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A ghost with a deadline. A people pleaser with a past. A Christmas Carol framework that dares to ask whether love can rewrite the rules. We dive into Good Spirits by BK Borison and unpack why this holiday romance feels tender, funny, and surprisingly cathartic. From the opening meet-cute to the late-game goodbye that nearly broke us, we trace how the book balances cozy predictability with real emotional stakes, and why that combo is exactly what many of us crave this time of year.

We also explore the book’s sly worldbuilding: an afterlife that runs like a slightly exasperated office, reapers with missing paperwork, and a boss whose accent paints a picture before we get the backstory. Think Beetlejuice bureaucracy meets Spirited’s cheerful existentialism. The panel shares personal reflections on people pleasing, boundary setting, and how Harriet’s growth feels painfully familiar in the best way. Add in a very opinionated cat, on-point spice, and a romance that builds through conversation and care, and you’ve got a seasonal standout.

Beyond the review, we detour through folklore with a lidérc deep dive, gush over special editions in the Grishaverse, and chat about the growing crossover between sports events and book fandoms. We close with recs for holiday retellings and audiobooks with memorable performances, plus our favorite Christmas Carol adaptations that shaped how we read stories like this one. If you love cozy fantasy romance, gentle hauntings, and HEAs that feel earned, press play and warm up with us. Enjoyed the episode? Follow, rate, and share the show, and tell us your favorite holiday romance or Carol adaptation—we’re taking notes for our year-end wrap-up!

Links from the Episode

• Witches Love Monsters series collaboration or multiple authors coming
  • Regine Abel, Opal Reyne, Naomi Lucas, Tiffany Roberts
  • 4 spicy novellas featuring witches and monsters
  • Will be available on KU
  • Instagram Link
• Illumicrate is releasing a special edition of the Six of Crows duology.
  • Royal hardbacks, not signed
  • General presale 01/22 at 3pm GDT
  • Instagram Link
• 2025-2026 Nuggets Fourth Wing Interest Slip is available for submission
  • Wed 04/08/26 versus the Memphis Grizzlies
  • Standard or VIP package
  • Facebook Link

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A stitched body, a bruised heart, and a question that won’t let go: who bears the burden for what we make? We dive into Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and trace its roots from Mary Shelley’s storm-lit summer to a modern, war-shadowed tale about creation, responsibility, and the cost of love. This isn’t just another gothic retelling—it’s a story about breaking cycles, where forgiveness is the bravest experiment in the lab.

We start with the news that’s lighting up romantasy—cover reveals, special editions, and why “trend readers vs genre readers” is shaping online discourse more than craft. Then we jump into the film’s craft: Oscar Isaac as a preening, brilliant Victor; Jacob Elordi as a towering, soulful Creature who learns love the way many of us do—from stories and the rare person who is kind; and Mia Goth’s striking dual roles that knit grief, desire, and projection into Victor’s unraveling. We talk color symbolism and costume design as character psychology, from blood-red guilt to nature-drenched greens and x-ray-stitched gowns. Practical effects and built sets keep the world tactile: a ship that creaks, a laboratory that feels engineered by obsession, and camera moves that play like a rock concert.

The adaptation choices matter. Setting the tale against the Crimean War reframes Victor’s ambition as morally funded by violence, while the “brain bargain” with an arms dealer sharpens the ethics of creation. Del Toro’s ending—asking for forgiveness instead of doubling down on punishment—will spark debate among purists, but it lands with emotional clarity. We wrestle with whether this is a kissing story, and arrive at something richer: a romance of care, where monstrosity looks less like stitched skin and more like the refusal to take responsibility for what you bring into the world.

If you love romantasy, gothic cinema, adaptation theory, or just want to argue about whether color motifs can break your heart, you’ll feel right at home. Hit play, then tell us your hottest Frankenstein take, share the episode with a friend, and tap follow so you never miss what we resurrect next.

