Flights of Fantasy: S5 Ep 34 – “Mate” by Ali Hazelwood

Episode Overview

In this episode, hosts Christina, Kim, and Anna dive deep into Mate by Ali Hazelwood, the highly anticipated follow-up to Hazelwood’s foray into fantasy romance. While Mate can be read as a standalone, the hosts reference characters from Bride, Hazelwood’s previous book in the same world. The discussion is delightfully spoiler-filled, brimming with laughter, banter, and unabashed affection for Hazelwood’s writing, her approach to shifter romance tropes, and her science-y flourishes.

1. Ali Hazelwood: Author Love and Reading Journey

[04:00–06:21]

• Kim shares her status as the group's resident Hazelwood superfan:
  • “She’s like my Taylor Swift of authors. Just something about her really works for me.” (Kim, 05:04)
  • Kim has read everything Hazelwood has written, except a few novellas and an upcoming audiobook.
• The hosts reminisce about earlier podcast episodes and how Kim’s appreciation for Hazelwood has evolved.
• Anna praises Hazelwood’s incorporation of neuroscience into her romance, especially through chapter-top glimpses into the male lead’s POV.

2. Narrative Devices & Character Perspectives

[06:54–07:38]

• The hosts highlight the unique narrative style:
  • Hazelwood writes primarily from Serena’s POV but opens each chapter with a third-person snippet from Cohen (or, in Bride, from Lo), adding depth and emotional foreshadowing.
• Notable Quote:
  • “One of them is just: ‘No.’ Period. It’s the whole thing.” (Christina, 07:36) – referring to Cohen’s reaction when he learns Serena is dying.

3. Shifter Romance Tropes: The Appeal

[08:07–10:28]

• Anna and Christina geek out over what makes shifter romances distinct and appealing:
  • The urban, lower-stakes setting compared to epic fantasy.
  • The focus on the “mating bond” rather than world-altering destinies.
  • The irresistible pack dynamic, hierarchy, and “sexy danger.”
• Christina raves about the audiobook's duet narration:
  • “Cohen’s voice is fantastic. Really paints a picture.” (Christina, 10:28)

4. Social Themes & Science Integration

[10:36–12:23]

• The hosts appreciate Hazelwood’s seamless integration of social issues—specifically, commentary on gender bias in science and medicine:
  • Anna shares how Serena is misdiagnosed by male doctors, but is finally told by a midwife, “You’re not dying. You’re going into a sexual heat.”
  • Quote: “These men… they don’t know everything that’s going on in a woman’s body. Let me tell you.” (Anna, 12:06)

5. Character Deep Dives

Cohen: The Surly but Sweet Alpha

[12:30–19:46]

• Kim leads the breakdown:
  • “He’s very dry, very sarcastic, but… he did, in fact, very much want to be around Serena.” (Kim, 13:08)
  • Cohen is not cruel; his ‘grumpiness’ masks his care.
• Banter highlights:
  • “Maybe you had shitty roommates. I, on the other hand, am a fucking delight.” (Cohen, 19:21)
  • “If a bald eagle dove in from the sky to abduct you, my life would be so much easier.” (Cohen, 19:41)
• Discussion on Cohen’s trauma, the celibacy covenant, and his reluctant vulnerability.

Serena: A Resilient and Pragmatic Heroine

[23:47–28:02]

• Christina shares the layers of Serena’s trauma and humor:
  • “Children raised like me develop a unique brand of pragmatism born of the knowledge that nothing will stand as a shield between us and reality.” (Serena, 24:05)
  • Despite her traumatic past and orphaned status, Serena is sarcastic, fun, and deeply caring (especially for Anna, the hybrid child).
• Found family themes are strong, especially through communal cooking scenes.

Misery: The Protective Sister

[28:40–32:04]

• Anna details the comedic gold of Misery’s text messages to Cohen:
  • “If she gets so much as a skinned knee, I will fuck up your life. …I will hack your pack directory and impersonate you and send everyone emails about how much you’d love for them to come over and snuggle you.” (Misery, 29:37)
• The authentic, sometimes irreverent, but always fierce sibling bond.
• Misery’s over-the-top protectiveness mixed with humor adds balance and emotional weight.

6. Top Romance Moments

[32:06–41:41] – Romance Scenes with Timestamps

• Kim’s Pick:

  • [33:21] Cohen comforts a shaken Serena after a traumatic event:
    • “Before I leave, I think I need to hold you for a minute.”
    • “If I come back and something has happened to you, Serena, I’m going to be so pissed.”
    • “That sounds like a you problem. // Yeah, that it is.”

