S08.21: 🌹A Dozen Roses for Valentine’s Day🌹

Summary

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Fated Mates – S08.21: 🌹A Dozen Roses for Valentine’s Day🌹

Date: February 11, 2026
Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jennifer Prokop

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Episode Overview

In a festive twist for Valentine’s Day, Sarah and Jen present “A Dozen Roses for Valentine’s Day”—twelve romance-related (and sometimes pop culture) picks where "rose" features in a character, title, theme, or author’s name. The episode seamlessly blends heartfelt recommendations, tangential movie chatter, and signature banter, all while celebrating the genre’s resilience and creativity (and throwing in plenty of sly winks to longtime listeners).

Sarah and Jen also discuss the merging of romance fiction and broader pop culture, acknowledge the endurance of the romance community through Valentine season’s media takes, and highlight both classic and modern romance titles, brimming with as many hues and moods as the flower that inspired the episode.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

“Ladyhawke” & The Many Faces of Romance (00:31–05:25)

• The episode opens with a playful exchange about “Ladyhawke” (1985) and why it stands as a “truly romantic romance.”
  • Sarah: “Honestly, listen, fuck everybody who says that you can't make a romance. A really, truly romantic romance because this, this movie, it'll rip your heart out.” (01:25)
• The curse-driven star-crossed lovers premise is described in detail, painting “Ladyhawke” as a medieval romance ripe for modern fans.
• They liken the narrative’s emotional punch to the feelings romance novels can deliver.
• Meme-worthy moment:
  • “They can only see each other for the one second when dawn meets dusk, and it’s the most incredible moment.” —Sarah (03:52)

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Announcing a Valentine’s Day Collaboration (05:55–07:41)

• The hosts tease a collaborative Instagram project with AH2 Productions—a blossoming historical romance Kickstarter from Adriana Herrera and Ali Hazelwood’s team.
• Listeners are invited to watch for rose-themed teasers and recognize “authors getting their flowers.”
• “...giving some of romance's most beloved authors their flowers. And we would like to be a part of that on this rose themed Valentine's Day episode.” —Jen (07:25)

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On Valentine’s Media Season, Romance Reception, & ’Heated Rivalry’ (08:08–14:18)

• Valentine’s is not historically “their” holiday; the annual media critiques of romance are discussed, including mischaracterizations like “Heated Rivalry as Wuthering Heights—the Victorian heated rivalry.”
• “Everybody else is like, okay, I’m going to write, you know, this romance story, and romance readers are like, I want to die.” —Jen (08:36)
• They dissect upcoming pop culture moments, like the new “Wuthering Heights” film (“...with scare quotes”), and consider what it means to re-experience formative, messy-but-magnetic emotional texts.
• Sarah’s daughter’s take on Jacob Elordi in the film (“Oh my god, Jacob Elordi is in this.”) signals the generational shift in romance audiences (13:05).

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Cinematic Bangers & Double Features (14:00–18:31)

• Sarah confesses her ignorance about the “Sinners” movie, only to discover its genre-bending delights: period drama, twins, vampires—“handsome people blowing shit up.”
• The hosts nostalgically praise the pleasures of watching films like “Sinners” in a theater, and encourage listeners: “You should do a doubleheader: Sinners and Ladyhawk. Bam. Two historical bangers.” —Jen (18:46)
• The concept of renting a whole theater for a group romance movie night: “It’s actually not very expensive… I think we should all do more like rent out a movie theater. Invite all your friends…” —Sarah (19:06)

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The “Dozen Roses” Project—Parameters & Playfulness (21:25–24:03)

• Jen proposes the central gimmick: each shares six “rose” objects—any connection counts (character, title, author, theme).
• The premise: “A rose that will delight you.” —Sarah (22:56)
• The rules are playfully broad—almost anything “rose-adjacent” is fair.
• Banter about sneaking in non-romance roses: “That’s me sneaking in some like non-romance… sneaking in some roses.” —Sarah (25:19)

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The Twelve Roses – Books, Tropes, and Oddities

(The following is a representative selection—tune in to the episode for the full list.)

1. Heated Rivalry (Rose Landry, Character) (25:39–27:44)

• Shane’s movie-star beard in “Heated Rivalry” is Rose Landry—discussion of her treatment in the book vs. TV adaptation and an adorable workplace “A Dozen Rosies” Valentine.
• “Listen, it’s perfect. So for your Valentine’s Day, if you have not yet watched ‘Heated Rivalry’ or [read] the Game Changers book, you will have a very nice time.” —Jen (27:38)

2. Just Wicked Enough (Kate Rose, Lorraine Heath) (27:49–30:53)

• Celebrating “Rogues and Roses” series: American heiresses in London, with Kate Rose’s book lauded for its “St. Vincent” vibes.
• “Love and sex are the same woman… I’m going to seduce you. And Kate is like, I’m gonna make you fall in love with me.” —Sarah (30:40)

3. Nero (S.J. Tilly) (rose-scented body wash, detail) (30:53–34:38)

• An amusingly intense scene with a hero obsessed over the heroine’s rose-scented body wash (“He steals this bottle of fucking body wash—which she doesn’t even... She wakes up the next morning.”).
• “He has left a $100 bill in the bathtub, like, where the body wash was. So she knows that he has taken it. And even though she has no defenses... she’s like, I think he likes me.” —Jen (34:15)

4. The Roommate (Rosie Danan, Author) (36:58–40:24)

• Rosie Danan’s debut gets pride of place for its sex-positive humor and sex worker hero.
• “One of the best executions of sex work in romance I think still, even now.” —Sarah (40:09)

5. Compass Rose (Anna Burke)—Sci-Fi Lesbian Pirates (40:33–44:12)

• Sci-fi, adventure, and a heroine literally named Rose who acts as a “human compass.”
• “...really like about Rose herself being sort of trapped into this like really kind of strange situation. And then it’s just like a big rip roaring adventure.” —Jen (43:50)

6. Her Perfect Affair (Priscilla Oliveras; Rosa Perfect, Heroine) (44:22–49:00)

• “Everything is coming up roses for Rosa,” until a one-night stand leads to pregnancy and complex family/faith stakes.
• “What’s really cool about this book is Priscilla writes a beautiful big family book. All of her series have these big, big family stories...” —Sarah (47:07)

7. Vegas Underground Series (Renee Rose, Author) (51:10–53:58)

• Mafia-tinged romance recommended by Joanna Shupe; the hosts reminisce about the wild ride and fun, light take on otherwise “dark” themes.

8. Love Her or Lose Her (Tessa Bailey; Rosie, Heroine) (54:06–57:11)

• Marriage-in-trouble romance—communication and dirty talk abound, with noteworthy characters and a “groovy therapist.”
• “It is really about... these two are wild about each other, but they cannot work through the fact that, like, their communication is fucked the shit.” —Sarah (56:12)

9. The Taming of Jessie Rose (Beverly Jenkins; Jesse Rose, Heroine) (58:28–64:49)

• Classic Jenkins: ranch wars, gritty heroines, chosen family, and deep-rooted historical detail.
• “Heroin against the wall. And Jesse Rose is a heroin against the wall... It’s just a rip roaring Beverly Jenkins adventure as they all right as one does.” —Jen (58:53, 63:26)

10. Karen Rose (Author—romantic suspense) (67:08–70:07)

• Spotlighting the enduring appeal of Karen Rose’s thrillers and her skill at weaving robust romance into suspense.
• “Karen Rose knows how to write a mystery. She understands how to keep the, like, romance in the story instead of it, you know, these two are together the whole book...” —Sarah (69:14)

11. The Rose / The Red (Tiffany Reisz; Erotic Romance) (71:11–76:17)

• Erotic, mythologically-inspired art adventures. “Nobody really writes erotica like Tiffany” and “super sexy, but kind of with like the fun vibe of art” are the lines to remember.

12. Dreaming of You (Lisa Kleypas; Sarah Rose Fielding, Heroine) (79:52–82:10)

• Iconic moment: “...one of the greatest sex scenes in romance has to be when Derek Craven lays her down on the bed and then covers her, sprinkles rose petals across her, and then just does the business, destroys her and the bed.” —Sarah (81:37)

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Honorable Mentions & Lightening Rose References

• Rose from Titanic & Rose from Golden Girls: Both mentioned for romance/life delight potential.
• Rosie in S.J. Tilly’s “Dear Rosie” and Stephanie Rose (author of contemporary “soft” romances) get shout-outs.
• Sarah’s own books (“A Rogue by Any Other Name”, “One Good Earl Deserves a Lover”): A reflection on covers, roses in titles/covers, and accidental motifs.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “A rose that will delight you. I love that.” —Sarah (22:56)
• “Sometimes I feel like, you know, we start with talking about the 80s, but here we are talking about 20, 25.” —Jen (18:33)
• “Sometimes, something ends up as part of your... publishing system. It arrives kind of on your desk and you think like, oh, now do I like, is this, is this a thing I do now?” —Sarah (78:34)

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Romance Community, Whimsy, & The Reason for Roses

• Both hosts riff on their ongoing affection for flowers (and their figurative role in romance fiction).
• “If you don’t want actual roses, you can just read about roses or rose scented body wash or whatever you want. Rosies, Rosas.” —Jen (83:45)
• Jen’s show note tip: Goodreads lists abound for "Rose" in Romances.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:31–05:25: Ladyhawke, movies as romance, “star-crossed” tropes
• 05:55–07:41: AH2 Productions collaboration and “historical trailblazer” project
• 08:08–14:18: Valentine’s media, Wuthering Heights “remake,” pop culture
• 14:00–18:31: Movie-going confessions, “Sinners,” and why audience matters
• 21:25–24:03: “Dozen Roses” set-up, rules for the episode
• 25:39–82:20: Main “Dozen Roses” segment – each book/discussion as detailed above
• 83:00–87:18: Event announcements (Chicago, Rhode Island, etc.)
• 87:18–89:02: Closing encouragement, romance community bonds

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Tone & Style

• The episode is warm, witty, unfiltered, and imbued with the hosts’ deep knowledge of romance culture and fandom.
• Sarah and Jen go on tangents but always circle back to the joy of the genre, embracing both nostalgia and new discoveries.
• No book snobbery, only infectious enthusiasm for all forms of romance—plus a welcome lack of “kink shaming” or genre shaming.

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Listener Takeaways

• Romance novels (and movies) are a way to reclaim and reshape love stories outside of mainstream clichés—roses and all.
• Fans can celebrate Valentine’s however they choose—watching banger historicals, hunting down rose-themed reads, or joining the romance community online and in person.
• Countless recommendations are scattered amid laughter and literary discussion; check their show notes for all the “roses” you can handle.

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“Be silly. Embrace whimsy.” —Sarah (87:13)

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Transcript

[Sarah McLean]

Well, happy Valentine's Day.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, Happy Valentine's Day to you, Sarah.

[Sarah McLean]

We never do a Valentine's episode.

[Jennifer Prokop]

We really don't, but we don't.

[Sarah McLean]

I mean, this is not our holiday.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, we have just celebrated our holiday.

[Sarah McLean]

Everybody was so excited. We kept it a really good secret. Although I did discover that Jen had told Kate Clayborne without me. So that was sad.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, listen, Sarah, sometimes you're asleep when we're awake. I'm often asleep when you're awake right now.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So that's just the way it goes.

[Sarah McLean]

I think I've talked about this before, but I think I've said it many times actually. But like I'm at the very end of a book and so I go into what's called vampire hours, where my circadian rhythm takes over and I have discovered that I'm actually nocturnal. And so I go. The other day Jen texted me at like 3:30 in the morning and she was like, I'm insomnia texting. I'm sorry. And I was like, I'm just headed to bed.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So. So Lady Hawk.

[Sarah McLean]

We've met. Exactly. Lady Hawk. Lady Rutger. How.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Rucker.

[Sarah McLean]

How. Listen everyone, if you haven't watched Le. I gotta watch that. No, I watched it like four or five years ago and it was.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm a little afraid to go back and watch. First of all. Yeah. You know, if you're ever good.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay, I haven't. It is so romantic.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This is romantic.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, it is so romantic.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So romantic. If you haven't watched Lady Hop, you don't know what we're talking about.

[Sarah McLean]

Let me paint a picture for you. It's the 1980s and there is a medieval romance film. Honestly, listen, fuck everybody who says that you can't, you can't make a romance. A really, truly romantic romance because this, this movie, it'll rip your heart out.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But also romantic.

[Sarah McLean]

Michelle Pfeiffer is 20 something, 20 years old. I mean, the most beautiful person who has ever walked.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So beautiful. Yeah, very beautiful.

[Sarah McLean]

And just. Oh, and Rutger Hauer is a medieval knight who wears all black and rides a totally black horse and is just perfect and he travels. And so the premise is that these two have. Are star crossed lovers. They are fated to love through like space and time. And there is a kind of terrible priest who, who's like a. There are lots of priests in this book. There are like some monks. Matthew Broderick plays like a monk in training. Like there's so like, what's medieval? There's like kind of a Cardinal or like a head of.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, okay, everybody listen.

[Sarah McLean]

What Sarah's trying to say is it's. It's a great gift, only it's medieval.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And Matthew Broderick.