Links from the News Segment and Show:

• Kimberly Lemming did a cover reveal for her latest novel - I Punched An Alien And Now We’re In Couples Therapy
  • Instagram Link
• LitJoy Crate is doing a special edition of Gail Carson Levine’s The Two Princesses of Bamarre
  • Link to LitJoy
• Cover revealed for The Wrath Gods Reap by Abigail
  • Instagram Link
• Cover revealed for Loched in Love by Jacklyn Hyde
  • Instagram Link
• Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked is releasing a prequel Galinda novel
  • Instagram Link
• Time released their 100 must read books of 2025
  • Link to article
• Threads discussion on What’s Going on in Romantasy
  • Link to Threads

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Oz isn’t just emerald and glitter; it’s a lesson in how stories get made and weaponized. We jump from Gregory Maguire’s Wicked to the Broadway phenomenon and the record-breaking film to unpack how a green-skinned girl became a political problem, a best friend, and a cultural icon. Along the way, we contrast the novel’s darker theology and politics with the musical’s friendship-forward heart and the movie’s big-screen mythmaking, asking what each version chooses to spotlight—and why.

We dig into the performances that make the film crackle: Jeff Goldblum’s attention-hoarding Wizard, Michelle Yeoh’s velvet-gloved operator as Madame Morrible, and Cynthia Erivo’s fierce, aching Elphaba who refuses to be managed. Peter Dinklage’s Dr. Dillamond turns prejudice into a gut punch, while Glinda’s arc reveals how image and approval can be tools of control.

Beyond the screen, we step through Universal’s Wicked Experience in Orlando—costumes, set pieces, and a guided path from Shiz to Emerald City—proof that modern fandom doesn’t end with credits. Then we broaden the lens: why monster stories surge in a perfection-obsessed era, how propaganda reframes dissent as danger, and what it costs to speak when silence is safer. We’re saving the “is it a kissing story” verdict for the sequel, but the first film already hits where it counts: who gets to define good, and will your friends still stand close when the posters call you wicked?

Tell us: book, musical, or movie—who nailed Oz for you? Subscribe, rate, and share to bring more listeners into the Emerald City conversation.

News and Links

• LitJoy preorders for The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black (Link)
• Cover for Adversary to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maeher (Instagram Link)
• Cover for World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon by Olivia Dade (Instagram Link)
• Author LJ Andrews has suffered a fire. Donation Link & Instagram Link
• BK Borsion’s sequel to Good Spirits (Ghosted series) will be called Grim Tidings (Instagram Link)
• Ali Hazelwood released an audio first foray into the realm of dark academia on Spotify (Link)
• Vogue Australia article on Monster Romance (Link to article)
• Hannah F Whitten is releasing a new book in 2026, Reliquary (Instagram Link)

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What if a convention put comfort, consent, and community first—and it actually worked? We unpack our weekend at the first Monsterotica BookCon in Baltimore, where a color-coded lanyard system, pronoun stickers, and clear badges turned awkward small talk into easy connection, and digital queues set us free from hours of standing in line. From first-timers to seasoned con-goers, we found a format that lowered stress, reduced FOMO, and let us focus on what we love: monster romance, author meetups, and the joy of geeking out together.

We start with how each of us discovered monster romance—Ice Planet Barbarians binges, Creature Cafe obsessions, and the case for “if it can’t pass as human, it’s a monster.” Then we dig into what made the con run smoothly: fast registration, well-briefed volunteers, and a simple schedule with real breaks. That breathing room fueled the best parts of the weekend—trading handmade goodies in the atrium, spontaneous meetups, and vendors who actually had time to talk. Panels explored creature design and why fated mates and nonhuman love stories hit so hard. Nights brought costume karaoke, a 360 video booth, and a cosplay moment for the ages with three distinct Dusk Walkers and their brides posing with author Opal Rain.

We also share candid notes on the tech: day-one hiccups in the mobile waitlist smoothed out by day two, shorter physical lines, and the sheer relief of not missing panels for signings. Vendors and authors told us they sold out and felt supported, which says everything about how the con prioritized people over chaos. By the time book trivia filled the atrium, it felt like a family table—loud, funny, and full of love for a genre that thrives on imagination and acceptance.

If you’re monster-curious, con-curious, or just love hearing how a niche community built a better fan experience, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs new reads, and leave a review to help more monster romance fans find us. What feature would your dream book con include next?

