, like, far in the distance. And we better go check that out.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Course.

[Sarah McLean]

So they stumble upon these 11 women. And Gregor is like, holy, there she is. And he. She's like, whoa, Nelly, you are an alien man. And I have shit to do. My sister is missing. I gotta get to Alpha Gallon colony. So then they go to sleep again. They just like, again, like, kind of. He's like, all over her. In the dreams, they're very into each other. Consensual dream, sad sex. And then, like, she wakes up and she's like, okay, but still, like, you're an alien. And he's like, no, but we're fated mates. And so this goes on for a little while while he is simultaneously he and his like, people are all like, protecting these like, weakling humans from alien jungle. And ultimately the big question is, like, when are they gonna do it and not be asleep? And I won't spoil that for you, but it does happen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, so are I. And then I would assume that all of the other people get a chance.

[Sarah McLean]

Too, you know, I did not. This is not the series I fell into. But yes, as I understand it, Mates for The Rascarans is eight books for now. I'm gonna guess it's 11.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure. Who knows? Maybe there's more. No, I just looked the most.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, it'll be like Ice Planet Barbarians, where then suddenly they just happen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They happen upon another show.

[Sarah McLean]

Right, exactly. But it's a good time. You guys will have a nice time with them.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This week's episode of Faded Mates is brought to you by Chandra Wickey, author and photographer of the Happily Ever After Society, a book about romance novels.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, I'm very excited about this book and not just because I'm featured in it, but this is such a cool idea. Chandra has photographed and interviewed 40 romance novelists, both legendary authors like Jane Ann Krentz and Julia Quinn, to new authors who like Alyssa Sussman and Susan Lee. Adriana's in this book. Jeannie Lynn is in this book. I'm in this book. Christina Lauren is in it. And they're beautiful, beautiful photographs. And the experience of doing this was so cool. Chandra rented a house in, in la and me and Ali Hazelwood and Julie Soto and Adriana went out to this beautiful staged house in LA and she took gorgeous photographs of all of us and then interviewed us about the genre, about why we write. It's so cool. And it supplemented that sort of a portion of the book, maybe two thirds of the book. And the other third of the book is a friend of hers who is also a photographer has read beautiful scenes from romance novels and then photographed models and actors in those scenes as though they're like the real life people coming to life in those scenes. It's such a cool idea. This is a Kickstarter, so it needs to be funded in order for it to exist. So if you are interested, it's going to be a gorgeous coffee table book. There's also an ebook version and other things that you can, that you can support as part of the Kickstarter. But you can head over to Chandra's Kickstarter and hit the chapter title right now to go over and order the book and be a part of the Kickstarter or be sure to visit Show Notes to learn more about it. But it's super exciting and I think it's going to be a gorgeous book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, that's so exciting. And it sounds like if, you know, getting ahead and getting in on this might mean that this could be a great gift you can give to somebody, a romance fan in your life. Right. For when it eventually comes out. And I think this sounds really fun. So thank you to the heavily Happily Ever After Society book Kickstarter and Chandra Wiki for sponsoring this week's episode. Okay, so I am going to talk about Cynthia Sachs who has an entire cyborg series now. Now I am going to talk about Raw Desires which came out pretty recently. And this is part of the Cyborg Unity series. Now everybody, I would like to say this. I back like 10 years ago read the beginning of this series and like went back and read the first one and was really like, it was a different time and I think it like check content warnings and I. There was like sexual assault on page and I just was like I. That was not what I really needed at this moment in time. So I'm not going to talk about that series that I'm just going to say that like as a warning if you are like I'm going to go all the way back to the very beginning. Just be mindful that like there's been a lot of evolution in. And the sexual assault is not the characters towards each other but like the cyborgs suffer it from their like bad handlers. And then at one point and I was like, whoa. So in Raw Desires though, okay, Raw is the name of this cyborg and these, they also, there's like a. And again, I don't know exactly how it works because cyborgs are like human kind of a hybrid of like a human and a machine. But there is like a, a genetic match component and he hears that he has a, a genetic match and he goes to find her. And this is the, the reason I picked this one is cuz I was really. I felt bad that it like made me laugh. The little tagline is like his human female is attempting to kill him. This cyborg finds that adorable. And I was like, yeah, I think I probably would too. So her name is Tatu and she has come from a planet where. And I think this is the human. There's like a humanoid alliance that in the first series. They're the bad guys. And the Humanoid alliance has essentially, like, created these cyborgs and essentially, like, enslaved them. And then in the first series, like, the cyborgs are trying to get free, and there's, like, different levels of cyborgs. And in this one, she has come from a planet where the Humanoid alliance, like, essentially killed everyone on planet. And she has made it her goal to essentially, like, take revenge by killing the cy. Killing a cyborg, like, killing cyborgs. And she's like, I know I'm going to die, too, but this is the only thing I can do. Even though I come from this peaceful planet and my parents would never have wanted me to live a life of revenge, she's like, this. This. I. I cannot. This is the only way I can manage my feelings. So I. Listen. I love this. I'm sorry.

