Fated Mates Podcast Episode 07.28: "Horses"
Release Date: March 25, 2025
In Episode 07.28 titled "Horses," co-hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jennifer Prokop delve into the intricate relationship between horses and romance novels. This episode explores how horses are portrayed in the genre, discusses notable horse-themed romance books, and highlights the symbolic significance of equine characters in storytelling.
1. Introduction and Listener Engagement
The episode begins with Sarah and Jen encouraging listeners to participate in their reader survey to better understand their audience's preferences. Sarah emphasizes the importance of listener feedback for future content planning.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [00:40]: "We want you to have a great experience as a listener."
2. The Challenge of Incorporating Horses in Romance
Sarah introduces the theme of the episode by discussing the scarcity of horse-themed romances, attributing it to the high costs and logistical challenges of featuring horses on movie sets. They humorously speculate about horses' discomfort in staged environments, pondering why romance novels don't leverage equine characters more effectively.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [10:12]: "We are now seven seasons into this mishugas, and it's chaos here."
3. Exploration of Horse-Themed Romance Novels
The hosts dive into specific horse-themed romance novels, analyzing how horses are integral to the plot and character development. They emphasize that horses in these novels often symbolize loyalty, freedom, and personal growth.
A. "A Kingdom of Dreams" by Judith McNaught
Sarah highlights this novel for its poignant portrayal of a hero's deep bond with his horse, emphasizing the emotional turmoil when the horse dies.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [16:17]: "There are few things a heroine can do in romance that I would allow a hero to be absolutely unhinged, angry about."
B. "Fierce Splendor" by Iris Johansson
Jen discusses this book, noting its controversial elements, such as a scene where characters engage romantically on a horse.
Notable Quote:
- Jennifer Prokop [26:13]: "Where they fucked on a horse."
C. "Montana Sky" by Nora Roberts
The conversation shifts to Nora Roberts' work, where Jen praises the author's ability to intertwine family dynamics with horse-centered narratives.
Notable Quote:
- Jennifer Prokop [28:33]: "Nora does so well at building her books around families."
D. "Irish Thoroughbred" by Nora Roberts
Sarah underscores this as Nora Roberts' debut novel that set the template for contemporary horse romances, focusing on themes of inheritance and magical connections between characters and their horses.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [43:47]: "This book really does give a sense of, like, this horse exists in two different worlds."
E. Additional Titles Discussed
- "Legends Lake" by Joanne Ross: A horse racing romance involving magical elements.
- "All Night Long with a Cowboy" by Caitlin Cruz: A diverse rodeo romance that blends competition with deep emotional connections.
- "The Wildest Ride" by Marcella Bell: A rodeo-themed story emphasizing the cultural and emotional significance of horses.
- "A Thorn in the Saddle" by Rebekah Weatherspoon: A modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" set in a ranch environment.
- "Sanctuary Island" by Lily Everett: A story of sisterhood and healing set against the backdrop of a wild horse sanctuary.
4. Symbolism and Representation in Horse Romances
Sarah and Jen discuss the symbolic roles horses play in romance novels, often representing freedom, loyalty, and emotional healing. They critique the historical inaccuracies in older novels and advocate for more nuanced and respectful portrayals of horses in contemporary works.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [19:52]: "Animals always mean something and colors always mean something. It's true."
5. Sponsorships and Promotions
Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen promote various romance book collections and authors, including 1001 Dark Knights' Crowns and Courtships and Avery Maxwell's Cross My Heart. They provide listeners with options to purchase or subscribe to these works, enhancing their engagement with the romance community.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [17:59]: "We're kind of wild about these romance collections coming out from 1001 Dark Knights."
6. Conclusion and Community Engagement
The episode wraps up with a discussion about representation in American Western romance novels, recommending Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne's Unbound Podcast for its in-depth exploration of black and brown cowboys in the American West. Sarah and Jen encourage listeners to join their Discord community for further discussions and to stay connected through their Patreon.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah MacLean [39:33]: "Our friends Adriana Herrera and Nikki Payne's Unbound podcast... talk to experts and romance novelists."
7. Exclusive Audiobook Preview
As part of the episode's conclusion, listeners are treated to a sneak peek of Piper Rain's new audiobook Mr. Swoony, offering an enticing glimpse into upcoming content and encouraging purchases through their preferred podcasting apps.
Final Thoughts
Episode 07.28 effectively combines insightful analysis of horse-themed romance novels with engaging discussions on symbolism, representation, and the logistical challenges of integrating horses into romance narratives. Sarah MacLean and Jennifer Prokop provide a comprehensive overview that not only reviews specific titles but also encourages readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the inclusion of horses in romance literature.
Join the Conversation: Listeners are invited to participate in the Fated Mates Discord community and support the podcast through Patreon at fatedmates.net/patreon, where they can engage with fellow romance enthusiasts and access exclusive content.