Links from the Show:

· Monster Erotica Book Con - https://monsteroticabookcon.com/

· Griefcat - https://www.instagram.com/griefcatpartytime

· Tally - https://www.instagram.com/smut.and.stitches

· Kyle - https://www.instagram.com/phasorshift

· Rich - https://www.instagram.com/minotaurreads

· Jen - https://www.instagram.com/demiangel2

· Katie - https://www.instagram.com/madcapkatiereads

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Our Romantasy BookCon Orlando 2025 recap takes you inside Orlando’s packed romantasy gathering—where authors, panels, and pop-up shops turned a sprawling venue into a surprisingly smooth reader playground. We break down what scaled well, what didn’t, and the small fixes that could make next year even better.

We start with the basics: travel, check-in, and how the con split across two ballrooms without losing flow. Ticket talk gets real—why guaranteed panel and author slots mattered more than early access—and we share how no-shows created last-minute wins for savvy attendees. From planned signings with Sarah Beth Durst and Hannah Nicole Maeher to elevator hellos and booth banter with Grace Draven and Juliet Cross, the best moments stayed personal, photographed, and unhurried.

On the vendor side, candles, stickers, and lore-inspired jewelry delivered, but we make the case for more inclusive, non-binary-leaning merch: regulation-sized mugs, ear cuffs, leather goods, and costume pieces like tiaras and horns for the ball crowd. We also spotlight the rise of on-site trading and argue for a dedicated swap zone to keep hallways clear and community buzzing. Then we wade into the night-events debate: the ball earned praise, while the high-priced Disney add-on drew mixed reviews on value and logistics. Our suggestion—keep special programming on property with thoughtful theming and shared meals that center authors and readers—aims at better experience per dollar.

You’ll also hear what creators want more of in romantasy right now: horror romance, humor and banter, real enemies-to-lovers, strong-from-page-one heroines, diverse representation, and slow burns that pay off. Our verdict: same tier next year, arrive a day earlier, pace the panels, and bring space in your bag for surprise finds.

If you enjoyed this debrief, follow Of Swords and Soulmates on Instagram and TikTok, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a quick review. What do you want more of at book cons—cozy or monstrous, mugs or tiaras? Tell us and we’ll take that wishlist to the floor.

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A crumbling manor, a lost past, and a love that refuses to stay buried—this one had us arguing, laughing, and rethinking what makes a gothic romance actually work. We dive into The Cruel Dark’s 1928 setting, the eerie allure of overgrown gardens and empty halls, and a professor whose grief and magnetism complicate everything. Along the way, we unpack whether the story leans supernatural or psychological, how poison lore (hello, datura) shapes both plot and metaphor, and why some twists satisfy while others feel like the floor just vanished under your feet.

We split on pacing and predictability, which made for a lively roundtable. Some of us wanted more breadcrumb trails toward the culprit; others loved being blindsided. We talk craft—how to seed a reveal without yelling it—and romance—how amnesia flips power dynamics and turns a brooding guardian into a man learning to love a partner who’s no longer the same. The companion novella gets a shout for deepening character stakes without breaking the original book’s perspective.

If you’re into modern gothic romance with clear trigger cues and strong vibes, we’ve got you covered with read‑alikes: Jane Eyre, Crimson Peak, Mexican Gothic, What Moves the Dead, and more. We also preview Romanticy Con, the authors on our must‑meet list, and the nerdy gear hacks we’re packing to survive long signing lines with style. Press play for atmosphere, argument, and a pile of recommendations that’ll keep your TBR haunted in the best way.

Enjoyed the conversation? Tap follow, rate the show, and share this episode with a friend who loves crumbling mansions and messy hearts. Your reviews help other romantasy readers find us—tell us where you landed on the twist!