[Sarah McLean]

Nice.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So she is basically, like, being held now. Like, they captured her, and she's being held in, like, a. Like, a cell. And she's under, like, high security alert because she keeps trying to kill cyborgs. And so raw is the name of the. Right. And he's like, she's my one. I'm gonna go to her. And so he opens the door, and she, like, basically, like, has created explosions inside, like, using, like, from the walls and stuff in the wires. And so she, like, sets off the detonations, and he hears the, like, click. And he, like, jumps on her to protect her, even though he basically, like, loses an arm and, like, you know, it tears all of his clothes off.

[Sarah McLean]

Nice.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And she is like, what? I was trying to kill you. And he's like, that's adorable. But, like, we're. You're my person. And so then they have sex, and he convinces her that, like, essentially, like, explains her that the cyborgs had been enslaved and that, like, she did not, you know, that he will help her kill the real bad guy who is, like, the. You know, the guy in the Humanoid alliance who, you know, Captain Odom or whatever, who was the one who actually, like, ordered this. And so now she has, like, a real goal and, like, a partner in her revenge. And also, they just, like, crazy all the time, you know? And these cyborgs have, like, the biggest dicks. Like, you know, of course they do.

[Sarah McLean]

Because we're building a cyborg. You're not gonna build them.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And in this world, like, their semen is full of, like, nanobots.

[Sarah McLean]

Sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And so if you're. So if you're not, like, a microplastic, if you're, like, injured or Whatever. And you can have perfect.

[Sarah McLean]

So they can when they like. Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And then that thing heals you in this universe. So anyway I. This Cyborg Unity is like the a newer, like a newer kind of series and I think would would be fine. So that one was called Amazing Raw Desires.

[Sarah McLean]

Amazing. Okay, I'm not sure you're ready for this.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I don't know if you're ready for my last one. But I would like to bring you.

[Sarah McLean]

Back to Lauren Donner.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I knew you were gonna go to Laura and Donner. I was like, I hope you did. Okay, I'm ready.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay. For those of you who are uninitiated or came to romance before in the post Elora's cave world, Jen and I would like to discuss the deep magic with you. Back in the time before Kindle Unlimited, before there were only five traditional publishers left in the world, there was the golden age of independently published romance novels. And they were not published by one author in a one off situation. They were published by small presses including a legendary press called Elora's Cave that published exclusively. Fucking bananas. Yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

One handed reads.

[Sarah McLean]

That were guaranteed to be unhinged and that you would not ever confess to read it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like even now I just had like a really like a flash of like a jade black book and I was like oh yeah, I gotta get under my bed now.

[Sarah McLean]

So listen, I did not do the research on Allora's cave before but we should for the trailblazers try to find Elora.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

Whoever that is. But we should have Loran on because she was certainly like a big piece of this puzzle. This like early, this like aughts puzzle of like wacky crazy books. But that publisher is gone and Loran during that time Loran was like the author of like Hybrid Men.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Cyborgs there, there were like characters who were made purely of metal. So I guess those are also cyborgs. But still like do you remember she had a whole series where like they were all. All their DNA was spliced with animal DNA. So they like had like feline features or canine features like these books. There were no rules. No nobody listen. Twitter couldn't handle what was going on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

In a Lore's cave back same for all of us, honestly.

