Fated Mates - Episode S07:14: Excellent 2024 Debut Romance Novels

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast, co-hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jennifer Prokop delve into the vibrant world of debut romance novels poised to make a significant impact in 2024. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role these new voices play in enriching the romance genre and enhancing discoverability for readers seeking fresh narratives.

Announcements and Promotions

Sarah MacLean kicks off the episode with exciting news about Pocketbooks in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, highlighting their "Favorite Romance Box of Fated Mates," also referred to as the "Best of the Year" collection. She enthusiastically mentions, “All proceeds go to Pocketbooks... and the authors themselves” (00:11).

Jennifer adds, “To have a great time reading them or the person you love to give as a gift” (00:51). The hosts stress the importance of supporting these curated boxes, especially during the holiday season, and encourage listeners to visit fatedmates.net/bestof to order.

Episode Focus: Debut Romance Novels

Transitioning from the promotional segment, Sarah introduces the primary focus of the episode: debut romance novels. “We've never done a debuts of the year… it feels like an important piece of the puzzle” (06:07). The hosts discuss the vital role debut authors play in preventing stagnation within the romance genre, noting that “freshening the pool” keeps the landscape dynamic and diverse (07:19).

Jennifer emphasizes the challenges of highlighting self-published debuts, explaining, “It's a lot harder to do with indie… there's no basically, Sarah emailed the publicists at every house” (08:42). They acknowledge the need for future episodes to include indie authors, urging self-published debuters to reach out for potential feature opportunities.

Featured Debut Romance Novels

Sarah and Jennifer present a curated list of standout debut romance novels, providing summaries, personal insights, and notable quotes from each book.

1. "When the Viscount Wanted Me" by Lydia Lloyd

   • Summary: Set in Regency-era England, the story follows the Viscount of Tremberley, "Trem," who confronts a drunken earl threatening his best friend's sister, Henrietta. As Henrietta reveals her own indiscretions, Trem and Henrietta must navigate their complicated feelings amidst societal pressures.
   • Notable Quote: “How could anybody possibly besmirch this lady's reputation?” - Trem (16:27)
   • Insight: Sarah praises the book for its engaging plot and dynamic characters, noting, “I just had a lot of joy reading this book” (17:07).

2. "The Prospects" by KT Hoffman

   • Summary: Gene, the first openly trans player in professional baseball, faces rivalry and personal challenges when a former teammate, Luis Estrada, is traded to his team. Their on-field tensions evolve into a compelling workplace romance.
   • Notable Quote: “Nothing is more precarious than a debut career” (93:02)
   • Insight: Jennifer lauds the representation and the seamless blend of sports and romance, stating, “Everyone loves that book” (22:28).

3. "Unsteady" by Peyton Curran

   • Summary: Rhys Koteski, a college hockey star plagued by PTSD after a severe injury, meets Sadie Brown, a figure skater juggling family responsibilities. Their relationship blossoms as they support each other through personal struggles.
   • Notable Quote: “It's about finding someone who feels the same way you do” (26:32)
   • Insight: Jennifer appreciates the book's atmospheric depth and emotional resonance, highlighting its portrayal of being on the cusp of adulthood.

4. "The Kiss Countdown" by Ed Easton

   • Summary: Amari Price, an event planner facing personal and professional turmoil, encounters Vincent Rogers, an astronaut with whom she shares unexpected chemistry. Their fake dating arrangement spirals into genuine romance amidst chaotic wedding preparations.
   • Notable Quote: “Dating an astronaut is terrific” (38:16)
   • Insight: Sarah commends the book for its humor and heartfelt moments, describing it as “over the top charming.”

5. "The Slowest Burn" by Sarah Chamberlain

   • Summary: Ellie, a ghostwriter for cookbooks grappling with widowhood and family responsibilities, teams up with Kieran, a spirited chef with ADHD. Their professional collaboration ignites a slow-burning romance as they navigate their contrasting personalities.
   • Notable Quote: “Two people who truly end up seeing each other” (83:27)
   • Insight: Jennifer praises the nuanced character development and the tender progression of their relationship.

6. "Say You’ll Be Mine" by Naina Kumar

   • Summary: Meghna, an English teacher passionate about theater, reconnects with Seth, her former writing partner and ex-boyfriend. Through a series of arranged dates and emotional confrontations, Meghna and Kartik find unexpected love amidst familial pressures.
   • Notable Quote: “It's a smooth trick, like Ella Dawson does it a bit” (75:15)
   • Insight: Sarah highlights the book’s authentic second-chance romance and the seamless integration of personal growth with romantic development.

7. "The Spy and I" by Tiana Smith

   • Summary: Dove Barkley, a skilled hacker, is thrust into a high-stakes spy scenario when she meets her sister's partner, Mendez. Together, they uncover secrets and develop a romantic bond amidst espionage adventures.
   • Notable Quote: “It was so over the top charming” (86:17)
   • Insight: Jennifer commends the book for its breezy, fun approach to the spy romance subgenre, likening it to a delightful rom-com.

8. Additional Highlights:

   • "Rules for Ghosting" by Shelley J. Shore
   • "How to End a Love Story" by Yulene Kang
   • "Pickup" by Nora Dalia
   • "Temple of Persephone" by Isabel Kamal

The hosts mention these additional debuts, encouraging listeners to explore them via the show’s Show Notes.

Supporting Debut Authors and Local Bookstores

Sarah passionately urges listeners to support debut authors to nurture new talent within the romance genre. “This is an important episode. It’s an episode where you can really change a life and a career” (93:02). Additionally, the hosts emphasize the significance of supporting local independent bookstores, highlighting their role as community hubs and cultural bastions.

Promotions and Final Remarks

Jennifer introduces another sponsorship segment featuring Book of the Month, recommending titles like "I Might Be in Trouble" by Daniel Ailman. Both hosts encourage listeners to utilize promotional codes and support the featured programs.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah: “If you have a reader in your life and you're not sure what kind of book to get them, listen, that is a very real conundrum” (49:22).
• Jennifer: “This book is objectively the greatest three hours of your life” (64:07).

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Sarah and Jennifer reiterate their gratitude to listeners for supporting debut romance novels and fostering a thriving, inclusive romance community. They direct listeners to their social media channels and show notes for further engagement and book purchases, reinforcing the message of supporting new authors and local bookstores during the holiday season.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Sarah MacLean:

  • “There is an important piece of the puzzle” (06:07)
  • “This is an important episode. It’s an episode where you can really change a life and a career” (93:02)

• Jennifer Prokop:

  • “Yes, Sarah came up with this brilliant idea” (06:07)
  • “This book is objectively the greatest three hours of your life” (64:07)

For more detailed information on the books discussed, visit the Show Notes page on the Fated Mates website.