Links from the News Segment and Show

• Sequel to Shield of Sparrows has been announced
  • Rites of the Starlimg
    • Instagram Link
• Between by L L Starling audiobook now available on audiobook
  • Instagram Link
• New special edition of Quicksilver from Lilac Library
  • Store link
• Juliette Cross’s sequel to her Wraith King releases October 2025
  • Instagram Link
• Leigh Bardugo releasing a new Six of Crows story - A Darker Shore
  • Instagram Link
• Sebastian Nothwell’s Oak King Holly King available on audiobook
  • Instagram Link
• An Outstretched Hand: A Tarot Spread of Queer Stories - anthology with several notable author
  • Instagram Link

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Love might not stop a war, but it can teach you how to survive one. We head to the 1840s Texas–Mexico border for a deep dive on Vampires of El Norte—a gothic western where a curandera’s courage, a vaquero’s haunted past, and a community’s quiet wisdom collide with empire, folklore, and the brutal math of power. We talk about what the jacket copy promises versus what the story actually delivers: less monster mania, more human menace; vampires as instruments of occupation; and a romance built on competence, care, and the hard work of choosing each other.

Kelly unpacks the Mexican–American War and why the frontier wasn’t empty but contested—shaped by unstable governance, predatory expansion, and everyday people forced to pick up arms. Mari and Ashley trace how the book re-centers the western around women’s networks and practical magic—salt in a saddlebag, a healer’s steady hands, a willingness to learn the rules so you can break them. JP asks for more supernatural lift and we explore that tension: when restraint in horror serves realism, and when readers crave a bolder turn. Along the way we cover narration choices, code-switching that feels organic, and why this prose lands like poetry without ever getting purple.

If you’re here for romance, we make the case that this is absolutely a kissing book—the kind where teaching someone to read is as intimate as a kiss, where decapitating a threat to save your partner is an act of love, and where the ending’s “happy for now” feels honest in a world still ruled by men with guns and ledgers. Expect talk of colonialism, patriarchy, colorism, found family, and one unforgettable look across the water that leaves room for mystery.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves gothic romance, and leave a quick review so more readers can find us. Your recs drive our next picks—what frontier tale should we explore next?

Links from the Show

• Correction. Mari said the con Ruby Dixon runs is Sinners and Saints. It is not. In fact, it is Vixens and Villains.
• Book 4 in Assistant and the Villain series will be Adversary to the Villain
  • Instagram Link
  • Releases August 2026
• Abigail Owen will be at NYC ComicCon and doing a panel and book signing
• Facebook Info Link
• The Spellshop book 3 will be Sea of Charms
  • Releases July 2026
• Book 2 in the Stonewater Kingdom series will be The Knave and the Moon
  • Releases Sept 2026
• Alchemised by SenLinYu has sold film rights to Legendary Entertainment in a seven-figure deal
  • Instagram Link
• BK Borison is releasing a paranormal holiday romance involving the ghost of Christmas past this month called Good Spirits
  • Amazon Link
• After the End Kickstarter campaign from Ali Hazelwood and Adriana Herrera completed
  • Fully funded in 4 minutes, 8th highest funded publishing project of all time
  • Kickstarter Link

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Entering the bustling world of book conventions can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or contemplating your first literary gathering, navigating these events requires strategy, preparation, and the right mindset.

Our hosts share their collective experiences from various book conventions, offering insights from both sides of the table. They break down what makes these events special—the unexpected joy of meeting authors on the convention floor, the treasure hunt for exclusive editions, and the unparalleled feeling of being surrounded by people who share your literary passions.

The conversation dives deep into practical preparation: from researching events thoroughly (Is this their first year? What are past attendees saying?) to the logistics of transportation, accommodation, and those easily overlooked hidden costs. The hosts emphasize the importance of bringing a book cart—that unexpected hero of the convention experience—and share clever organizational hacks like using post-it notes to mark signature pages and preparing an emergency "cosplay first aid kit" complete with safety pins and duct tape.

Beyond the practical advice, the discussion tackles important etiquette considerations that enhance everyone's experience. The team emphasizes patience, inclusivity, and respecting boundaries—reminding listeners that "cosplay is not consent" and highlighting the importance of making conventions accessible and enjoyable for attendees of all abilities. Their candid discussion about "acting right" provides a refreshing perspective on creating a positive convention culture.

Ready to dive into the world of book conventions? Listen now to arm yourself with insider knowledge that will transform your next literary gathering from potentially overwhelming to absolutely unforgettable. And don't forget—break in those shoes before you go!

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