[Sarah McLean]

So sadly Alora's cave died a sad death.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It.

[Sarah McLean]

It was exclusively ebooks and actually I was, I was with Rebecca Romnia about you know a couple weeks ago for an event and we, we were talking about Auris Cave and how the like great sadness is that it is not to her Knowledge. Nobody has cataloged the full. Like, there is no, there's no catalog of it. Right. Because the Siri, the, the line died. And with it like all the books themselves, unless people put them back online. Now listen, there are some things I need to tell you about Loran Donner, which is if you can't handle like the male scent, this is not.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, listen for you.

[Sarah McLean]

These are, These are, are hyper.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Like there's a reason why I saved it for last. That's. They do read real fast. They go down real easy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, gosh.

[Sarah McLean]

Jen, would you like me to tell you about Kathian?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, obviously. Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

Kathian, the first book. And also she has like 42 different series.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah, right.

[Sarah McLean]

So like, like, listen, this is book number one of the Vorge crew. And this is a, this is a spaceship. What you need to know is the Forge is a spaceship. Okay, that's, that's what we're doing. Okay. So Nara Barnes, our heroine, is. Has her own spaceship and her own crew. Her tiny little crew. They've been like, captured by bad dudes and they've given a choice. They are given a choice between jail or like a sex auction.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

And so we meet them again, start in the right place, leave all, leave out all the boring bits. We meet them in the sort of like jail like, holding area where they've been given this, this option. And Nara's like, I don't love these options. And then she's sort of quietly speaking to her, to her second in command, and she mentions the fact that she hasn't had sex in a year. And when she does this, this like, alien materializes next to her and says, a, a, a, A female alien materializes next to her and says, hey, did I hear correctly that you haven't had sex in a year? And she says, I think that's kind of a personal question. And she's like, no, no, no, because here's the deal. Deal. I. My. The captain of our ship is in a bit of a pickle and he thought he wasn't going to go into heat for another month, but instead he's going into heat, like right now.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh no.

[Sarah McLean]

And we've sent word back to our home planet that this is happening, but they can't get women here for him to go into heat with for six days. So what we need from you is we need you to like, let yourself like, basically come and like, be with him for six days until women from the planet get here and then we'll let you go free and clear and she's like, oh, wait a second. Well, what does me not having had sex in a year have to do with this? And they're like, well, the way our species works, or the way the cat Captain species works is that he has to feed on you. And, like, the fact that you haven't had sex in a year will make you more, like, healthy for him. Or not healthy, but, like, you'll be, like, full of nutrients is what I mean.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You're like a tomato right off the.

[Sarah McLean]

Exactly. Like your fresh pig.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Organic. Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

Everyone headphones in. I forgot to say that at the beginning of all of this. Okay. Jen?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Nope. Sarah? Nope. Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, wait, I forgot that the person who does this is the cook. The chef's the, like, ship's cook. Which, of course. Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Because nutrients, sure.

[Sarah McLean]

So here's the way this works. This man, Kan, the eponymous K, has entered. His like is now in heat. He is to feed it is what you think. He needs to go down on her over and over and over again until his body fills up with all of the nutrients from her, at which point he will be able to get somebody pregnant. Right. And breed. So we now, when. When NER shows up, everybody's like, well, wait a second. But she is a human. And we have no science to tell us whether humans can even, like, survive this.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No. He's like, no, she's a tomato fresh off the vine. We don't know if humans can tolerate.

[Sarah McLean]

This much oral sex. Anyway, six days pass and Nera does great.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, boy.

[Sarah McLean]

And then the problem is, though, that he's like, this is terrific. I'm down. Except, of course, he's an alien. He's like the prince of whatever. He has to go back to his home planet. Can he bring a human? I mean, same as it ever was. Listen, you're not in this for the plot, everyone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No.

