High school besties from Northwest Arkansas, Tera Palozola and Sandra Bruxvoort take a timeout from parenting to read books and binge film—romantasy, fantasy, and romance being their favorite genres.
Subscribe for discussions on series by Sarah J Maas (Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), Crescent City); Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm (Empyrean series) by Rebecca Yarros; and other popular media.
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Email: storydarlings@gmail.com
High school besties from Northwest Arkansas, Tera Palozola and Sandra Bruxvoort take a timeout from parenting to read books and binge film—romantasy, fantasy, and romance being their favorite genres.
Subscribe for discussions on series by Sarah J Maas (Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), Crescent City); Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm (Empyrean series) by Rebecca Yarros; and other popular media.
Follow @StoryDarlings
Email: storydarlings@gmail.com
We had the honor of speaking with the prolific Sariah Wilson in today's episode! Sariah is the author of nearly 30 romance and romantasy novels, including The Paid Bridesmaid, The Chemistry of Love, and now her debut romantasy trilogy The Eye of the Goddess, which concludes in December with A Curse of Ashes.
You may recall Sariah's name on the show because back in May 2024, Sandra read The Chemistry of Love for Tera's birthday month. And when Sandra caught wind that Tera's favorite author was publishing her first romantasy, A Tribute of Fire, the Darlings hosted a readalong. Be on the lookout for a deep-dive of A Vow of Embers.
In this episode, Sariah shares her unique path in becoming a novelist, her love of all things Greek mythology, her recent signing with Ben Barnes, and planned spin-offs for The Eye of the Goddess.
It was such a pleasure to have Sariah Wilson on the show—check out her books!
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Today we welcome Audrey Goldberg Ruoff to the show! Audrey is the author of the cozy (but steamy) debut fantasy romance novel HOPELESSLY TEAVOTED, which releases today, September 16, right in time for #BiWeek
Everyone, go support Audrey by picking up a copy of her novel. And then add the companion novel Vengefully Matched to your TBR!
Audrey, it was such a pleasure sitting down to chat with you. Thank you for joining the show!
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We're so pleased to welcome Bea Northwick to the show! Bea is the author of the award-winning twisty gothic romance THE CRUEL DARK and its companion novella LOVER, and today is the release of her sophomore novel BLACKWICKET.
In this interview, Bea opens up and shares her inspiration for the nuanced magic system in her latest novel (the FMC, Eleanora Blackwicket, is a curse-eater returning home to bury her older sister with an inspector Victor Harrow hot on her trail).
Bea also shares her methodical approach to writing, how she overcomes writer's block, and teases what might be coming for readers in 2026.
Learn more about Bea and get merch and signed copies of her books at: https://www.northwickbooks.com/
Blackwicket, The Cruel Dark, and Lover are also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting the show. An enormous thank you to Bea Northwick for sitting down to chat with us. It was our pleasure!
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Today, we welcome multi-genre author Jade Kim Monsen to the show! Jade is the author of Milk and Blood, a literary fiction novel about motherhood, and recently, she published her second novel Nylos in the Cache, a YA scifi fantasy that boasts darker themes, incredible worldbuilding and lore, and a diverse cast of characters.
In this interview, Jade shares her 10-year journey in writing Nylos—from idea to publication—her creative process, lessons learned, and what's next as an author.
Learn more about Jade and get signed copies of her books at: https://www.jadekimmonsen.com/
You can order her books wherever you shop online. Currently, the ebooks for Nylos in the Cache and Milk and Blood are available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show.
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We’re thrilled to sit down and chat with Veronica Lancet, author of Fairydale and other dark romance stories! Grab your copy in stores everywhere today, 8/19.Veronica shares Fairydale’s cozy beginnings, gives us the scoop on her backlist and forthcoming work, and talks about that time she got a white Pomeranian—as inspired by her Barbi and the Villain story.
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
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A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson—Holy Greek mythology, Batman! We need A Vow of Embers RIGHT NOW!
In this episode of Story Darlings, Tera and Sandra talk (chaotically) about everything that happened in Sariah Wilson's debut romantasy book. This is pretty much Tera's dream because she gets to wax poetic on Greek mythology for 90% of this episode. 🤣
Pack your homemade pasteli and join us as we banter very non-seriously about our favorite scenes from A Tribute of Fire, Greek myth parallels, and theories for where Sariah will take us next.
The sequel A Vow of Embers comes out July 8, and we can't wait! In the meantime, we hope you'll join us this month for our May book of the month pick—A Song of Achilles.
Prepare to have your heart broken.
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A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen is the first book in the Saga of the Unfated duology—a Norse-inspired fantasy romance with rune magic, prophecies, tangled destinies, and sloooow-burn tension that burns as hot as Bjorn's axe. 😉
We discuss Freya's marriage to Vragi (and her horrible relationship with her mother and brother), the foreshadowing of the gods at war—particularly Hlin and another—as well as Bjorn's family drama with Snorri, Ylva, Leif, and the loss of his mother.