[Sarah McLean]

I guess that's true.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Cuz Matthew Broderick is the one like telling their story essentially. He's like almost like the narrator, the great.

[Sarah McLean]

Keep up. Medieval. But yes, chaos. No, you're not wrong. And that is the brilliant English though, sir. You're absolutely right. Okay, I'm going to set the scene. For real though. It's medieval France. There are these two people who are like star crossed lovers. She's the most beautiful person who's ever like walked the planet. And there is a sort of wicked churchy guy, like a sort of cardinally, like head of a church and bishop. And he wants her for him. He wanted her for himself. And he was so devastated by the fact that she loved this like, stunningly handsome, you know, knight in all black on a black horse. And so he cursed them never to be able to be together. And the way that this curse works is from sun up.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, this is the romantic part.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah. She is a hawk and he is a man. And from sundown to sun up, he is a wolf and she is a woman. And so they're just like, they ha. They can never. And they can only see each other for the one second when dawn meets dusk. And it's the most incredible moment.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, it's so good. It's so good. But he like, carries this hawk like, overland, like through like fields of grain. It's unbelievable. Real. And then at night, and then. Yes, you're right, it is like the Great Gatsby. Because young Matthew Broderick plays like a little monk in training who discovers this thing. And he then like takes it upon himself to help them break the curse, which is happening like three days hence or whatever. And so it's this kind of like big adventure where they have to go and they have to kill the baddie. And the question is like, will they ultimately both like, survive? And will they ultimately both like, be human? Because wolf plus hawk is not the end game here anyway. That is the kind of really shady plot of like a shaky version of the plot of Lady Hawk. It does hold up. I watched it like four or five years ago.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Ooh. See, I will say, like, there's like a lot of movies just like romance itself, right?

[Sarah McLean]

Where you're like, it's a straight down.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The middle, romance, romance novel. It's freaking great. And here we are, so.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh my God. And Rutger Hauer, who really had a time in the 80s.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I did. Okay, so here's the other thing, Sarah. Like you were gonna start, but I was gonna start. I think we're talking about the same thing. All right. So another weird thing about us having like a Valentine's Day episode is we also have like a Valentine's Day project.

[Sarah McLean]

It's a planned it, we didn't. And now here we are.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So if you're on social media, if you are like, follow us on Instagram, you will see, maybe it's already happened. Who knows? If you're like one of these people who listens at the midnight the minute it drops, maybe not for you. It probably didn't at some point. Today we are going to have a really cool Instagram announcement in partnership with AH2 Productions. So that's their official name.

[Sarah McLean]

That is the Adriana Herrera Ali Hazelwood team that put together that amazing Kickstarter starter earlier in the year or last year.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And has announced that they're doing a historical trailblazer collection. They're going to announce everything in May.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Is that right?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, like it's. Yeah. So essentially what's going to happen is everybody, you'll. There's some teasers happening today.

[Sarah McLean]

There's been a teaser already that maybe some of you have figured out who is going to be in the collection. We can't tell you yet, but some of smart Faded Mates listeners will. Will know, will be able to suss it out.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's us going like, wink, wink. And then I think in, I think in March, you'll kind of get some previews on the Kickstarter page and everything. And then I think that Kickstarter is in May. So obviously, listen, we are two people who are just do what Adriana tells us.

[Sarah McLean]

But we're just happy to be along for the ride.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And we're really excited about this because it's really, you know what Adrianna says all the time about this project is it's like giving some of romance's most beloved authors their flowers. And we would like to be a part of that on this rose themed Valentine's Day episode.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, so that's that. Everybody go check out the announcement on Instagram and stay tuned for more information. In March and again in May, we have some special episodes coming. We'll keep you obviously posted here. But it's exciting. It's a year for historical romance, which I like to hear. Welcome everyone, to Faded mates. I'm Sarah MacLaine. I read romance novels and I tell the plots of films badly.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm Jennifer Prokop, a romance reader and editor, and this week we are doing something we have not done because we thought of a really good idea for it. So it's a Valentine's Day coming up this weekend, and that's typically not like. Typically, as, you know, in romance, it's kind of already starting. It's like one. One bad romance takes from people who hate romance or think it's garbage or, you know, like, whatever. It's just like the worst, you know, and so it's always. It's. Everybody else is like, okay, I'm going to write, you know, this romance story, and romance readers are like, I want to die. So maybe that's just me. And I think that, like, the. With heated rivalry being so hot, I have a feeling that, like, there's gonna be a flood of these anyway.

[Sarah McLean]

So. Yeah, it's not.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's always, like, a little grim these times. Like, you know, be careful what you're reading about romance in these media trenches.

[Sarah McLean]

Yep, agreed. I did see something yesterday, which I sent to Joanna and you and Adriana that's said is heated rivalry.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No.

[Sarah McLean]

Wuthering Heights, the Victorian heated rivalry. And I just. I rebuke that just for fun. So many levels. There's. It's like every word in that headline is wrong for me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, they mean Wuthering Heights, the movie. Right. And here's the thing. Isn't. Didn't they. And here's how you'll know.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, they're talking about Wuthering Heights, the movie. But they were asking about Wuthering Heights, the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, the book. Yeah. Okay, here's the part that's really funny. I didn't realize this till this week. So if, you know, there's this movie coming out directed by. What's her name? Emerald. Yeah. Did I make that up?

[Sarah McLean]

Okay. That's right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And if you see the, like, you know, the trailer or whatever, it's like Wuthering Heights and, like, scare quotes. Apparently, the film studio is insisting that every single time, like, a reviewer or an outlet discusses it, that they use the quotation.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, interesting. So quotation marks are part of the title. Well, she's really. It's interesting. She. I saw an interview with her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's like a sex point.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm definitely going to see this movie. For sure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know you are. I'm definitely not.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, I know. It's fine. And so. And listen, I have a lot of questions about this movie for a lot of reasons. Like, anybody who has Ever spent any time with Wuthering Heights? The text is. Probably has questions, has similar questions to me about this. But like, listen, the preview is so bananas. I'm definitely going. And also it appears like Margot Robbie wears like vinyl through parts of this movie. Like, I'm so confused. I have been influenced by all of the coverage of this movie. Anyway, I did see an interview with Emerald Fennell saying that she uses the quotation marks because what she. What this movie is is the experience she felt reading the book when she was young for the first time. And I think there's something. Listen, is this bullshit? Maybe. But I do think there's something really interesting about that question. Like it's what we're just talking about with Lady Hawk. Like, there's, there is a. There are certain texts that come to you at certain points in your life and they come with a level of emotional turmoil and just pure feelings. Chaos.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

And you can't ever get that back. Like, it's, it's just that sort of experience of that one thing that you saw or read or experienced. And I think what she's trying to do is harness. At least what she's saying is like, she wants this film to be the embodiment of that experience for her and I. And so she's sort of like, no, it's not a true retelling.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's a sort of homage to like.

[Sarah McLean]

A feeling, I guess, like vibes, like 15 year old vibes. And I, And I'm sort of like tempted by that. And I think part of me is tempted by that because I too came to Wuthering Heights when I was very young and it gave me those kind of like chaotic feelings. And so, I don't know. I'm into it. I mean, although I will say there's no question that Jacob Elordi is the wrong thing, the wrong cast for Heathcliff by any measure related to the actual text. But my daughter, who is 12, is. Saw a preview for it last night on the Olympics and was like, oh my God, Jacob Elordi is in this.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, see, there you go then. I, you know, I don't. I'm not. Yeah, I, Well, I, I guess what everyone else.

[Sarah McLean]

Cliff should be played by a person, by a man of color. And that's, I mean, like, without question.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. And Margot Roby is too old for that role too.

[Sarah McLean]

Correct.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, if you're like really thinking about the sex. Right.

[Sarah McLean]

Kathy isn't blonde. Like, there are all sorts of like things that are, you know, but also like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I mean Wuthering Heights quotation marks. Who cares, right?

[Sarah McLean]

I think this is like. Yeah, it's self insert. Well, I hope everyone nice time. Which is not great. I do. But I'm sort of like how does it end? Like what she like, like what's she gonna do?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think I, I potentially if you say you enjoyed it, it will come out on.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, here's the other thing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Cable or streaming. And at some point I would maybe watch it. But yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And I think like you and I are. Are like we. While we both really enjoy the genre of beautiful people blowing things up.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

I think I have an appreciation for or an acceptance of the weird that's like go slightly further than where. Oh, correct.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I would say that's 100 true.

[Sarah McLean]

And I'm fascinated by things that are like truly bizarre.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So I. I'm also just not a big watcher.

[Sarah McLean]

Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I do really like going to the movies however. But I think like, you know something I do with my husband and I think he would be like, no first.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So you know, I think that's the other reason. Like it's just not going to be something I would like roll into a theater to see. You know what I mean?

[Sarah McLean]

Yep. I. Yeah, I mean. And I. And I'm not the. I do not go to the movies. So I just saw Sinners like two weeks ago.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh yeah. And then. Go ahead, tell them. Tell them your secret shame. It's okay, guys.

[Sarah McLean]

I literally. Listen, I never. So I knew obviously Michael B. Jordan was in a movie called Sinners. I knew all my friends had seen it and were, you know, really loved it. And I was like, I'm so happy for everybody. I don't really go to the movies, so it doesn't like. And then now I have this thing that lives in my house and stays up later than it used to. And so like, I have to like, when am I gonna watch movies? It's. I have to stay. I also had to stay. Stay up later than her. Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And I knew so. And I also knew it was a horror movie or like, like it's presented to me as like, oh, it's. It's a horror movie. And so I was like, well, I'm definitely not gonna go and see that. So I sort of like was happy for everybody in my life and happy for Michael B. Jordan. And then I sort of went about my way. But she was a sleepover the other night and Eric was like, what if we watch this movie Sinners? And I was like, oh, yeah, okay, let's do that. It begins. And I literally was like, wait, this is historical. And then it continues. And I was like, wait, Michael B. Jordan is twins?

[Jennifer Prokop]

She was like, how dare you to not tell me? And I was like, sarah, I really was like, I'm going back to the texts. Yeah, I'm gonna go back to the original text box.

[Sarah McLean]

Jen was like, this is willful ignorance on your part. And then I was like, you guys, wait. But everybody, this is a historical movie featuring two extraordinarily handsome men. Correct. One of whom loves to eat.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And. Correct.

[Sarah McLean]

But then there were vampires. And I was like, wait, it's vampires?

[Jennifer Prokop]

This was literally like, now, listen. Sometimes, Sarah, it's. And it's true, I'm not the best listener, but I was like, sarah, in this particular case, you just decided not to listen to any of that information because it was everywhere. Literally, like, the funniest part.

[Sarah McLean]

Most nominated film for anything ever in.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The history of anything.

[Sarah McLean]

And I'm like, what?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Cause I was like, we. I was like. I literally was like, we have discussed this, everybody.

[Sarah McLean]

I loved that movie, by the way. A banger. It's great Banger.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It is a great movie.

[Sarah McLean]

Here's the other thing. I am always, like, a little nervous about movies where, like, reviewers are, like, it's transcendent. And I'm like, listen, I just need, like, handsome people blowing shit up. And then that's what this was. And then I was upset that I didn't see it in a movie theater.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Well. And that scene in particular. Music.

[Sarah McLean]

Music scene.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

I could tell.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sitting on my couch was stunning in a movie theater. Like, one of those things where, as you're watching it, I just remember thinking. I'm like, I was able to actually have the internal monologue that I never actually believe in. First president. Where I was like, I'm so glad I'm watching this in a theater. I know right now that I'm seeing something extraordinary. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

I literally had that moment on my couch where I was like, I wish I had seen this. And I didn't have that moment until that scene. And I was like, I wish I had been in a theater for this. But anyway, everybody, if you've been. If you've just sort of thought, like, well, I don't know what this is, but it seems too fancy for me. It's not first of all.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Or too scary for you.

[Sarah McLean]

Not scary? Yeah, it's not fancy. I mean, it's beautiful, and I can.

[Jennifer Prokop]

See why people love it.

[Sarah McLean]

Like, it's not like it's. It's not going to go over your head.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, it is a great story anyway. Yeah, it's awesome.

[Sarah McLean]

So, so fun.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm glad we recovered. Sometimes I feel like, you know, we start with talking about the 80s, but here we are talking about 20, 25.

[Sarah McLean]

Listen, I mean, you both listen. You should do a doubleheader. Sinners and Lady Hulk.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Bam. Two historical bangers.

[Sarah McLean]

Listen, rent out a movie theater. I did. I discovered this not long ago. It's actually not very expensive to rent out a movie theater. And I have thought, like, It's. It's like $500, right? Like, it's so in the grand scheme of things, it's not that expensive, considering how expensive a movie ticket is.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Sarah McLean]

And so, like, I think we should all do more like rent out a movie theater. Invite all your friends in town to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, come watch and just watch Sinners. Yeah. Michael B. Jordan. And Michael A. Jordan. Can you imagine Fated Mates movie theater takeover? It would be so fucking chaotic.