[Sarah McLean]

You're in this because you're looking for, like, full banana.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The full. Well, yes.

[Sarah McLean]

Ripe from the tree. Correct.

[Jennifer Prokop]

All right. I also have a whole bunch of bananas for you, everybody. Which I had forgotten about this. Okay, so one of the. I read a lot of these sci fi romances and so I was like, okay, in my. Like, I went back through my Kindle and I was just trying to figure out, like, right. Like, what have I read? What's in there, you know? And I had completely forgotten about a series called Space Army Recruits by Kinley Grace Ray. Have we ever talked about these books?

[Sarah McLean]

No.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No. Well, Sarah, that's because they are bonkers. And I would like to be clear to Everybody that the plot of the this is. These are almost like erotica more than even erotic romance. Okay. Yeah, but we all deserve nice things. And here is. But it actually also is like, I don't know why, like, it's so funny to me. Okay, so the book opens. Okay, so there are three of these space army recruits day one, space army recruits, day eight. Now these two books came out a couple weeks apart in 2018. And I had read them at that point and then was like, oh, I wonder if she ever updated these. And then a third book, Space Army Recruits Day 15, came out in 2023. So every once in a while this lady's like, let's see what these dog. These, these people are up to. And I'm hopeful that we'll get day 30 because there's like a real hard deadline on the this plot. Okay, so Rory is a Space army recruit and he is on the spaceship and he essentially will do anything to like become a Space army full time employee.

[Sarah McLean]

Anything.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Anything. Because he doesn't want to go back to his little shitty town on whatever his little shitty planet is, right? So he is just like, I am in it to fuck, I am in it to win it. And I. And I will do whatever it takes. And so he, and he also though is like kind of one of those people who's like, you know, he's like smarter. He's a little willing to like break the rules. And at the beginning of the book, they're all standing in lines to like get into like, the, like, you know, like all the recruits are standing in line to get into like the shower room and you know, get their new uniforms or whatever, Whatever. And he notices that down the hallway there is like a officers, you know, Space army full time employees bathroom. And so he's like, well, I'm going to go in there and I'll just jump the line. And then if somebody's like, what are you supposed to do in here? He's like, I'll just play stupid. So he goes in there and he's like, this is so much better than waiting in that line. And then he overhears some Space army officers talking. And what they're talking about is how the real end of the line test for the Space army recruits to become Space army full time employees. That's not what it's really called, but it's making me laugh to say that is an orgy on day 30. And the reason for the orgy on day 30 is that that's how you can really tell what how flexible people are, how nutritious they are, whether or not they're, like, willing to do whatever it takes. Right? Like, how well they work together as a team. So Rory is like, I don't.

[Sarah McLean]

Wait, wait. But there it's.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So is it.

[Sarah McLean]

Is it a, like, poly.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Wait, yes. Sarah.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay, listen. Is it a commune?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Sarah, wait. I'm getting there.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm so excited. I know I need.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm jumping ahead. Okay, so on the 30 day challenge, he's so. Rory is like, listen. And so what happens is he goes back and he's been assigned a monk. And there's like seven or eight of them in, like, one little room. And that's his squad.

[Sarah McLean]

And he tells them all.

[Jennifer Prokop]

He's like, gather round. I have a. I'm sorry. He's like, I have important intel about what we're gonna need to do to, like, become Space army full time. He's like, I love we are gonna have Face Army. So he's basically like, we are going to have to have an orgy and be really good at it. We have to be good at orgy. That's how we win.

[Sarah McLean]

Your art job has to be orgy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And he's like, and I don't think I'm. I don't think I'm ready. I, for example, have only had sex with women, so I am gonna need to practice having sex with one of you, my bunk mates, who are a man. And so basically this entire book is them practicing orgy. And sometimes it's like. And then, like. But it's honestly like, really sweet because, like. And I can't believe I just said that about Space army recruits. But, like, you know, he approaches his, like, one of his bunk mates named Mark, and he is like, mark, you are gay. And I have. I have no experience. Like, would you be willing to fuck me in the ass? Because I'm going to need to practice for orgy. And Mark's like, I don't know, I kind of have to be, like, into people. Like, not just, you know, it's not really how I roll.