• Christina’s Pick:

  • [34:51–37:46]
    • Cohen finds Serena mid-fever, punches out a mirror so she’ll stop seeing her eyes, gets into an ice bath with her fully clothed, holds her:
      • “Is it a fever?” // “Good girl.”
    • Later:
      • “If you think I’m going to let you die, Serena, you know fuck all.” (Cohen, 37:17)
    • The “no” chapter break (37:39).

• Anna’s Pick:

  • [38:18–41:41] Heated intimacy and vulnerability after Serena goes into heat:
    • “Trust me, I don’t want you to shower. …You smell like you were made specifically for me to fuck… like you’d give me anything I asked for. …If that’s the scent you’re planning to wash off, don’t do it on my account.” (Cohen, 40:15)
    • Post-sex, Cohen’s emotional reassurance:
      • “If someone had given me a piece of paper and asked me to list everything I liked… You would have been the final product of it. There’s only you Serena.” (Cohen, 41:18)

7. The Spice: Praise, Heat, and the Great Knot Debate

[41:41–49:13]

• Chemistry and emotional connection foreground the romance.
• Praise kink, “good girl,” and “my good girl” lines are celebrated:
  • “Wow. Didn’t think I could love good girl more. And then you’re gonna pull out a my good girl.” (Kim, 45:12)
• The hosts good-naturedly discuss and, at times, gently roast shifter book staples:
  • The less-loved terms: “glands,” “slick,” “see you next Tuesday.”
  • Lots of humor around “balloon penis/nodding.”
    • “Let’s call a spade a spade. It’s a balloon penis and it inflates.” (Christina, 47:35)
    • “Take it. Be good and take my knot.” (Cohen, 49:05)
• The “nodding” trope is acknowledged—“not our slice of pie, but thrilled for you if it’s yours.”

8. Cult Subplot & Family Trauma

[50:00–53:22]

• The surprise, yet very effective, cult storyline led by Constantine, Serena’s father:
  • “If you had said to me, hey, this shifter Romantasy is gonna have a cult in it—I’d be like, wow, that feels like you’re doing a lot. And Ali said, don’t worry, I’ve got it. And you know what? She did.” (Kim, 50:18)
• Dark family history: Cohen’s parents killed by the cult; Serena’s traumatic childhood.
• The hosts praise how Hazelwood balances trauma and healing with wit and found family.

9. Ending & Epilogue: Pack, Domesticity, and Aftermath

[54:47–59:08]

• After the final battle, the celibacy covenant is lifted, allowing Cohen and Serena to be together openly.
• Sacrifice and bravery—Serena takes a bullet for Cohen and a young girl.
• Sweet epilogue focus:
  • Daily routines, pack family, and Serena’s joy at finally having a home and people to cook for.
  • The hosts savor Cohen’s devotion:
    • “Are you gonna get tired of this boring life?” // “No, this is the boring life I want. Just you.” (Epilogue, Cohen & Serena, 57:40)
  • Adoption of a dog (“Ms. Twinkles”) hints at future joyful domestic chaos.

10. Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “Her laughter adjusts the spin of his atoms.” (Anna, 22:41)
• “If a bald eagle dove in from the sky to abduct you, my life would be so much easier.” (Cohen, 19:41)
• “If you think I’m going to let you die, Serena, you know fuck all.” (Cohen, 37:17)
• “You would have been the final product of [my dream list]. There’s only you, Serena.” (Cohen, 41:18)
• “You are now officially in charge of my sister…” (Misery’s text, 29:37)

11. Final Thoughts

• The hosts exuberantly recommend Mate, especially for fans of shifter romance with hearty banter, emotional depth, and found family vibes.
• Hazelwood’s blend of science, humor, and sexual tension shines throughout.
• Kim sums up: “After all the sexy danger, I think they deserve it, you know?”

Happy reading and cheers from the Flights of Fantasy book club!

Quick Segment Timestamps

• 04:00 – Kim’s Hazelwood journey
• 06:54 – Chapter-top snippets
• 08:07 – Shifter romance discussion
• 12:30 – Cohen character deep dive
• 23:47 – Serena character analysis
• 28:40 – Misery & Serena’s bond
• 32:06 – Favorite romance moments
• 41:41 – Spice & kink chat
• 50:00 – Cult subplot
• 54:47 – Finale & epilogue