[Sarah McLean]

This week's episode of Fated Mates is sponsored by Tarina Deaton, author of Day in the Night.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, so our heroine is Abby Day. She is like, listen, she's got a simple life and it's fine. She has her work, her son, her friends. She goes to the aquarium on weekends and renames the fish. Everything's boring. And that's how she likes it. Until her, let's be honest, soon to be ex best friend after this shenanigans, pretends to be her and agrees to a date with a tattooed, bearded biker with a mischievous smile. So what happens is that is Tinker Knight. He has three simple rules. Protect defenseless. Don't take life too seriously. And keep relationships short, simple, and unattached. But on this date, apparently Abby gets a little drunk, lectures him about the origins of his motorcycle club mascot, and basically he's kind of like, okay, I like her, but you know, I'm serious. Tinker Knight. I can't. So he goes, sir, okay. But then Abby is in danger and so she needs help. So who can she reach out to? Probably that, like, bad boy motorcycle guy that she went out on the date with. So she reaches out and Tinker is like, okay, I love defend helping people. And she's also real sweet and sexy, so that all of a sudden, he's got, like, a girlfriend. I love it. So Tinker Knight really did not think that this would happen to him, but here's Abby making him want to break all of his rules.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, if you love the idea of a military romance with single parenting and found Family, then day in the night just might be for you. You can right now in print, ebook and audiobook. And as a special treat for Fade of Mates listeners, Tarina Deaton has offered a sneak peek of the audiobook, which will play after this week's episode. Thanks to Tarina Deaton for sponsoring this week's episode.

[Jennifer Prokop]

All right, so we have done Halloween episodes pretty regularly, and we have done really funny ones where we're like, okay, we're just gonna do characters named Devil and we're just gonna do demons, right? And so inspired by this idea was like, Sarah, we should do a Valentine's Day episode where we talk about 12 things where roses or a character named Rose or an author named Rose play some sort of part. And we're gonna call this episode A Dozen Roses, which I love.

[Sarah McLean]

What a clever little idea she came up with. Everyone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Eight fucking years in, everybody. Sometimes I still got it perfect.

[Sarah McLean]

So this morning, Eric was like, what's. Do I have an episode to edit this weekend? And I was like, it's coming today. And he said, what is it? And I said, roses. And he looked at me like, what? And then I was like, don't worry about it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Just don't worry about it. It's gonna be great.

[Sarah McLean]

Don't worry your pretty little head about it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So, yeah, it's a little hot up there. Just, like, cool down. So what we're gonna do is we each are gonna do six, like, items. We are. And I'm gonna try and really keep us to 12, because I really want.

[Sarah McLean]

It's gotta be a dozen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes, it's gotta be a dozen. Not a baker's dozen. A dozen.

[Sarah McLean]

And this is not. We are not just to confirm. Are we limited to romance novels or may we. Or can we discuss outside?

[Narrator]

Well.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Or should we just, like, talk about.

[Sarah McLean]

Roses in theme right now?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think my thing. It's like, our purpose here is. It's like a rose that is going to delight you.

[Sarah McLean]

A rose that will delight you. I love that.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And that could include many things.

[Sarah McLean]

Although. Is she going to delay you? I don't know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, all the ways. So she does live.

[Sarah McLean]

When we were discussing this, we were discussing. Okay, what are the parameters? There are no parameters. Rose could mean anything. So it's characters, text, Roses in text.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes, Authors names.

[Sarah McLean]

Authors names, town names.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, whatever you want.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

We are like, it's it.

[Sarah McLean]

That's it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Broadly.

[Sarah McLean]

And then I. And then Jen made a list, like, threw out an immediate list. And then I was like, okay, yes, let me. Let me just, like, Verbally vomit sometimes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sarah, when Sarah's in vampire mode, it's just like, I can't possibly do that. And I was like, Sarah, this is the easiest. Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

She is very good at being like, shut up. I know your brain.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You can't. I know your brain. I know our braids. We could have. Eric could have been like with no, no prep. Actually often. We often really don't prep everybody. But it was like we could do this. This is low hanging romance fruit, I think. Correct. And so blooming romance roses.

[Sarah McLean]

And I said rose from the Titanic. And Jen wrote of course, all caps but that obviously everyone knows spoiler. The boat sinks at the end. So it's not a romance novel. Yes, it is just Roman. Like a romantic piece of romantic fiction. I also said rose from the Golden Girls, she's not genuinely romantic, but she is a delight played by.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She's a delight.

[Sarah McLean]

Goddamn American treasure. Betty White.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Betty White. I mean I. What was I seeing the other day? Like, you know, Rose is from Minnesota. Oh, she is. And, and someone had like found a clip where she like was giving this like really like heartfelt defense of like the like the heart of gold people of Minnesota. And I just thought, you know what? Right the fuck on. I mean I think that's the other thing. It's like. So anyway, yes, Rose from the Golden Girls also counts. Now Sarah, that's two already. No. Are we like diving in?

[Sarah McLean]

I like my 2.

[Jennifer Prokop]

See how it's going already.

[Sarah McLean]

This is when I like to do in the early days of the interstitials, I like to be like, well, I was going to talk about this book because we were really hardcore in the early days of the interstitials. It was three books and that was it. No others.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I don't know what we were doing.

[Sarah McLean]

I don't know why we were so.

[Jennifer Prokop]

We were pretending.

[Sarah McLean]

So I would be like, well, I was going to talk about this but then I decided no. And then I was going to talk about this and I would sneak in six or seven books. So that's me sneaking in some like non romance.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sneaking in some roses. Okay, fair, fair.

[Sarah McLean]

So I, I feel that's, you know, fine. Okay, you start.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, so I'm actually going to start with listen again. Low hanging romance, root heated rivalry. And here's why.

[Sarah McLean]

I mean this little known text, little.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Known property that no one's ever heard of before. And it actually is really funny because I was like, okay, like Roselandry. Right? So if you know the show or the book, there's a point Where Shane essentially is kind of like, fake date, and he's. He's trying to date a woman, right? Like, he does, I think, genuinely like her. And, you know, obviously he is, like, so in the closet and really afraid of, like, what that means for himself. So he dates this movie star named Rose Landry. And it's funny, I liked her a little bit better, actually, in the show. I think she's a lot more kind of sympathetic. In the book, she comes off as sort of just like. I don't know, like, I don't think she's as well developed, or we don't, like, get a sense of, like, why she is, like, kind of the way in which she, like, sort of talks to Shane about, like, essentially, I suspect you're gay. I think in the. In the show felt very, like, tender to me. But then I think the other part that was really funny is this week at work, we're having this, like, secret snowflake thing where you have, like, a little friend you're giving, like, little gifts to, and you don't know who it is. And all of us were like, oh, we hate things like this, but we really like our new boss and we want to support her. So we all decided to participate. And you just like, I got, like, candy this week, but somebody who gave it to me put a little valentine on it, and it said a dozen Rosies. And it was like, little pictures of Ilya Rosenoff. And I was like, that's right. It's Rose Landry and Ilya Rosenoff. And so I was like, oh, yeah, that is perfect. Listen, it's perfect. So for your Valentine's Day, if you have not yet watched Heated Rivalry or reading the Game Changers book, you will have a very nice time. Whether or not you are, like, a, you know, Ilya Rosenoff fan or not. You, we all are. So anyway, I thought that was really cute. It was adorable. I should take a picture of it. Maybe I'll make that, like, the. You know, something I couldn't show notes. It was cute.

[Sarah McLean]

I love it. A strong beginning. Yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

There you go. Okay.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay. So I want to talk about Lorraine Heath, because we love Lorraine Heath here at Fated Mates. She has a series called the Rogues and Roses series featuring sisters Jenny and Kate. Rose and I want to talk about Kate's book, which is called Just Wicked Enough. These are Americans who are turned up in London in a. There was a sort of very. A time when American heiresses or American families would bring their, like, wealthy daughters to England to basically buy a Title because the, the aristocracy was falling into just impoverished states. They had all these estates that were falling apart and they needed cash money in order to keep their titles in the manner in which they are accustomed. And wouldn't you know it, all these rude, brash Americans had plenty of money and so they came over to buy titles. The book Just Wicked Enough is my favorite of these two. The first book is A Duke of.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Her Own.

[Sarah McLean]

And that's a chaperone. Actually the heroine of that book is Jenny's chaperone. And so there's, you know, a duke who's. Who needs to marry for wealth. And he's trying to like win over one of these American heiresses. And in fact he falls for her British chaperone who has no money. I love that. Sure. So that's a duke of her own. But Just Wicked Enough is so sexy. Michael Tremaine, Marquis of Falconridge is very poor and he needs money and he is willing to trade basically everything that he has to his name for money. And there is, there is Kate Rose just sort of kind of an. An American heiress who has absolutely no interest in marrying for money because she wants to marry for love. They are kind of forced into a marriage where she makes a deal with him where basically she's like, so now we're married. But too bad for you because we're not gonna do it ever unless we are in love. And he's like, love and sex are the same woman. And then this one is for people who really love St. Vincent. Like, it's a very similar kind of vibe from, from this guy who's like, I don't understand. Like, yeah, why are you so simple minded that you can't see that if I bring you to orgasm? That's basically the same.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's the same. That's love.

[Sarah McLean]

So he's like, I'm going to seduce you. And Kate is like, I'm gonna make you fall in love with me. And that. Wicked Enough by Lorraine Heath featuring Kate Rose. The Rogues and Roses series.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, I love it. Okay, all right, I'm going to talk about a book next where Ro something rose scented plays a part. Okay, so the book is. Okay. I love this fucking series. Everybody again. Minnesota Nice Nero by S.J. tilly, who is a Minnesota author, is the first book in the alliance series. I put Hans, which is the last book in the alliance series on my like best of list a couple years ago. And I really love this series. And I, you know, things have just been kind of hard, right? And so Sometimes when things are like that, I find myself really drawn into like, a comfort reread. And so then you're like, really? There's like, details that you would not like. I wouldn't have necessarily remembered this detail if it wasn't for the fact that I was like. Had reread it pretty recently because I was just like, these books are a nice time. This is how I want to feel. So, okay. In this book, Peyton is our heroine. And she is actually like a very sad, lonely young woman. She had grew up in an abusive household.

[Sarah McLean]

Her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She had a stepfather who was like, verbally abusive. And then essentially she figured out that he was like, up to something really bad. And she like, ran away from home, like like a couple of days for 18th birthday. And this though, has like, really impacted her ability to like, live a full life. So she lives in the Twin Cities. She has a job at a coffee shop. She is, you know, but just like, really isolated. So anyway, she's like watching the wizard of Oz one night in her like, apartment. And the. She has like the. She has like a balcony. She's on the second floor with like a sliding glass door that's open. And all of a sudden a man appears in her.

[Sarah McLean]

Her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

In her home. He has climbed up, essentially like scaled the. The balcony and has like, jumped in. And then she hears sirens go by and she realizes that like, the cops must be after this guy. Terrific. Now, he's also devastatingly handsome and in a suit, so how dangerous could he be?

[Sarah McLean]

And like, relax.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure. Just chill. He just like comes in. Are we watching?

[Sarah McLean]

What are we watching?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, what are we watching? And she is. And the thing that I thought was like, so great at this moment is she's so like, terrified that she like, freezes. Right? Like, it's like her fight or flight, like, it reflex is just. Is frozen. Like if she doesn't have that. And so anyway. And she like, real. And he's like, I'm not gonna hurt you, but I kind of need to hang out here for a little bit. And so, you know, she is so she has like, no defenses. It's like if a hedgehog had like, was a person. Right? So anyway, she falls asleep. And at this point, Nero is like, this woman has no defenses. I would like to defend her. So anyway, he like, pokes around her fucking house and he finds her mail and figures out what her name is and where she works.

[Sarah McLean]

And what does he do?

[Jennifer Prokop]

He goes into her bathroom and he smells her body wash, which is like, honestly, you guys wrong. But Real sexy.

[Sarah McLean]

No, totally. Right?

[Jennifer Prokop]

And it is rose scented. You see where I'm going with this? But not like a flowery rose. Like this, like, dark, like. Right. Rose scent. And so he steals this bottle of fucking body wash, which she doesn't even.

[Sarah McLean]

She wakes up the next morning. Which is expensive, by the way.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, it's super expensive.

[Sarah McLean]

And she doesn't have any money.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She has no money. But he has left a 100 bill in the bathtub, like, where the body wash was. So she knows that he has taken it. And even though she has no defenses or anything, she's like, I think he likes me. Why else would he take the body wash? Right? And in fact, he does like her. And you know what? I love this fucking book. And I love this fucking story.

[Sarah McLean]

It's really fun. It's really fun.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's a great opening. And then, like, basically he's, like, watching her, and she doesn't really know that, but she is like, I'm gonna leave. Like, basically one night, she's like, I'm gonna leave this sliding glass door open again because I want him to come back. And he realizes that that's a symbol for that, you know? And he climbs up there again. And then all of a sudden, they're in love. So That's Nero by S.J. tilly. This week's episode of Faded Mates is brought to you by Lux publishers of Eleanor and Gray by Britney Cherry.