[Sarah McLean]

And he's like, well, you're going to fail orgy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Exactly.

[Sarah McLean]

Mark's face.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And. And he's like, basically, like, I'm demisexual. And Rory's like, okay, that's. I respect that.

[Sarah McLean]

I guess we should get to know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And then, like, there's like, one guy who is like, you know, he is like, I don't want to have anything to do with your crazy ideas. But of course, like, they're, you know, all gonna get with him. And then there's like the girl he really likes. And so basically I just need you to understand that like on day one and day eight and day 15, they're just practicing orgy. And that is the entire plot of Space Army Recruits.

[Sarah McLean]

God.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I just think, listen, everybody, we all need to like, it's on Kindle Unlimited. I need you all to just like, you know, if you're at all interested in Space army recruits becoming Space army full time employees, I'm going to need everybody to read them so that she sees that and is like, oh, I better write day 30 where they all graduate to, you know, back to boring Space Army.

[Sarah McLean]

Wowzer.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, it's really. I was. I completely forgotten about this series until I found it. And then to discover that she had written a new one. I was like, what a. What a treat.

[Sarah McLean]

Perfect.

[Jennifer Prokop]

What a treat.

[Sarah McLean]

Perfect. Listen, we have done the job for you this week here at Faded Mates. There's a little something for everyone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, wait, can I say one other thing? I have been reading Murderbot, which is. There's no romance in Murderbot. Murderbot is not interested in Roman romance, but it is great. And if you're at all interested in Voice, V. E. Schwab recommended it. It's pretty terrific. It's a good audiobook.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, yeah, I mean, I would say that. Also, you know, there are plenty of sci fi podcasts out there. I'm sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah McLean]

And you should head over there.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They're probably gonna want us. They're gonna be like, if you host.

[Sarah McLean]

A sci fi podcast and you would like to us to come on and talk about Space army army and your job is. Or Space army and Lauren Donner.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

We are here for you.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Correct. Listen, a romance podcast.

[Sarah McLean]

You don't know what's over in our end of this pool.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's a lot amazing.

[Sarah McLean]

Listen everyone, we hope we gave you a little bit of joy this week. We hope you are not like Bluetooth connect connected to something dangerous there at the end where it got. It got dicey. But we do love you and we do hope that you head out and enjoy your time wherever you this episode has taken you. I'm Sarah McLean. I'm here with my friend Jen Procop. You can find us every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts. And don't miss our show show notes where you can find a list of every book we spoke about in this episode. You can just download them all one right after another. That's what we do for you. That's a service we provide for you here at Faded Mates. You can do [e-mail]. just hit show notes for that. You can also find us online. We're on Blue Sky. We're on Threads. We're on Instagram. Jen is over on Blue Sky. Don't forget to sign up for Jen's. What's it called?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Blueberry Strawberry Beehive. Sarah.

[Sarah McLean]

Don'T forget to sign up for Jen's Beehive. That sounds dirty.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know. I think I just have to call it a newsletter. I'm like my non. Substack. Substack.

[Sarah McLean]

All right, we're putting it in the show notes. Go do that.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sign up for Sarah's while you're at it.

[Sarah McLean]

Also, don't forget to sponsor if you. If that channel Alexander Wick romance novel book sounded like it was. It was for you. I am one of the authors that is featured in it and you should, you can, you can support her on Kickstarter and I don't know. Enjoy your time this week with space because it's sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

All we have. It's all we have.

[Sarah McLean]

But we do love you. And we'll be back next week with. I'm looking at the topic. Another wacky one, I think.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah, right, Sure. I think it's going to be fun one.

[Sarah McLean]

We're just gonna let it last. And we're just, we're just trying to be as. As wacky. We're trying to give you as much joy as possible. That's our goal.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's our goal.