Fated Mates - S07:19 Winter 2025 New Releases: the Quarterly Edging Episode
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Overview In this engaging episode of Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast, co-hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop unveil their highly anticipated "Quarterly Edging Episode." Focused on spotlighting new romance novel releases for January, February, and March 2025, Sarah and Jen delve into a vast array of titles, ranging from debut authors to established voices in the genre. Their mission is to enhance discoverability within the romance community, offering listeners a curated guide to upcoming reads that promise to captivate and inspire.
Introduction to the Quarterly Edging Episode At the outset, Sarah and Jen introduce the concept of the Quarterly Edging Episode—a quarterly segment dedicated to previewing a multitude of romance novels set to release in the first quarter of the year. This format aims to bring fresh content to listeners, emphasizing books they are excited to explore, including many they haven't read yet.
Sarah MacLean (00:04:29): "Welcome, everybody, to Fated Mates. That's all we could say. We're not even introducing ourselves."
Jen Prokop (00:04:41): "I'm Jennifer Prokop, romance reader and editor."
They explain the process for authors to submit their works for consideration, particularly encouraging self-published authors to fill out a Google form available in the show notes and on their social media platforms.
January 2025 New Releases Sarah and Jen kick off their discussion with a robust selection of January releases, highlighting a mix of contemporary, historical, and romantic suspense novels.
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Sarah Adams’ Beg Borrow or Steal (00:13:15)
A contemporary romance featuring feuding second-grade teachers who discover unexpected chemistry as they navigate professional rivalry and personal connections. -
Naina Kumar’s Flirting with Disaster (00:16:25)
A natural disaster romance set in Houston, where the protagonist seeks a divorce but finds herself reconciling amidst an impending hurricane.
Jen Prokop (00:17:08): "She accidentally sends an email to their boss with her romance manuscript, and they have to get it back, leading to a frenemies dynamic that evolves into something deeper."
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Amy Buchanan’s Let’s Call a Truce (00:17:44)
A debut enemies-to-lovers tale about a widow proving her worth in the workforce while clashing with a new, initially antagonistic coworker. -
Maureen Lee Lenker’s His Girl Hollywood (00:20:29)
Set in 1930s Hollywood, this historical romance follows an aspiring movie director and her childhood friend entangled in mob-related secrets.
February 2025 New Releases Transitioning to February, the hosts spotlight a diverse range of titles, ensuring there's something for every romance enthusiast.
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Carmen Lee’s The Relationship Mechanic (00:23:05)
A sapphic small-town romance where a city woman seeks a one-night stand with a mechanic who is deeply rooted in his community. -
Jazz Forrester’s Shifting Gears (00:25:26)
Another sapphic romance available exclusively through the publisher’s website, featuring a rural Canadian setting and a whirlwind summer fling. -
Jenny Elder Mok’s She Doesn’t Have a Clue (00:25:36)
A romantic mystery inspired by Agatha Christie, where a romance novelist and a TV star must solve a murder on a private island.
Sarah MacLean (00:34:32): "Oscar-winning author tells a Cinderella retelling with an all-Asian cast that’s destined to hit Broadway."
March 2025 New Releases The discussion extends into March, with a focus on both established authors and exciting new voices.
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Vanessa Riley’s A Wager at Midnight (00:81:10)
A historical romance featuring a spinster wildlife biologist masquerading as a man to attend a lecture, only to be saved by a Trinidadian physician. -
Paige Crutcher’s A Circle of Uncommon Witches (00:87:14)
A fantasy romance where a cursed witch seeks help from the sorcerer who placed the curse centuries ago, blending magic with the potential for love. -
Lindsay Lovise’s Never Gamble Your Heart (00:90:28)
A historical thriller involving a computer science professor and a guardian navigating missing persons within a gaming syndicate.
Notable Quotes and Highlights Throughout the episode, Sarah and Jen infuse their discussions with humor and enthusiasm, occasionally sharing memorable quotes that capture their excitement.
Sarah MacLean (00:04:06): "...there are 700 books to talk about."
Jen Prokop (00:19:12): "Amazing. Listen, Jen, she was really into him, but he is from San Diego and she's in Delaware. They're 3,000 miles apart. What can a woman do?"
Sarah MacLean (00:34:37): "...they're trying to like, romance reasons."
These snippets underscore their dynamic chemistry and passion for the genre, making the episode both informative and entertaining.
Engagement and Community Building Beyond discussing new releases, Sarah and Jen emphasize the importance of community involvement. They encourage listeners to submit their own books for inclusion in future episodes, fostering a supportive environment for authors and readers alike.
Jen Prokop (00:100:55): "Fill out our Google form and tell us what else are you excited about, and we’ll include indie and self-published romance in our episodes."
They also highlight their presence across various social media platforms and their Discord community, where listeners can interact directly with them and fellow romance enthusiasts.
Conclusion The "Quarterly Edging Episode" of Fated Mates is a treasure trove for romance readers eager to discover new stories and authors. With over 700 books covered, Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop provide a comprehensive guide to the month's most anticipated releases, ensuring that listeners are well-equipped to build their reading lists for the first quarter of 2025. Their blend of insightful commentary, humor, and genuine enthusiasm makes this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about romance novels.
Jen Prokop (00:103:27): "We talked about 55 books on today's episode. I think so. You're welcome."
Sarah MacLean (00:103:32): "Take care."
Key Takeaways
- Discoverability Focus: Prioritizing new and debut authors to enhance their visibility.
- Diverse Selections: Covering a wide range of romance subgenres, ensuring broad appeal.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging listener participation through submissions and social platforms.
- Energetic Presentation: Dynamic and humorous interaction between hosts keeps the content lively and engaging.
Final Note For more detailed information on each book discussed, including purchase links and additional resources, listeners are encouraged to visit the extensive show notes available on their preferred podcast platform.