[Sarah McLean]

Eleanor has loved Grayson east for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, he was her everything. He was her first crush. He was her closest friend. He was the boy who honestly made her feel like this is forever. But life had other plans, and they parted ways. And tragedy when tragedy struck when they were young. And now, years later, Eleanor takes a nannying job, hoping to rebuild her own life and discovers that her new boss is Grayson. The boy she once knew now turned into a very cold man. Haunted by loss, Grayson's hired Eleanor to nanny for his two daughters after the death of his wife. And he is really interested in having her sort of keep a distance and focus on her job. But Eleanor starts to spend time with these girls and with Grayson and discovers that this cold exterior is just a wall that he's built around himself. And underneath, he's still that lovely, charming, fun boy that she knew all those years ago. So with each passing day, Eleanor starts to chip at those walls and uncover the pain that he is trying to bury. And the big question is whether or not she'll be able to convince him that loving again is as Wonderful as we all know it can be. So if you would like to check.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Out Eleanor and Gray, it is available now in print, audio and ebook. If your podcast stamp supports it, you can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Luxe and Brittney Cherry for sponsoring this week's episod.

[Sarah McLean]

So you said S.J. tilly and S.J. tilley also has a book which I have not read, called Dear Rosie, which is I'm the first thing I'm going to read when I'm done with my book because it's epistolary and the main character, it's a like childhood friends to lovers to adult lovers with a long, long separation in between. And I think he doesn't recognize her when they first like re meet, which is. I'm super into all of that. But the reason why I mention it is because Rosie is in the title. And then I wanted to talk about Rosie Danon.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, there you go.

[Sarah McLean]

Perfect. Where I'm going with this little. Some gymnastics. I want to talk about Rosie's debut, the Roommate, which I think is so fun. And Rosie, I mean, listen, it feels like every time Rosie puts a book out now, people like do backflips and cartwheels because she's really fun. Her books are so funny. Her books are so, so sexy. She writes great sex scenes. But this one really will always be a favorite for me because it's the. Everybody knows I love a first book. I think first books tell a really remarkable story about, about novelists. So this is Clara, who is kind of a wealthy, a woman from a wealthy family that's in the news a lot, moves cross country for the summer to move in with her boyfriend who is a musician. And when she gets to la, she discovers that her boyfriend is like, oh, adorable that you came here to live with me. But I'm actually going on tour with the end, so, but no problem. Why don't you just go live like you could, you know, you could just go live in my apartment. And there's a roommate there, but don't worry. So she gets there and this roommate is Josh. And Josh is a porn star. And she's like, oh my gosh, I don't know that I feel comfortable with this, but Josh feels real comfortable with it. And so what ends up happening is Claire kind of opens up her like whole world begins to open up with this, this, this real awareness of like, Josh as like a, a sex worker and also just like somebody who's super comfortable with like oh yeah. Everything there is to experience related to sex. And so they were, they actually make a deal where they like, they're going to work. They, they're going to work together and like, and they come up with this, this kind of project where called Shameless where they merge, you know, sex ed and entertainment and they end up being like perfect matches.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Perfect.

[Sarah McLean]

So much chemistry. Like off the charts chemistry. And then, you know, it. It's just a really fun, really sexy, kind of personal, perfect roommates to lovers book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, it's great.

[Sarah McLean]

And also like deeply sex positive. Like one of the best executions of sex work in romance I think still, even now. And now we're starting to see more sex work in romance. But my rose for this one is Rosie Dan.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Nice.

[Sarah McLean]

Good job.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, all right. I have one now. Okay, everybody. I will admit I have not read this one in a while, but it did like one of.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sometimes I like to talk about my process. So I like went to my, you know, okay, I'm sorry, my Kindle, you know, content page or whatever and just put in like rows like. Right. Like what's in there? And that's how I did find some of these. But I forgot about this book which I really like. It's from, I think it's from. Let me see when it was published. Hold on. I think it's from maybe like the late. Oh, maybe it's more recent. I thought maybe it was republished. I don't know. Anyway, sorry. It's called Compass Rose by Anna Burke and this is a Sci Fi pirates.

[Sarah McLean]

Les.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Les Sci Fi Lesbian pirates. I don't know what else you need to know about this, so.

[Sarah McLean]

Done.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Rose. The reason it's called Compass Rose is our main character's name is Rose and she has like a. It's not really paranormally, I would not say. I mean there's like sea monsters and stuff. But like she is, you know, I mean. But you know what I mean, I get it. But she has like a special talent which is she was born with the innate ability to tell which direction she is pointing. And that's why her mom named her Rose because she's essentially like a human Compass Rose.

[Sarah McLean]

How funny.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Isn't that awesome?

[Sarah McLean]

What a weird special talent.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, but if it's like a water world where everybody's out pirating around, very skilled, this would be very nice thing to have on your boat. And what happens is, is she falls and, and she's like. So it's like from what I. And again, I haven't read this in a While she. What I remember is she falls in love with. Now I want to look up. I'm like really confused sometimes about like the dates of things. I'm like, was I wrong that I read this a long time ago? Was it republished or rejacketed? I don't know. Yeah, I think so. I think it was just like republished or maybe she got the rights back. Okay, so anyway, so she's like. Rose is like a. An undesirable essentially of some kind. Right? Like there's this like striation and so she's almost like, you know, she gets on these boats but like she's like of the lesser class or whatever. But in this case she ends up on essentially the. She's like on a secret mission. And on her boat is like the name of this boat is the Man O War. And the captain's name is Miranda. And you know, Captain Miranda is like, you know, on the blurb here, bloodthirsty and alluring, which is true. But also there's kind of like a little hint of like a threesome developing because Captain Miranda also has like a first mate and her name is Orca, which is like actually pretty great if you're a first mate. Have like a name after big whale. So anyway, she falls in love with Miranda, but then they have this big breakup and then I think she gets like, she's kissing Orca and Miranda of like sees them and anyway it's just like a. I would almost say, by the way though, like this to me, if I'm also remembering correctly, was more like a romantic adventure than it was like a true romance. And by that I just mean like, I think it's like closed door. There's like just like kissing. But it's like really like about Rose herself being sort of like trapped into this like really kind of strange situation. And then it's just like a big rip roaring adventure. So this is like. And it's set even though it's. And I think one of the things that's fun is it's like set in the future, 2513, but it's like all like pirates on the high seas because of like climate change or whatever. It's like water world. So anyway, that's Compass Rose by Anna Burke.

[Sarah McLean]

That's fun.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, it's really funny.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm writing that down. Okay, where are we at? We've done two each. No, three. That's your third.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That's my third.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay. I want to talk about her. Perfect Affair by Priscilla Oliveras. The main character of this Book Rosa Perfect is a. Wait, let me, let me take it back. Her name is Rosa and that's what you need to know. But this is the second in Priscilla's, in Priscilla's matched perfection series. These are category romance length and they are this, this heroine Rosa is, she is setting herself up or she has an opportunity to be a teacher in a Catholic school that she has, that has been a part of her life since she was very young. So she, you know, kind of this is all teed up. She's having a great day, she's having a great time of it. And her sister, who is the heroine from the previous book is getting married. And so she goes to this wedding and at this wedding she's like dancing on air. She's. Everything is coming up roses for Rosa.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Perfect. Perfect.

[Sarah McLean]

And including the fact that this dreamy guy Jeremy, who she has been into forever is also there and she deserves some fun. Jen. So she and Jeremy have a one night stand at the beginning of this book and then he's like kind of off to his like rich dude's life the next day and all is fine. And Rose is basically like, I guess that was just like my one night with Jeremy. Like I've had a lifelong crush but like that's never gonna happen because we are different people. I want to be a. I'm like a school teacher here and he is like off being a jet setter. Problem is, one night stands often results in romance in a terrible wonderful consequence which is a baby. And Priscilla started tees this all up in a really interesting way because like obviously Rosa is very catholic and also she's like this sort of dream job hinges on her. Like so if she is on like essentially if she just has this baby by herself, like this kind of like the school itself, she feels she will be judged within the context of the school. Jeremy comes back. She does not dance. This is not a secret baby relationship book. She does not dance around it. She tells him exactly what the situation is. He's like, no problem, let's get married. She's like, hang on a second. Yes, problem. We're not getting married. But what's really cool about this book is Priscilla writes a beautiful big family book. All of her series have these big, big family stories. Her sisters are basically like, when is the wedding? She's like, no, no, no wedding. He's like, yes, yes, yes, wedding. And then, and so what ends up happening is these two kind of like have to figure out how they are going to make this work because we know as readers, not just because it's a romance novel, but also because Priscilla tells us that like ultimately these two are going to make it work. It's just a matter of figuring out how they are going, how he is going to convince her that like he is not this like jet setting playboy that she thinks he is. He's ready to settle down, he's ready to be a husband, a father, he's ready to commit all of these things. So it's really romantic. If you've read Priscilla before, you know that she writes less steamy books and so. But I think she does it so beautifully because she really leans into the like breathless romance in these books. I love this. Also for those of you who are interested, this book has a really excellent rep for hyperemesis gravidarum, which is the condition where you have like terrible morning sickness. Like Forever Rose actually has that in this book. So there is again a kind of like real authenticity to this whole, this whole book, and I have loved it, is one of my very favorite kind of Oops, there's a baby, we have to get married books. So that is her perfect affair by Priscilla Oliveira.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This week's episode of Faded Mates is brought to you by Blue Box Press, publishers of the Primal of Blood and Bone special edition paperback.

[Sarah McLean]

So anybody who loves Jennifer L. Armentrout knows that this is her, you know, Hallmark series. This is the sixth in the series, the Primal of Blood and Bone. And here we have like Poppy who has finally awakened to discover the kind of deep, devastating consequences that have been happening over the course of the series. The Blood Crown has fallen and a great danger has risen. I mean this is a long standing romantasy series that readers love every single word of. And Blue Box is producing a special limited edition paperback right now which is designed to the hilt, full of sprayed edges and gloss and embossed cover elements. It has original artwork in it. And this is for everybody who loves these books who is excited about collecting, you know, all of the different variations of Jennifer's books and is interested in really in, in snatching up a paperback that will not be around for very long. This one is for fantasy readers, for anybody who loves forbidden romance, for anybody who loves enemies to lovers, Jennifer L. Armentrout knows the job. And that is the Primal of Blood and Bone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So if you are interested you can check this out by like essentially wherever books are sold, you'll be able to find this Primal of Blood and Bone special edition paperback. If you click on the chapter title right now, you can be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Blue Box Press and Jennifer L. Armentrout for sponsoring this week's episode. Okay, so I am going to now talk about a series by Renee Rose. And if you'll remember, like, many years ago, we did sort of a. It Maybe it was like our. That first, like, dark romance kind of. And we'd asked, like, the authors and this, like, listen, dark romance is very different now. So I would actually not call this a dark romance series, but it's the Vegas Underground series by Renee Rose. Joanna Shoup it recommended it to us either on that episode or, like, on a mafia episode episode. I can't remember in. What Joanna described was, like, the first book of the series, which was called King of Diamonds. And in this series, basically, like, there's a woman who is, like, she's left Reno for Vegas. She is, like, trying to find a job being a dealer in a casino because that's the job that her cousin has, but she can't, like, get a job like that instead. So her name's. Her name's Chandra, I think. And so she has to. Instead, she's working as a. Like, a maid. And through a series of sort of, like, convoluted events, she ends up in. Sandra ends up in the, like, cleaning the suite of the casino's owner, Nico. Nico Taccone. I don't know how you'd say that. How would you say that if I T A C O N E. That's Tacone.

[Sarah McLean]

I was like, you were right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm not Italian. I just play one on tv.

[Sarah McLean]

You're just an ally.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm just an ally.

[Sarah McLean]

And.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And she's not supposed to be there. Like, he has, like, these really strict rules about, like, who is allowed to be in his suite, and she is not one of them. So he, like, pulls a gun on her, and she is really fucking scared. She actually, like, pees. She's so scared. And I was like. And Joanna read this to me. And I was like, that sounds crazy. And I would like to read it. That's, like, my crazy, because I was like, yeah, these men would be S.C. you. She. And Right. She's like the maid. And he, like, has a gun to her head. And then he realizes, like, yikes. Yes. He's like, let's get you in the shower. Oh, you're hot now. Am I ashamed a little bit of how much I enjoyed this book and then read the entire series afterwards? No, because I don't care. So it is a whole series then. And, like, eventually we meet this man's like, brothers and cousins, and, like, her cousin gets a book. And. And it's like, like maybe eight or eight, six or eight books. And I, after that episode, just read right through them now, like I said, regardless of what, like, it says, like, right. Like a dark romance series. I would not call this dark romance at all. Like, to me, it's a mafia series. You know, it's clear that he's a bad guy, but, like, you don't really see a lot of that on page. And the whole series takes place, like, in and around this, like, Vegas casino owned by this family. So anyway, it was great. So it's the Vegas Underground series by Renee Rose.

[Sarah McLean]

Cool. Let's talk about Tessa Bailey's Love her or Lose her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, I love that book.

[Sarah McLean]

Heroine Rosie. Okay, where are we at? This is a Marriage in Trouble book by Tessa and actually really a lovely. I actually really love this book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I love this book, too.