Grab your mead and join us as we share some of our favorite scenes from A Fate Inked in Blood, plus thoughts on what happens next in the sequel.
The final book A Curse Carved in Bone comes out May 13!
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Quicksilver by Callie Hart is book one in the wildly popular Fae & Alchemy romantasy series, first indie published in June 2024. The series has since been picked up for traditional publication, as well as sold at auction in a 7-figure deal for possible adaptation at Netflix.
The story follows 24-year-old thief Saeris Fane and her 20-year-old brother Hayden who are residents of the water-deprived Third Ward in Zilvaren, which is currently under the harsh rule of the Undying Queen Madra. Also living in the Third Ward? Sexy, swaggering Carrion Fvcking Swift, opportunistic smuggler extraordinaire.
But the real scene-stealer is grumpy, shadow-daddy, Kingfisher, who is slowly losing his mind from one too many travels through the quicksilver.
Quicksilver is a steamy, riotously hilarious book with fae, vampires, zombie-esque vampires, sprites, gods, dragons, sentient metals, and all manner of creatures in-between. There's also unique portal magic!
The sequel Brimstone will be released on November 18, 2025, and we can't wait to talk about it!
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
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Season 4 kicks off with ONYX STORM by Rebecca Yarros, an absolute MASTERPIECE of a mid-series book. The word play, the foreshadowing, the questions answered, the banter, the love, Professor Riorson, the chocolate cake, the DRAMA. The best Empyrean book yet!
Hope you enjoy our lively discussion on major happenings and some crackpot theories for what's next.
We're giving this book 6 ONYX STARS.
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Happy book birthday to Tale of the Heart Queen by Nisha J Tuli! Today, the Darlings discuss the big finale to the Artefacts of Ouranos quartet (otherwise known as the Trial of the Sun Queen books), and it was a CHONKER.
Is Lor able to save Nadir and get her happily ever after? What becomes of Nadir and Amara’s father, Rion the Aurora King? And what about Grumpy Gabriel and Tyr—do they find freedom and happiness once again? Better yet—what happens to that bish, Apricia? 😂
We talk through everything that happens with our spunky, soap-loving Heart Queen, the scary ozziller, and the conclusion to this beautiful (spicy) fantasy world.
Be sure to pick up your copy of Tale of the Heart Queen!
(And our sincerest apologies—in the first handful of minutes—apparently Tera's dogs needed to get their steps in for the day. But at least her chair isn't squeaking today?) 😆
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon is a debut Asian adult fantasy proudly featuring inspo from the Philippines and Filipino culture.
With the slowwwwest enemies-to-lovers burn, this is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy that takes its time getting to the "lovers" part of the trope. 😂
Today, we're super excited to talk about Alaric and Talasyn's enemy story, the book's Filipino influence, and its origins as Reylo fanfic.
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Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole completes our journey of The Kindred's Curse Saga! Well, until Burn of the Everflame is released, anyway. 😂
Honorary Story Darling, Jess Jurhs, joins Tera and Sandra again for some final discussion on everything that happened in book 3. What happened with Diem's coronation ceremony? Does she ever find out who her father is? And what about Auralie—whose side is she on anyway?
And the burning question that has us ALL hot and bothered: do Diem and Luther ever get it on? Let's talk about it!
We're once again (lovingly) beseeching Penn Cole to share the release date for Burn of the Everflame. We need it now! 😫
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
Where to find Jess:Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiaras.and.books
Gym Was Cancelled podcast: https://anchor.fm/gymcancelledpod
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GLOW OF THE EVERFLAME BY PENN COLE. The madness continues with the sequel to Spark of the Everflame—the strongest installment yet!
We're joined again by honorary Story Darling, Jess Jurhs, and she has some personal offenses to surface with Tera and Sandra. (Don't worry—we're all still friends!) 😂
The trio of Darlings discuss Diem's affinity for power, her poor decision-making skills, and Jess does a lot of chuckling behind her book as Tera and Sandra share their thoughts and theories as to what the heck is going on.
It'll be bittersweet to return next week on 11/5 to discuss the third book with Jess, Heat of the Everflame.
PENN COLE, Burn of the Everflame when?? 😫
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
Where to find Jess: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiaras.and.books
Gym Was Cancelled podcast: https://anchor.fm/gymcancelledpod
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Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole! IS THE KINDRED'S CURSE SAGA OUR NEW FAVORITE ROMANTASY OBSESSION?? I think so!
We're joined by honorary Story Darling, Jess Jurhs from Gym Was Cancelled: A Buffycast to talk all-things Diem Bellator, Luther Corbois, unhinged theories, and even Hunger Games and Vampire Diaries lol.
