Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novels People
Episode: 07.40: Hot 2025 Summer Reads
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop
Fated Mates, the most listened-to romance novel podcast, dives deep into the sizzling summer reads of 2025 in this episode. Co-hosted by bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to the hottest romance books set to captivate readers from June through September.
June Highlights
1. When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Plot: This novel explores Mia Sosa’s journey as she rekindles a destroyed romance with Javi, highlighting themes of redemption and enduring love. Sarah notes, “Mia is terrific and a terrific person” (12:06).
2. Best Summer Ever by Jessica Consolo
Genre: Young Adult
Plot: Focusing on Jenna, a Virgo who organizes a week-long summer extravaganza to cement her social standing, and Olivia, dealing with a cheating boyfriend. Jen emphasizes its suitability for both young readers and as a family read-along (14:33).
3. Keeping the Countess by Lily Moore
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot: Jonah Sinclair, a reverend with a vendetta, tutors at an Earl’s estate and becomes entangled with the beauty and strength of the abandoned countess. Sarah describes their chemistry as “sexy fist wielding revenge man” (15:56).
July Highlights
1. Enemies with an Earl by Lizzy Cause
Genre: Regency Romance
Plot: Felix Jennings, an Earl with a preference for men, navigates his attraction to a challenging valeted while maintaining control over his family legacy. Sarah humorously remarks, “he absolutely should [sleep with his valet] as long as everybody's having a good time” (23:44).
2. Summer You Are Mine by Jill Francis
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Plot: Ellie and Chris rekindle their teenage romance amid personal and professional struggles, delving into past hurts and rediscovering love. Jen praises the heartfelt narrative, noting Jill’s expertise in crafting emotional arcs (27:01).
3. Give Me a Reason by J.C. Lee
Genre: Modern Retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion
Plot: A K-drama-inspired romance where Anne, a K-drama actress, seeks reconciliation with Frederick, now a firefighter, amidst past misunderstandings. Sarah highlights the “K drama twist” that infuses the classic story with contemporary flair (25:29).
August Highlights
1. Heartstrings by Ivy Fairbanks
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: Low Valdez, a romance author battling writer’s block and heartbreak, reunites with Aiden, a tattooed lawyer whose songs about her reignite old feelings during an Irish Castle wedding. Sarah teases their inevitable romance, saying, “they are gonna bang in a castle” (61:46).
2. The Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier
Genre: Romantasy
Plot: Sorsha, cursed with volatile magic, partners with the cynical pirate Faolin to break her curse, leading to adventures filled with magic and romance. Jen expresses excitement over the blend of piracy and magical elements (52:05).
3. You've Got a Place Here Too (Anthology)
Genre: Anthology of Romance Shorts
Plot: Set against the backdrop of an HBCU, this collection features diverse authors like Elizabeth Acevedo and Nicola Yoon, offering unique romantic narratives. Sarah commends the anthology for introducing readers to ten new writers (68:09).
Featured Discussions & Insights
Pre-Ordering Importance
Sarah emphasizes the benefits of pre-ordering books, highlighting how it supports authors and publishers. She encourages listeners to pre-order by visiting the podcast’s website, ensuring they get ahead of the reading list and potentially receive a surprise gift box:
"Pre-ordering would be terrific... It indicates support to the publisher and to stores." (07:00)
Supporting Indie Bookstores
Both hosts passionately advocate for supporting indie bookstores, specifically Pocket Bookshop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Sarah mentions the exclusive 15% discount available for pre-orders using the code pre_order:
"Support a local indie... and you'll get 15% off." (10:28)
Trending Romance Tropes
Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen explore various popular tropes in romance novels, such as enemies-to-lovers, second chance romances, and time-traveling love stories. They provide candid insights into what makes these tropes resonate with readers, often infusing humor and personal anecdotes into their discussions.
Inclusivity in Romance
The conversation underscores the importance of diverse representation in romance literature. From queer romances to novels featuring protagonists of color, the hosts highlight books that challenge traditional norms and provide inclusive narratives without kink shaming.
Notable Quotes
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Jen Prokop at [02:15]:
"I think they enjoy putting on all of their like work stuff, but with like bare-chested and going shopping and apparently novel covers. Come on." -
Sarah MacLean at [03:11]:
"Firemen are very hot. Run in Destiny. Yeah, run anyway." -
Jen Prokop at [30:17]:
"All of them have, you know, nothing." -
Sarah MacLean at [65:37]:
"If you have nothing else, please just approve me for this book because all I want to do is read it."
Conclusion
In this episode, Fated Mates provides an extensive overview of the must-read romance novels for Summer 2025. From steamy historical romances to innovative romantic fantasies, Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop ensure that listeners are well-equipped to dive into the best the genre has to offer. Their passionate discussions, combined with practical advice on supporting authors and indie bookstores, make this episode a valuable resource for romance enthusiasts.
Next Episode Teasers:
- September Reads: Delving into compelling narratives like The Princess and the PI by Nikki Payne and Tracing Her Stolen Identity by Katie Mettner.
- Upcoming Releases: Sneak peeks into fall releases and special guest interviews.
Stay tuned, and happy reading!