[Sarah McLean]

You know, Tessa often writes younger heroines, and so this is really a. I can't think of another Marriage and trouble book that she's done. And this is Rosie and Dominic, who are high school sweethearts. And he is. They have been together forever. They are. They have absolutely no problem in the sex department. They are hot for each other and continue to be hot for each other. Have always been. But Dominic, kind of like, he's just a stern, serious guy. He is an ex soldier. He's been deployed. He comes home and we meet them kind of after they have been married for years and they are literally talking about. Or they are both considering divorce on. On the page. And I think this is a really, like, kind of bold.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You don't.

[Sarah McLean]

We did an episode on divorce, and actually, I don't think we talked about this book.

[Narrator]

I think.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I don't. I think he's really worried. She's.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah, right. Thinking about divorce.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She's the one. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And. And he kind of. This is a great. A great example of a book where, like, communication.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think it.

[Sarah McLean]

I think one of the reasons why it works so well as a romance novel and why I think about it a lot as a. As a kind of hallmark romance novel is it underscores the way romance prioritizes communication between characters. And it is really about. These two are wild about each other, but they cannot work through the fact that, like, their communication is fucked the shit.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And it is. I mean, it has all of the things that Tessa is. Is known for it. She is the queen of dirty talk. Dominic is an excellent dirty talker. It's really, really full of, you know, fun banter. She so funny. This is. It just showcases all the things that we love the most about Tessa Bailey. And also it's so romantic, like, because you really do see these two people who want desperately to find each other again. They don't want to end what they have.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. But they can't figure it out.

[Sarah McLean]

And they just have to. They have to do the work. Work. And then she shows us them doing the work. And it's great. If you're interested in a kind of marriage in trouble, I mean, I. I think this should be on, like, this should be on marriage in trouble lists. It's great.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I was gonna say it's one more thing is like, it's also really funny. Like, they go to this, like, really, like, groovy therapist.

[Sarah McLean]

Yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And there's like, a lot of comic relief in that. And I think it's like an. An app, an example of, like, how, you know, it's like sometimes you think I'm, like, gonna go into this, like, really, like, deep, like, depressing or sad book or whatever because it's marriage in trouble. And then, you know, I think, Tessa, this is like a really good example of how, like, a rom com setup can like, really, like, lower the angst meter by like, giving you that, like, those, those breaks for, like, it being really funny. Like them going to this, like, hippie therapist and Dominic being like, are you actually kidding me right now? Yeah. Right.

[Sarah McLean]

There's like a whole bit where, like, they have to do nature and he's like, fuck, no.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah McLean]

Also classic Tessa Bailey structure here.

[Jennifer Prokop]

There are.

[Sarah McLean]

There are very, very good friends who are the other characters, I think, in the series or, you know, but she. But Rosie has these great girlfriends. And. Yeah, it's just, it's. This is a really, really fun book. So that is Tessa Bailey's Love her or Lose her. So I am going to talk about.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The Taming of Jesse Rose. Oh, boy. Beverly Jenkins by Beverly Jenkins. Now, everybody, here's how you know an author is fucking great. Is you're like, yeah, that's my favorite book. And then you read another one by her and you're like, no, this one's my favorite. And that is like, my experience, like, every time. But, like, I think this one maybe is going to be one of my real, real favorites.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So. Because it has a lot of the things that I really like, the kinds of, like, situations and setup I really love. Right. So one of my favorites, everybody knows, is like, Heroin against the Wall. And Jesse Rose is a heroin against the wall. So the book opens with she and her father are, like, running, like, a cattle ranch in Texas. And, like, literally, it like, the. The book opens with her father being like, stampede. Like, there's a stampede. And that is so dangerous. So they are gonna have to, like, get out, jump on their horses with their hands and, like, try and get, like, the. The stampede to, like, you know, like, not hurt anybody or anything and, like, tear down their house or whatever. And in the midst of this stampede, her father is shot and killed. Because apparently one of the ways you're gonna, like, shoot your gun to, like, kind of scare the herd into, like, going in a certain direction. They're, like, literally, like, herding the stampede on horses. Everything I know really, about cowboys I learned from Ms. Buff's books. It's fine. Romance cowboy. You know what? Romance cowboy. Except it's Bev, so it's, like, literally probably actual cowboy. Yeah, I was like, I think that's how it works because it's Buff. All right. So anyway. And her father is. Is killed by this, like, you know, but when she gets to her father, he says to her, you know, I was. This. They. They shot me on purpose. It was one of Darcy's men. And so we find out is then, like, then the rest of the book. The book opens up. That's the prologue. Like, a year later. Jesse Rose and her young nephew, he's like, like 10 or so, are holding down the fort on the ranch while essentially the railroad is supposed to be coming through. But you have to. Everybody in town has to sell their land in order to get the railroad to, like, go their way. And Jesse's like, I don't want to sell. This is my family's land. I'm not selling. And this has made her a pariah with this, like, really powerful family. So this is sort of like. This is kind of what's happening on her side now. Griff is the. Is the hero. And he. We met him in the prologue as well, I guess, where his mother died.

[Sarah McLean]

And, like, kind of left him alone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Because right after the Civil War, the railroad had essentially, like, deprived them of their. Of their. Of his mother's ability to make a living. So he's out on his own at, like, 10 now. It's like. Like, you know, the book picks up. He's 25. Jesse's, like, in her early 30s, but he has hated the railroad his entire life because of the way it ruined his mother's life. So he has. Is in jail for essentially like robbing the railroad. He's like, I'm just gonna make it my life's business to with a railroad. You know, I like this about a man. So he's in jail and along comes like an old colleague and friend who's like the hero of Topaz who's like I'm gonna get you out of there because I got this letter from this young boy and he needs help and it's like Jesse Rose's nephew. And in order for you to get out of here though, Griff, I'm gonna have to turn you into a marshal.

[Sarah McLean]

And of course he's like, you can't.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Do that to me. I, I'm on the wrong side of the law. You want me on the right side of the law, you ruin my whole vibes. But he kind of agrees because what else you gonna do? Stay in jail. So Griff goes down to Jesse Rose's ranch and like one of the things I really love too in these like old westerns there's like a very particular kind of like setup where it's like we are going to have to hold down the fort. Like hold down, right? We are, we, it's the three of us is you and me and this 10 year old and we are going to have to defend the whole ranch from like the oncoming onslaught of bad guys. So he calls in, he calls in Preacher, my favorite and he calls in Neil. Right. Like so like basically the Jenkins universe. Yes, the Avengers assemble vibe of it all. But also like Jesse Rose is just like a really interesting character. Right. Like she has been married. She kind of like realized she needed to get married to be a teacher and was not like unhappily married. It was fine. But then he died or kind of goes back home to be with her father. She's essentially her nephew's mother because her sister died in childbirth. So this is like the only woman he's ever known. And it's just a rip roaring Beverly Jenkins adventure as they all right as, as one does. But Jesse Rose and Griff are also just like really hot for each other. Like at one point there's just. Listen, they're just kissing right where he's just like I'm just wanting. I just like let's kiss for a while. And I was like, yes, let's. One other thing I wanted to say, there's one other thing that was like really interesting to me is you know, sometimes there's. I think one of the bad raps historical gets is like, you know, this is all old timey stuff. Like, what is this relevant? What does it have to do with today? Jesse Rose is barren because she had measles as a child.

[Sarah McLean]

And I had forgotten this. I don't remember that.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. Because it's such a, like, little thing. Yeah. Like right now in our country we're having a measles literal, like measles spreading like wildfire because it's really dangerous. And I just found myself thinking, like, here is like, get vaccinated. I don't know, but I did. I really. So I found myself really thinking like, like, here is a historical where, like this woman's life has really been impacted by the fact that she had measles as a child. And then we have people out here like, fucking around with measles. Yeah. Anyway, it's great. It's a really, really fun book. If you have not read this one, it was terrific. I loved it. The Taming of Jesse Rose.

[Sarah McLean]

This week's episode of Faded Mates is sponsored by HarperCollins, publishers of Atmosphere Qureshi's the Baby Dragon Bookshop. Cute.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. So this is the third book in the Baby Dragon series. It just came out this week. So you're just like right on the. Right on the edge and like, right. It's perfect. Download for this week. So Emmy has an enemy and his name is Luke. The good news, she rarely sees him. The bad news, when she does, she and her baby dragons are reminded just how handsome he is. However, she's not going to let that distract her. She has a plan to get her dragon fueled business right, like sort of up. And that's going to mean approaching a local investor for funding. Unfortunately, Luke has approached the same investor and this person's like a bit of a kook. And they comes up with this, like, plan, which is basically that the two of them are going to have to compete for the cash by working at the local Baby Dragon bookshop, which is failing and not doing well in order to prove their magical business knowledge. So Emmy is determined to win the funding and, and dives in, even though she's a little worried that having baby dragons around so much flammable material does not seem like it'll be a good idea. But these rivals, it turns out, are going to have to join forces. So Luke and Emmy's fiery animosity might spark something more between them, but hopefully not spark fire at the bookstore for the baby dragons. I'm just saying, it just sounds adorable and cute.

[Sarah McLean]

It really, really does. And if you love the idea of a small town, enemies to lovers, forced Proximity, cozy fantasy, then this book might just be the one for you. You can read the Baby Dragon Bookshop and the other books in the Baby Dragon series right now in print, ebook and audiobook. If your podcasting app supports it. You can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy this amazing, adorable romance. Thanks to HarperCollins and at Qureshi for sponsoring this week's episode. You know, we never talk about we or never, we rarely talk about romantic suspense. And and I think it's worth us using a little portion of today's episode to discuss. Karen Rose.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Ooh, yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Has been around for a long time and consistently writes terrific thrillers that have, like, strong romances in them. And I don't even think I. In fact, I just. She has a new book that came out or that is coming out this, this summer, the One who Walked Away. And it is a straight down the middle romantic suspense. And I think it's interesting because I've been thinking a lot about this because as we all know, a lot of people say, like, like, historical's dead, historical's dying. And I think, like, people said that about, have said that about his romantic suspense for a long time, like, oh, you can't sell romantic suspense. Like, nobody wants to read it. No, it doesn't exist. And there was a time when romantic suspense was like the biggest thing, right? Like, everybody was writing romantic suspense. And what I would say is, like, if you love romantic suspense, Karen Rose, who you're probably already reading Karen, but if you're curious about romantic suspense, Karen Rose is the person for you to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Try.

[Sarah McLean]

And I'm saying all this sort of thinking, like, is there a particular book that I would recommend? And it's tricky because I did not go back. I wrote Karen's name on a piece of paper and I didn't go back to look at the books that usually with somebody like Karen who's been writing for a long time, like, I've read the early books, but I feel like one of the challenges with romantic suspense is invariably it's contemporary. And I wouldn't necessarily, I, I would like to reread before I made sort of a recommendation. But I did read Buried Too Deep, which is she has a whole series that's set in New Orleans and it came out last year maybe, or the. It's recent. It's very recent. And it is a private investigator and a librarian. And the librarian father's body has been discovered under a newly demolished building. And he was murdered years and years, like, decades ago. But she has been receiving letters from him every year since she was 5. And so now, like, she's in danger. Phineas the hero has been hired as her bodyguard and also a private investigator. So it's like a little bit of a bodyguard book. It's a little bit of a private investigator. It's like a who's. Who's been in this woman's life for all these years. And it's all set against this kind of very lush, New Orleansy backdrop. Karen Rose knows how to write a mystery. She understands how to keep the, like, romance in the story instead of it. You know, these two are together the whole book. You're really doing the work. And I think if you are curious about romantic suspense or you love romantic suspense and have never tried, Karen, this is. This is a rose for you to try.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Fun.

[Sarah McLean]

I would really love, by the way, these like, like romantic, suspensy, like, twisty, turny thriller romances to come back. I feel like we've kind of the genre has embraced dark without somehow embracing, like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

The craft of the thriller, which feels, you know, like it should interesting. Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, I think one of the things I think, you know, I think one of the fears that people have is like, is it going to be enough romance for me? Right. If I'm a romance reader, is it going to be enough?