Buckle up for the most chaotic book discussion ever, but the good news is that Jess will be back to discuss Glow of the Everflame and Heat of the Everflame for our 10/29 and 11/5 episodes!
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
Where to find Jess: Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiaras.and.books
Gym Was Cancelled podcast: https://anchor.fm/gymcancelledpod
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The Cruel Dark is a twisty, gothic romance by author Bea Northwick and is absolutely worth the read! With the perfect atmosphere for spooky season, swoon-worthy romance scenes and smut, and a twisty ending, you can find it on Kindle Unlimited, order a paperback copy through Amazon, or purchase signed copies and special hardcovers from the author's website.
Quick update on the author's special giveaway for 1 million pages read on KU: The Cruel Dark crossed the 1M mark! YAYYYYYY!
The Cruel Dark has a companion novella called Lover (also on KU) that you will want to pick up immediately after reading The Cruel Dark—just avoid reading Lover until after you've read TCD or else you'll spoil yourself!
Happy October! Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show! 🖤
The Cruel Dark on KU: https://a.co/d/2UUnIMF
Bea Northwick's website: https://www.northwickbooks.com/signedbooks
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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover. October 1 marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so we thought we'd release the sequel discussion to our It Ends With Us episode.
In this follow-up book, one year has passed and Lily has to balance her divorce from Ryle, co-parenting with him, and navigating her complicated, newfound relationship with Atlas.
Like so many mothers who escape their abusive relationship, the challenge then becomes grappling with the guilt and shame of dating again and feeling deserving of love while their ex does everything they can to interfere with that happiness and independence. In Lily's situation, she learns that Ryle isn't progressing at all with his anger management and is still very much struggling with his childhood trauma.
Meanwhile, Atlas steps up into his new role as a father figure, not just for Emerson, but for his little brother he never knew existed.
It Starts With Us is filled with heartfelt moments and feel-good growth, and readers get to finally see Lily and Atlas's long-coming happily ever after, wrapping up their story beautifully.
For domestic violence resources: https://www.thehotline.org/
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
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Happy book birthday to A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan! And a big thank you to Avon for the advance reader copy. With Sophie Jordan's considerable backlist of romance novels and YA romantasy, this marks her debut into the adult romantasy genre, and it was a fun ride!
If you're curious about the book's tropes, you will find: Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, orphaned MCs, multiple POVs, a sorta (not really) love triangle, dragons, witches, and deliciously slow burn romance. There are centuries old conflicts and perilous landscapes and creatures, and with the story's slower pacing, readers can take their time and savor the reveals and romantic tension.
Per usual, the Darlings kick off this episode with no spoilers, and they give a spoiler warning before diving in too deeply. You can find A Fire in the Sky at your local retailer, but be quick, because the first edition first print runs feature gorgeous colored end papers and royal blue stained edges, along with fun bits of art sprinkled throughout.
Get your copy: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Sky-Novel-Sophie-Jordan/dp/0063399997
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It's time to vote on the Story Darlings Amazon Book Club pick for October! In this episode, Tera and Sandra discuss some of the latest book submissions, which include: Gild by Raven Kennedy, Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole, A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen, and more!
Previous submissions include When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire and Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and The Wicked in Me by Suzanne Wright.
The Darlings already plan to cover The Cruel Dark, The Hurricane Wars, Tale of the Heart Queen, and Onyx Storm in future episodes.
You can vote for more than one book, and votes will be tallied across our Spotify poll, Instagram polls, and Amazon Book Club the week of Sept 17. So get out there and vote!
Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. Remember to subscribe to Story Darlings on YouTube and to drop a rating/review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it helps so much!
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We're back with The Finish Line by Kate Stewart! This is the third and final book in The Ravenhood series, BUT if you're looking for more discussions on the boys of the 'hood, stay tuned because we may just cover the spin-off series, Ravenhood Legacy, here on Story Darlings for next year! 😉
Where Flock and Exodus were very much focused on Cecilia's story, The Finish Line really centers on Tobias and his upbringing with Dom—though Cecilia is still very much integral to the development of this book's plot.
Kate Stewart creates a story here that helps us accept and fall in love with the elder King brother, shows us the origins of the Ravenhood, and grants us some closure to what happened with Dominic and Sean in the earlier books.
And not to mention, we DO get Cecilia's happily ever after. At long last!
We hope you enjoy this episode. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show!
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We're back with our August Amazon Book Club pick, The Mist Thief by LJ Andrews! This is the third book in The Ever Seas and, this time around, we follow shameless flirt, Prince Jonas of the Alvers, and the impenetrable Skadi of the shadow elven.
This might be Tera and Sandra's favorite book yet, and they'd definitely agree that each book continues to get better and better. The Mist Thief is centered on the enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage of Jonas and Skadi, and their love story turned out to be ridiculously heartwarming and hilarious.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Stay tuned for our next Ever Seas discussion, which will cover the fourth book, The Stolen Crown, in October. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the show.
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