[Sarah McLean]

And I would say, like, yeah. Karen writes these are romances. Like, if you read the back cover copy, they are. It is crafted like romance cover copy. Like, you don't have to dig for the romance in there. I don't think they're as sexy as, like, current romances are. But I also, like, I don't find that to be difficult for me. Like, I think. I think it's. If you love a, like, page turner, this is for you.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This is the one. Yeah. Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Okay.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, you said sexy, and I've got my last one. I guess just, like, is perfect. So I'm going to talk about. Apparently it is a trilogy, but I'm gonna talk about a pair of books by Tiffany Rice. The first one is called the Red. The second one is called the Rose. The third one I've not read. It's called the Pearl. But in this. Okay, I. Okay, so I'm gonna talk about them kind of together because in order to understand the rose, you have to understand the red to me. And in the Red, the story is. And it's really great. I really like you guys. Nobody really writes erotica like Tiffany, you know, and I think that these books are so. But Also like, what I really liked is like they. She writes erotica that is like an erotic romance that is also deeply, deeply, like imaginative. Okay, so in the red we have Mona Lisa OR Mona Lisa, St. James is the heroine's name. And Mona is working in an art gallery. And what happens is like a mysterious man comes in and he. The name of her gallery I think is the Red. And so this man comes in and says like, I will save the gallery if basically for a year you will, you know, like, do sexy stuff with me. And all the sexy stuff is like inspired by the paintings and the art in the gallery and it's really fucking great. And, and this. And it turns out that like this guy's name is like Malcolm. And it turns out like kind of what she like discovers at one point is that he himself is almost like there's like a kind of paranormal ish element where he doesn't really exist outside of the painting that he's in. And he is setting her up with like his like grandson or whatever. Like she ends up with the grandson and then in and he's like an Earl or something. Even though it's like a modern, you know, it's like a modern book. It's not old timey. And then in the, the one I'm going to talk about now is the Rose. So in the second novel we get their daughter Leah and it is her graduation party from college. She's 21. And like you guys, this book slaps. And what happens in this one is first of all what's really funny is like I don't typically love. I mean, I have some mixed feelings. I'll just say I do love it. I'm interested in it in like, like a second generation book because you're kind of like what's happening? But in this second generation book we basically understand that like, okay, her parents, the hero and heroine of the Red, were actually like, have just kept having fabulous sex with each other and everyone else for 20 years. And so what is their daughter gonna be like? Well, she's a 21 year old madam. She essentially has figured out a way to like, like, you know, like she and her friends are essentially like, they call themselves, I think like the ladies garden in tennis club. But really like what they do is like they contract out with all these like, you know, hot Englishmen and have all this great sex. And on the day of her birthday, her or this graduation party, her father presents her, she's obsessed with Greek mythology, presents her with a cup called a callic, right it's known as. It's the rose calyx. So it's like beautifully, you know, engraved with like a. Roses, like a climbing rose on it. And it's, you know, hundreds of years old because it's like a Greek artifact. And so then at the same party is August Bowman, and he's like in his early 30s, she's like 21 or 22. And so she's kind of like, what's this guy doing here? He's. And she even says, I think, like, like, he's too old to be my friend, but kind of too young to be my parents friends. But it turns out that he wants this artifact. And so it was in, in the, the blurb it says, I haven't read this in a while either, but I immediately thought of it. The cup itself was used in the ceremonies of Eros. And it like, essentially can bring like, sexual fantasies to life. And so Leah. So he's like, hey, let's, you know, drink out of this cup together and then have lots of sexy Greek themed adventures together. And you know what? They do, and it's fucking great.

[Sarah McLean]

I'm so happy for them and for you.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. And like. But these two. And I, you know, I realized I don't think I even knew the pearl was out. And I was like, you know, I gotta read these. So all three of them together, it's like called the Godwigs. Like. Yeah. And you know what? For me, I'm not into priests, so I never really liked the original series because it was just like, kind of not for me, but like this one, it's like all of the great. Super, super, super sexy. Super sexy, but like kind of with like the fun vibe of art. And the first one, the red, and then Greek mythology. And this one, the rose.

[Sarah McLean]

Amazing. All right, I. So one last, last one, last one.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sarah, the pressure.

[Sarah McLean]

I know the pressure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Maybe we'll just have a fire hose of like lightning round roses at the end.

[Sarah McLean]

Well, because I've written. I realized I've written two. Really? Oh. I had a story I wanted to tell about this. Okay, okay, wait, we're gonna pause for story time for Sarah because here's something really interesting. So I wrote a series that was set in a casino. And the series is called the Rules for Scoundrels. And the first book in the series is called A Rogue by any other name.

[Jennifer Prokop]

A play on the word rogues.

[Sarah McLean]

And when I got the COVID the covers of those books are very iconic in the sense of like, they. They didn't look like any Other covers at the time, they were, like, really, like, a single color wash, but they still had these, like, real. And that first book, A Road by Another Name, the cover's red, and the heroine just looks like a princess. Like, she just looks like a fairy tale princess on the COVID She's gorgeous, and she's holding a white rose in the. On the COVID And I think that at the time, Tom Egnor, who was the artistic director at Avon, was really invested in the covers of these books. Like, he is. He is the reason. A little bit of romance history. He is basically the reason why, like, those kind of single dress covers came to be so iconic in the genre, in historicals. And he put. He, like, had that rose on there. And then. And then I. And then I wrote my second book in that series, which was One Good Earl Deserves a Lover. And Pippa, the heroine of that book is a scientist, and she is working on cultivating and breeding roses like she is. She. And over the course of this book, she actually, like, invents. She, like, cross breeds a new type of rose. And I didn't realize I had already written sort of 90% of that book when the first book came out and the COVID came out and there was a rose on it, and then on the second cover, there is a rose on that cover, too. And then I was like, oh, wait, are they just giving me roses now?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, we're doing a thing, so I.

[Sarah McLean]

Have to put roses. And so it's interesting because I think, like. Like, sometimes I. I'm just. I just, like, wanted to talk about that because I felt like, you know, sometimes, like, something ends up as part of your. Like, it ends up on a cover or it ends up being, like, part of this. Of the publishing. In the publishing system. It arrives kind of on your desk and you think like, oh, now do I Like, is this. Is this a thing I do now? And I actually don't. I don't think I did do it. Like, I think I was like, no. I'm like, this is a little too on the nose for me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

But I wanted to just call out Pippa, because I did. I mean, like, she. That is like a. The roses are very important to the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Plot of that book.

[Sarah McLean]

I mean, they're not super. Listen, it's still.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, but, like, you know, it's fine.

[Sarah McLean]

We're not, like, watching her splice the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know. Right. Like Helen with her orchestra.

[Sarah McLean]

But we are.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

But, you know, the rose. A rose is actually, like, important to that plot. And especially in the epilogue of that book. And then yesterday I realized later in the day that I have actually written a character who has the name Rose.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I love this. Remember when I asked Jane, I was like, this is like, Luke. Have you written some Luke's before? And she was like, oh, yeah, for sure.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah. Lila Rose is the heroine of my short story or my novella, A Duke Worth Falling For. And Lila is an American photographer whose career is kind of in the toilet because she blew the whistle on a serial assaulter in like, a billionaire serial assaulter and basically like, lost her career. And so she's kind of like off in England licking her wounds on a private estate that's owned by a handsome secret duke. And, you know, if that seems. And he is happy to also lick her wounds. And so that's.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But not like a wall. That's back to Keith's.

[Sarah McLean]

No, he is not a wall licker.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

No, unfortunately, that's. That's not Max's style. His name is Max. Also, I think we would be remiss if we didn't mention Stephanie Rose, too, who is lovely and came to faded mates live with us one year. Stephanie writes these, like, really wonderful kind of soft contemporary romances, often with kind of like rough dudes and the soft women who love them. So check out Stephanie's book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Books do.

[Sarah McLean]

And then. But I think with my pick right now, it's gotta be Derek Craven.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Sarah Fielding writes under the name SR Fielding for Sarah Rose Fielding.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Correct.

[Sarah McLean]

And one of the greatest sex scenes in romance has to be when Derek Raven lays her down on the bed and then covers her, sprinkles rose petals across her, and then just does the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Business, destroys her and the bed.

[Sarah McLean]

Perfection. Perfection. So, you know, I'm gonna keep it simple.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

And that's my pick for the final one. Number six. Six Dreaming of youf by Lisa Claypus, featuring Sarah Rose Fielding.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sarah Rose Fielding. Now, I will also tell everybody, check show notes this week, because I found on Goodreads two different lists which were kind of like. I sort of like, was like, wait, do I. I think that's some of the other way. I was like, oh, yeah, I remember this one was just a list of romances with rows in the title. There are many. And then the second one was a list someone had made of books with characters with named Rose. Now, that one's not romance only, but there's a lot of romances in there. And so if you want to find your own dozen roses, Goodreads can help you. Right. So I did find some, like, fun.

[Sarah McLean]

Lists, I mean, and also, we didn't. We've talked. We haven't talked about some of the real classics either, like Julie Garwood's rose.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like. Like for the roses series.

[Sarah McLean]

There are a lot of roses. I don't know what to say. Roses are romantic, I'm told. Listen, I. Here's my thing about roses. I like. I think roses are lovely. I actually, I really love. I don't know how you feel about flowers, actually, Jen, but I really love flowers. I do send me flowers. I love it. Yes, I love. I love flowers. Being in my house, I love fresh flowers. Roses, I could really honestly give or take, but I know people really love them and, you know, I hope you all get them. If that's what you want right now.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. And if not, if you don't want actual roses, you can just read about roses or rose scented body wash or whatever you want. Rosies, Rosas.

[Sarah McLean]

Rosies Rosas.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Any, any, any. The roses are here for you. Jessie Rose defending her home against bad guys.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. What's not to love? Yeah.

[Sarah McLean]

Amazing. Perfect. Where are we?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, we're gonna wrap it up.

[Sarah McLean]

Oh, I have something I wanna talk about, actually. Oh, yeah? Okay. I wanna discuss the fact that at the beginning of March, I'm in Rhode Island. I wanna talk about that event, too. Hang on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Okay, well, while you're doing that, I will say it is. If it's. If you're listening to this on Wednesday or Thursday, like of the day, like the week that it drops, which would be February 11th, I think, or 12th, then you can, if you're in Chicago, come see me tomorrow night on the Night of the 12th, at Babe Sports Bar. I will be talking about a WNBA romance from 831 stories called rooting Interest. I'm pretty excited about that. And then on the 21st in the morning, I will be at the White Oak Library, which is in Romeoville, which is like kind of out far in the suburbs from the city. But then if you're like a suburban person, you can come see me. I'll just make sure to put both of those events in show notes. And Sarah, tell us about your Rhode island event.

[Sarah McLean]

Yes. So this is so Fun. On Saturday, March 7, I will be in Bristol, Rhode island, which is also fun fact, everyone, where I got married at a ball at the Ballrooms and Beyond Conference with Adriana Herrera, Joanna Shoup, Elizabeth Everett, Caroline Linden, Ginny B. Moore, and Kate Canterbury, who is moderating a bunch of panels there. All these panels are free to attend. The whole day is inside Linden Place, which is a mansion that was built in 1810 in Bristol. And you can hear there are a number of panels about, you know, about blue stockings and harlots and how historical romance is feminist and the future of historical romance. There's a book signing, there's a lunch if you want to join us for lunch. And there is going to be a very, very fun cocktail party at 4:30 in the. In the evening that day. You do have to buy tickets to the cocktail party, but we promise it'll be worth it. And you do. Space is limited for the whole event, so if you are planning on joining for any part of it, you need to sign up on the Linden Place website. So space is limited. I know tick tickets are selling pretty quickly. You can go to lindenplace.org romancecon to register and we'll put obviously the links in show notes. But we hope you'll join us and it'll be a really fun celebration of historicals. And I'm actually really excited. Linden Place is beautiful and I'm really excited that the panels are open to the public and free because I think that's great. But come for lunch and stay for cocktail and let's have a fun time. That sounds amazing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So, you know, you just have to hang out with other romance people in this, the month of our struggle. So go see Wuthering Heights. I'm making air quotes as I say that.

[Sarah McLean]

Right?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Go to one. Right. Go to one of these fun events. Right? Read some fun roses in your romance. Like whatever you need to do.

[Sarah McLean]

Yeah. Be silly. Embrace whimsy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm gonna try. Try.

[Sarah McLean]

I know it's not really a. Yeah, it's tough out here, but I'm. I'm trying for it too. Everyone, thank you so much for joining us today. Happy Valentine's Day. We hope that you are able to celebrate however you would like to celebrate this holiday that is slightly weird. We are. I'm Sarah McLean and I'm here with my friend Jen Procop. We are Faded Mates. You can find us every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts and [e-mail] where you can click on Show Notes and see all of the lists of books that we talk about today, including all of the links that we've mentioned would be in Show Notes today. Also, you can find us online on Instagram and threads at Fated Mates Pod and on Bluesky at Fated Mates. We are all around for the month of February. As Jen said, I'll be in Rhode island in March. And other than that, we absolutely love having conversations with you and with our other members of our Discord. You can join the Discord by joining our Patreon, which [e-mail] Patreon that gets you one extra episode of the podcast every month and access to the Discord, where a few thousand other people are talking about romance all the time. I'm sure There are about 70 new rose related romances in there right now for you to go check out. So that is our Patreon. And don't forget to stay tuned. Right now you'll be able to hear a sneak peek of the audiobook of Trina Deon's Day in the Night. Thanks again to Torina for sponsoring this week's episode.

[Narrator]

Prologue Abby pulled the cast iron pan out of the oven and set it on top of the stove. She stabbed the beef tenderloin with the digital thermometer and waited for the reading. 145 degrees. Perfect. By the time Tony got home, it would be done resting and be a beautiful medium rare. The salad was in the fridge, the vinaigrette blended, the couscous cooked, and the fresh, fresh green beans were ready to go into the steamer pot at 5:45. She threw the beans into the pot, then lit the candles on the dining room table. Alexa, play dinner playlist. Soft, easy listening music came from the recessed speakers Tony had installed when he'd built the house. She'd always thought they were excessive, but Tony had only listened to her input about the kitchen. She transferred the beans and couscous to covered serving dishes, grabbed the salad from the fridge, and placed everything on the table already set with the good china. Her stomach fluttered and she placed her hand low on her abdomen. Was it nerves about telling Tony or the little bean she'd learned about that morning? She glanced at her watch and returned to the kitchen to slice the meat. After transferring it to a serving platter, she placed it in front of Tony's place setting. All that was left to do was wait for him to come home. Forty minutes later, the candles were dripping wax onto the crystal holders. She checked to see if there were any text messages. Despite the lack of notifications or previous messages, his lack of communication had been happening more frequently over the past few months. Was it really that hard to tell her he'd be a few minutes late? Abby blinked and looked up, pressing her ring finger to the inner corner of her eye. It didn't mean anything. He'd been working to close a big account at work. He had told her that the Alarm panel beeped 3 times garage door open. Abby stood and plastered a smile on her face. Hi, she said when he entered the dining room. What's all this? He pulled at his tie to loosen it. Dinner. Beef tenderloin, green beans, and Israeli couscous. I had dinner with a client. Oh, would it have been so hard to send her a text? He picked up a green bean and took a bite. It's cold anyway. He threw the rest of the bean onto the plate. I had it ready for six when you're usually home. I had to work. Someone has to pay for this house. A spark of anger flashed through her and she tamped it down. She hadn't asked for the house house. It was too big, too ostentatious. There were rooms she only went into to clean. It's fine. I'll pack it for your lunch tomorrow. Don't bother. I have a working lunch. Gritting her teeth, she took a deep breath. I have something else for you. She picked up the long, thin box she had set next to his place setting and held it out to him. Fuck. He took the box. Is it our anniversary? She blinked. No. That's in four months. Then what's this? Open it. She held her breath as he lifted the lid. He didn't speak for several heartbeats, just stared at the plastic stick with the digital display that read pregnant. He finally looked at her. Is this a joke? Her stomach plummeted. No, it's real. I found out this morning. Did you do this on purpose? She flinched at his harsh tone and shook her head. No. I was on antibiotics a couple of months ago when I had a sinus infection. The doctor said they probably counteracted my birth control pills. Tony tossed the box and pregnancy test onto the table. Let me know when you get rid of it. What? It came out as a breath. He didn't say that. He brushed past her. You know how I feel about kids. She followed him. I know, and I was fine with that. I didn't mean to get pregnant. But you can't expect me to get an abortion now that I am. He stopped abruptly inside their bedroom and turned. I can and I do. I was very clear before we got married about being child free. I told you if it was a deal breaker we'd end it. You said you were fine with it. So now you decide. Me or that? He pointed at her stomach. Tony, End of discussion. He slammed the door closed. Chapter 1 Five Years Later Christian Tinker Knight stood at the back of the courtroom, feet braced apart, arms crossed, chin slightly lifted. He stared at the girl sitting in the witness box. Her small frame and pigtails made her appear much younger than 12. The prosecutor stood beside the witness stand. Melanie, is the person who hurt you in this room? Yes, she whispered. I need you to speak louder, Melanie. The judge's voice was gentle but firm. The little girl hunched her shoulders and looked down but did as the judge asked. Yes, Melanie, the prosecutor said. Can you point to that person? Her eyes jerked up and briefly found Tinker at the rear of the room. He remained stoic. It was. She faltered and looked quickly at Tinker. It was John. She pointed to the man sitting at the defense table. Thank you, Melanie. No further questions, your honor, the prosecutor said. The judge looked at the public defender. No questions, your honor. The judge looked at Melanie. Thank you, Melanie. You can go. Melanie bolted out of the chair, passed her guardian ad litem as she dashed down the short aisle and launched herself at Tinker. He caught her in a tight hug when she wrapped her arms and legs around him, burying her face in his neck. Sobs wracked her frail body and he felt the old familiar rage begin to build. Giving into it and breaking every bone in her mom's ex boyfriend's body would be extremely satisfying, but it would do neither him nor Melanie any good. He squelched the urge and got Melanie the hell out of there, not waiting for her guardian ad litem to reach them. Melanie, her mom, stood from her seat across from the courtroom doors and rushed to them. Melanie reached for her mom and Tinker transferred her over. She did really well, amy, the guardian at Glydem, said when she caught up with them. She was a champ, tinker said. She's a brave little girl. Melanie tilted her head to look at Tinker. Only cause you were there. Nah, you'd have done it even if I wasn't there. He tugged the end of her pigtail. She smiled, which was what he was hoping for. I can't thank you enough, her mom. Becky said. I don't know where we'd be without your help these last few months. Tinker ran a hand over his short beard. It's all part of what Vacca does. Let me thank you with dinner. You can come over tonight. Becky looked at him with stars in her eyes. He knew it was more than the hero worship her daughter had. Becky had been dropping hints that she'd welcome more than the occasional drive by. He did, as part of vaca Veterans Against Child Abuse. She was sweet, but he knew her type. A woman who defined herself by her man. There was nothing wrong with it as long as the man valued her. It goes against Vacca rules, he said gently. She knew that, and even if it wasn't against the rules, he wouldn't get involved with a woman in such a raw and emotional state. Some men might take advantage, but he did not. That plus she had serious relationship written all over her. He didn't do serious and he didn't do single moms. Too big of a chance the kid would get attached. He was not fit to be a substitute father figure and he wouldn't let a kid get emotionally involved. Are we ever going to see you again? Melanie's bottom lip trembled. Of course. The whole club's taking you to school on Monday. Her mouth opened in awe and her eyes sparkled. Really? Yeah. Your mom didn't tell you? He shifted his gaze to Becky. She looked down. I didn't want to get her hopes up. Tinker pressed his lips together then gave his attention back to her daughter. We'll be at your house at 7:45 to pick you up. I gotta get back to work. Can I get a hug before I go? Melanie reached for his neck and he hugged her close. She kissed his cheek and said, thanks for making me brave. He swallowed hard twice. Thanks for being brave. The wrench slipped and he scraped his knuckles against the engine block. Tinker dropped the wrench and shook his hand. You better not get any blood on Graham's floor. He looked to his right as Page one of his bosses approached him from across the garage. In her four inch heels and tight knee length skirt, she didn't look like she would be the chief operations officer for a security company that sometimes ran tactical operations in non permissible environments. But Paige was a chameleon. She was as comfortable running face first down a wall or staring down the sights of an M4 as she was schmoozing new clients. She was an attractive woman. He wasn't ashamed to admit he'd thought about suggesting a hot and dirty fling since she'd held a similar viewpoint on relationships. But even if she didn't sign his paychecks, he didn't where he ate and she'd recently settled into domestic bliss with her boyfriend. Come to think of it, he'd lost a few of his teammates to long term relationships. Nash had fallen for Addison, who sometimes joined them for training and operations. Shane was ass deep in the Guatemalan jungle protecting some pyramid his woman found. Fuck. Tinker hoped that shit wasn't catchin'. How'd it go today? He checked out her arm as she rested both on the frame of the truck. He was working on no indication her wound bothered her. She'd been shot a few months ago. It had been his fault. He'd waited for the shooter to spill his guts instead of taking the guy out as soon as he could. She did. Good. Prosecutors go in for max time with no chance of parole. She nodded. How are you? He glanced at her sideways before twisting the cap off the wiper fluid reservoir. He knew it was full. He'd filled it three days ago. But busy hands and all that shit. Do we have any jobs coming up? Feeling the need to shoot something, something like that. He screwed the cap back on. Danny's here. I'm sure she'd be happy to get in the ring with you. His mouth twisted. Thanks, but I don't think getting punched in the face by my kid's sister is going to help. Besides, Danny had started holding back when she realized she could beat his ass. He hated that. They all knew what had happened to him and Danny. Everyone at Leonidas had always supported them both and had helped him get his record expunged so he could work with Vacca. But he didn't like wasn't even like. Danny hid her past. She was open about being a survivor. She talked to survivor support groups and used her status as a champion MMA fighter to advocate for victims and raise money for programs for him. Her openness was another reminder he had failed her. Paige stared at him long enough to make him uncomfortable. What? I'm worried about you, Ting think, she said. Why? This is your, what, third case in a month? Something like that. I thought you and Graham were cool with the time I gave to Vacca. If they weren't, he would have to reevaluate some things. He wasn't willing to stop volunteering with them. We are. That's not the issue, she said. Then what's the issue? I can see the toll it's taking on you. You're not hiding it as well as you think. He huffed out a half laugh. Have you been taking classes with Addison? No. But I'd like you to talk to her. Or someone else. But you need to talk to someone. We need you at a hundred percent and so do those kids. I'm good, Paige. You don't need to worry about me. He had a tight control of his emotions. Sorry. It's part of the job description. Talk to Addison. You can consider it part of your yearly psych eval. But I want you to talk to her. He rubbed his head. Okay. I'll call her this week. Thank you. Danny said. The Knights are having a party tonight. You going? The irony of belonging to a club called Tarnished Nights wasn't lost on him. The last thing he wanted to do was hang around a bunch of people, but he wanted to be alone even less. Yeah? You? She shook her head. No. Ash's parents are driving up from Savannah for dinner. He grabbed the rag hanging on the frame and wiped his hands. Wow. Meeting the parents already. She moved her arms when he waved her off to drop the hood. Technically, I've already met them. This is the official meeting. Tinker smirked, knowing she'd hooked up with her boyfriend at his sister's wedding. Good luck with that. Yeah, thanks. She flipped him off for good measure. I'm here if you need to talk. I know. She headed off to the exit. Have fun. Don't get arrested. He grunted and shoved the rag into his back pocket. He appreciated that she didn't push him to talk. She'd drop everything if he needed her to. Even dinner with the new boyfriend's parents. He picked up the wrench he had dropped earlier. A few drinks, maybe a hot woman with no expectations, and he'd be fine. Chapter two Going out with Friends the front of the large antebellum plantation house was lit up by spotlights. Abby peered through the windshield as Lindsay parked at the end of a line of cars on the side of the gravel drive. I'm so excited you came out tonight. Lindsay squeezed Abby's arm as they walked from the car and linked their elbows. Abby twisted the corner of her mouth. She'd finally given in to Lindsay's badgering to go out with her. She'd kind of run out of excuses. She had absolutely no responsibilities that weekend, and she'd even caught up on grading and lesson plans during the In School teacher work day, so she didn't have that to fall back on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Lindsay must have sensed her hesitation. You promised you'd try to have fun. You deserve a night out. Abby let loose. Have fun. I have fun, she said indignantly. Going to the aquarium every weekend doesn't count. Abby gave her a baleful look inside. Fine. Who is this party for, anyway? Lindsay shrugged. I don't think it's for anyone. They're just having a party. Abby stared at the row of motorcycles parked at the top of the drive. Who's they? The Knights. The White Knights? The Templar Knights? Gladys Knight? The Tarnished Knights. They're a motorcycle club. Abby stopped in her tracks, causing Lindsay to jerk on her arm. Lindsay, we can't be at a she glanced around, checking for anyone nearby A criminal hideout. She finished with a hiss. Oh my God. Lindsay rolled her entire head and yanked on her arm. First of all, it's not much of a hideout if they're throwing a party and inviting people. Second, they're not the kind of motorcycle club in your book books. Most of them are military veterans and half of them are Veterans Against Child Abuse members. Abby ignored the dig about her favorite romance genre. Really?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Really.

[Narrator]

The worst any of them does is smoke weed and get drunk. Abby chewed her lip. That didn't sound so bad. Hell, she'd smoked the occasional joint in college. Lindsay stopped and faced her. I've been to their parties before and it's nothing worse than any other party or nightclub. It's probably safer because they keep an eye on things. I promise if you're at all uncomfortable or get weirded out, we'll leave. And I know one of the members and she's a solid person. She? That got Abby's attention? Yeah, she. I told you they weren't that kind of motorcycle club. Abby closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She needed this. She'd promised herself she'd start getting out more often and try to remember who she was before her life went to hell and back. Old resentment and anger rose to the surface, but she pushed it down. She couldn't change the past, and getting angry about it had never done her any good. She opened her eyes. Okay, lead the way.

[Sarah McLean]

Yay.

[Narrator]

Lindsay did a little wiggle, then linked their arms back together. Let's go have fun and maybe get you laid. Abby's jaw dropped. What? No, that's not Lindsay threw her head back and laughed. There was a full size suit of armor in the entryway, a literal tarnished knight. The seams and joints of the armor were patinaed and rusted. It stood with both gauntlets resting on the end of the pommel of an upright sword point down. The breastplate and shoulder pieces were etched with delicate filigree. If it was authentic, which Abby doubted since iron and steel didn't patina the way it was on the armor, it was likely ceremonial rather than functional. The art historian part of her brain perked up and whispered, look at it. Touch it. Lindsay pulled her further into the house. Before Abby could become that person at the party, a roped off staircase led upstairs. The downstairs was divided into four large rooms, two on either side of the center hallway. Lindsay stopped inside the first room on the left and searched through the crowd. She waved and a woman across the room waved back and made her way to them. Come on, I'll introduce you to Catherine. Who's Catherine? Abby asked. It's her house. Her husband is the president of the club. The older woman was a little taller than Abby and she had her waist length salt and pepper hair pulled back into a long braid. She pulled Lindsay into a quick hug. I'm so glad you made it. Thanks. Catherine, this is Abby, one of my best friends. Abby, this is Catherine, one of the coolest people I've ever met that Catherine laughed. I don't know about coolest, but thanks. Don't let her fool you, lindsay said. She's lived all over the world, used to fly C17s, nursed her husband back to health when everyone said he'd probably never walk again and wrote a book about it. Wow, that was impressive. Catherine shook her head. We all do what we have to do when there's no other choice. She was also profound. Abby felt like she'd been doing what she had to do for a very long time. Anyway, Catherine said, welcome. Beer, wine, and other drinks are at the bar in the back room. There's also burgers, chicken, and more sides than I want to keep as leftovers, so please help yourselves. Thank you, Abby said. Thanks, Lindsay said. Let's get some drinks. The bar was manned by two guys in black vests. Glancing around, Abby noticed several of the men and a few of the women, including Catherine, wore similar vests. The large patch on the back of their vests bore a depiction of the suit of armor in the foyer. They wandered into the rooms on the other side of the house. There were probably a hundred or more people in the house, but it didn't feel crowded since they were scattered throughout the room. She also saw several people out on the porch through the open French doors. Ooh, there's someone else I want you to meet. Lindsay led her to one of the small tables in the other room at the front of the house. The armor was visible in the foyer. They'd essentially walked in a full circle. Lindsay, a dark haired woman, jumped out of her chair and hugged Lindsay. Rocking from side to side, she let her go and looked at Abby. Who are you? Abby was surprised at the excitedness of her question, like a kid on a playground making a new friend. Abby Hi Abby. I'm Angela or Angie or Ange. I'll answer to all of them. How do you know Lindsay? We work together. Abby didn't know what to make of the overly friendly woman. You're a teacher too? That's so cool. What do you teach? Sit down. Join us. This is Danny My best friend. Angela sat and patted the blonde woman next to her on the head. Don't mind Angie, danny said, batting Angela's hand away from her head. She gets excited when she meets new people. Like a puppy. But she doesn't pee on you unless you pay extra. Shut up. It's just nice to meet new women who I don't know through work and aren't biker chicks. Angela's eyebrows pinched together and she leaned forward. You're not a biker chick, are you? Lindsay laughed and Abby glared at her as they took seats at the table. She had a direct view of the suit of armor from her seat. No, I'm not a biker chick. Oh, good. What's good? A curvy brunette joined them and sat in the last vacant chair. Abby noticed Angela's side eye Danny, who rolled her eyes. Hey, Julia, angela said. Not working this weekend? No, I heard the Knights were having a party and made sure I asked for the night off. She looked at Abby. We haven't met. I'm Julia. Abby. She waved in greeting. Did y' all come with one of the guys? No, lindsay said. I'm friends with Catherine. Abby caught the tone of Lindsay's voice but didn't understand the reason behind it. It Julia's questions seemed innocent enough. I'm going to get a refill, danny said. Can I get anyone anything? I'll take another, abby said, holding up her beer. If she was going to let loose, she needed a little social lubrication. Me too, lindsay said. Danny took her empty glass and left. What do you teach, Abby? Angela asked. Art and fashion design. Oh, you're a teacher? Julia asked. Yes. We both teach at Charleston Steam Academy. That's so cute. It must be so fun to teach kids to finger paint of all the condescending fake ass crap she'd ever heard. Now she understood Lindsay's tone from earlier. A commotion in the foyer distracted her before she could think of a snappy retort about her Master of Fine Arts and year interning as a restorationist in Prague. A tall man with dark blonde hair and a lot of tattoos held the elbow of a woman as he pointed toward the front door. He was attractive in a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks kind of way, even as he scowled at the woman he was talking to. Honestly, he looked like a cover model from one of her favorite MC romances, which, yes, may have influenced her opinions of motorcycle clubs and what would be going on at the party. She liked her forbidden fantasy on the page, not in real life. The man let go of the woman and stood with his arms crossed while the woman appeared to plead with him. Who's he talking to? Angela asked. They were all watching the interaction. No idea, lindsay said. I've never seen her before. Looks like a lover's quarrel, though, angela scoffed. Tink doesn't do lovers quarrels. Tink? Abby asked. What kind of name was Tink? It's short for Tinker. It's his call sign. Danny set their beers down. Julia tipped her chair back to get a better look at the man as he walked away from the woman. Dangerous is sexy, but not for long term. I wouldn't want a convicted criminal around all the time. Danny slammed her glass on the table. Why don't you off and shut the up about something you know nothing about? Sorry. Julia stood and flounced away. Abby stared wide eyed at Danny as she took a long drink. He's Danny's brother, angela explained. She's a little protective. Oh, Abby said. Does Julia know? It doesn't matter, danny said. She's a gossip and a and she's repeating she's heard people talking about without knowing the full story. Abby almost asked what the full story was, but it wasn't her business. She didn't like to gossip and Danny didn't seem to be in the mood to explain anyway. Angela spread her hands on the table. You know what? We need shots. There's a bottle of Fireball behind the bar. I'm gonna get it. Chapter 3 the Night Abby wandered out of the bathroom and into the room with the bar. The bar with the fireball. Whew. That was some dangerous stuff. She'd been expecting Goldschlager cinnamon taste, but the whiskey had been smooth and surprisingly tasty. Angela had been able to talk her into more than a few shots. Angela was fun and Abby was having fun, which kind of surprised her. She hadn't been to a party where people just had fun in so long she'd forgotten what it was like. No one to schmooze. No one to impress or make sure they were introduced to someone else or get them to make a big donation to the school. Just hanging out with friends and having fun. She might be at her limit though, of alcohol. Not fun. The room was a little wonky. Lindsay was in the front room standing really close to a tall, good looking guy in a short sleeved button down. She was doing that thing with her hair where she played with the ends of it. She said it made guys think about twisting it in their hands. Abby wrinkled her nose. The guy reminded her of Tony So clean cut and put together. Not a hair out of place. Not like the guy from earlier with the tight black T shirt and tattoos and hair that looked like it had never seen the inside of a gel bottle. She'd caught glimpses of him throughout the night, and he'd gotten more attractive each time she saw him. And it wasn't because of the whiskey goggles. Even when he was scowly and broody, which was every time she had seen him, probably brooding about his lover's quarrel. Had a guy ever brooded over her? She sighed and made a conscious effort to swerve away from Melancholy Town. She didn't want to be that girl at the party who drunk cried. She spied the armor in the foyer and glanced around. But she could be that girl at the party who took a closer look at the suit of armor. Tink gritted his teeth. He still couldn't believe Becky had shown up at the house. How had she even known about the party? She must have heard someone from Vaca talking about it because they didn't mingle socially with their client. But she wouldn't say how she found out. She'd been there to find him. He would have blown her off and ignored her, but she'd thrown him a guilt trip about how Melanie needed a strong, dependable father figure and if he'd only give Becky a chance, she knew they'd make a great couple. It was complete, and it pissed him off that she was using her daughter to troll for men. He was antsy and couldn't stay still, couldn't hold a decent conversation, couldn't even finish a bottle of beer. He had tried playing pool, but there was too much downtime between turns to brood and imagine all the shitty relationships Becky would continue to find herself in. And more importantly, continue to put Melanie in. The party wasn't providing the distraction he wanted. He needed to leave, go for a ride to clear his head. He found Danny in the back room talking to a couple of the club members. He caught her attention. Hey, I'm gonna take off. She frowned. You okay? Yeah. Just got a lot of shit in my head. Gonna go for a ride. Where to? Aristo. Be careful. Text me when you make it back. Yes, Mom. He kissed her on the cheek. You around on Sunday? She asked. Should be. Why? I need a sparring partner. Which meant she was probably going to kick his ass for the mom comment. Where is Eddie? Got his wisdom teeth yanked today. Doesn't want me punching him for some reason. Yeah, sure. Eddie was probably getting the better end of the deal he headed down the hall to the front door, waving to a couple of people as he passed. A woman was standing in front of Ned the night, staring intently at it. Are you okay? He asked. Is there something I can help you with? She turned her head and looked at him, her light brown eyes framed by thick dark lashes. Do you know the origins of this Ned? Who's Ned? She was a little unsteady on her feet, but she wasn't slurring the suit of armor. Ned the knight, he said. She blinked at him several times. But Ned begins with an N. A smile broke out at that ridiculous comment. She turned back to the armor and tucked a strand of dark wavy hair behind her ear before hovering her fingers over the armor. I'm wondering if it's authentic. The filigree work is fantastic, but steel wouldn't patina like this, which makes me think it's a replica. It's a decent imitation based on mid to late 16th century probably. It would have been for ceremonial use instead of functional. They wouldn't have spent that kind of money on a suit of armor that was going to get hacked on by swords and shot up with arrow bolts. She reminded him of Angie when she got excited about something. She was adorable. Are you a historian? Art history major. She looked down and stepped back from the armor. Sorry, I get a little carried away sometimes. Don't apologize for being passionate about something. Her smile lit up her face and it sent a jolt of desire through him as the image of her smiling up at him, her thick dark hair spread around her face, flashed through his mind. What are you passionate about? She asked. He froze. No one had ever asked him that before, not in a non sexual kind of way, and he didn't think that's what she was asking about. He almost said protecting kids. Kids. But that would lead to awkward questions about why they needed protection and he didn't want to scare her off. His mind was oddly calm for the first time in 24 hours. He wanted to keep talking to this woman who gave him a small history lesson on the club mascot in the middle of a party, especially if it distracted him. Choppers, motorcycles or helicopters? She asked. Custom motorcycle tools. I build them. He wasn't sure why he told her that instead of security specialist, they'd always been a hobby, something he did because he loved building with his hands. A long time ago I wanted to be the next East Coast Choppers and have my own big name shop. Why didn't you? He crossed his arms and shrugged. Life got in the way. Hate it when it does that. She leaned forward, close to his upper arm. Who drew that? He looked at the tattoo she was pointing at. Same guy who tattooed it. Wow. He's a really good artist. An irrational spark of jealousy ignited in his chest. She leaned back and looked him down and back up. She rocked back on her heels a little when she raised her head from her examination. You are sexy. He couldn't have stopped his grin if someone had offered him money. Why do you say it like that? Like what? Like you're agreeing with something I said. What did you say? She shook her head. Wait, not you. Julia said you were sexy. Tink frowned. You know Julia. She didn't seem like the kind of woman Julia would be friends with. No, Just a matter of Danny yelled at her. That didn't surprise him at all. Danny did not like Julia. You know, Danny just met her, too. I like her better than Julia, though. Tink shook his head. Who was this woman? What's your name? Abby. Abby. He stepped closer. Do you want to get out of here? To do what? Go for a ride. To where? He unfolded his arms and placed his hands on her hips. Your place. My place, Any place. Abby glanced down at her hip. Does it work? Does what work? Just asking women to go somewhere with you to have sex. I wasn't actually thinking about sex. Weirdly, he hadn't been. He had just had an urge to have sex. Her close. Maybe just go somewhere with this smart, adorable woman. But the woman usually asks me. She looked like she was contemplating it, but then took a step back and wagged her finger at him. Nope. No. No way. No hot, sexy tattooed biker guys. Tink grinned again. So you think I'm sexy and hot and tattooed? A woman with dark blonde hair joined them and draped her arm over Abby's shoulders. What you doing, Abs? Looking at the night, I can see that. She gave Tinger an appreciative up and down. He preferred it when Abby looked at him. Not that night. That night. Abby pointed at the suit of armor. Huh, her friend said. I already told that one he was too sexy. She swung her finger around to point at him. Tink chuckled. Abby, are you flirting? No, abby said indignantly. She turned an unsure gaze to Tink. Was I flirting? She shook her head. I don't flirt. Especially not with hot, sexy tattooed biker guys. Why especially? He braced for the kiss. Off. Off. This was the point where civilians judged him for his looks and decided he was too dangerous for their delicate sensibilities. Because having tattoos and riding a motorcycle put him in the dredges of Society column before they ever had a chance to know him. Because it never turns out the way it does in the books. That was the absolute last thing he expected to hear. What books? Her friend grinned. Yeah, Abby, what books? Tinker could see the blush spreading across her cheeks. I gotta go. Abby spun out of her friend's arm and walked away. Now he was thoroughly confused. What books? Her friend winked and followed Abby. Seriously, what was so embarrassing about a book? He ran a hand through his close cut hair and fought the urge to chase after her. He had a feeling it would make her run faster and farther, but he could feel her slipping through his fingers like a dream he tried to hold on to as he woke up. Tank. He turned as the club president, David Pothole McComb, came down the hall. Hey, Pres, Catherine said she saw you heading this way. Are you taken off already? I was, but I changed my mind. Cool. Do you have time to take a look at my bike? It's been running rough the last few days. Tink hesitated. He wanted to keep an eye on Abby so he could bide his time and approach her again later. But this was his club president. He couldn't exactly blow him off for a woman, even for the first woman who had interested him in longer than he could remember. Yeah, let's go take a look at it. When they finally made it back inside, hands covered in grease, he couldn't find her or her friend. Catherine told him Angie and Danny had left right before he and Pothole came back in, so he couldn't even ask his sister about her new friend. He'd ask Danny Sunday when they met, to spar. He needed to find a way to see her again.