Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 36–End (Finale!)Description: The Romanty Roundtable has survived the third-quarter slump and is finally done with A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire! Amanda, Kim, and Rick close the book on Poppy and Casteel's chaotic journey, covering the final, explosive chapters (36 through 45). They discuss the long-awaited wedding, a sudden battle, a heartbreaking betrayal, and a shocking divine power-up in the final minutes. The crew gives their definitive final ratings, debates the concept of "soul eating," and celebrates the fact that the two best parts of the book were, unfortunately, the last two chapters.Key Topics Discussed: * The Atlantian Wedding: Poppy and Casteel actually get married in a surprisingly un-Christian ritual, complete with burying rings and a mark of union on their palms. * The Best Bad Sentence: We revisit the terrible, cringe dialogue, including the line: "I've always known you like that I enjoy when you make me bleed." * The Final Betrayal: The crew reacts to the unexpected traitorous plot twist involving the "cute little puppy" Becket, and the subsequent "Red Wedding" chaos. * The Power-Up: Poppy discovers a terrifying new use of her empath skills: soul eating and channeling hatred back at her attackers, causing the sky to rain blood. * The Divine Reveal: In the book's climax, Casteel kneels, Queen Eloana abdicates, and Poppy is proclaimed the rightful Queen, the descendant of the King of the Gods. * Join or Don't: We discuss the constant teasing of the threesome/joining and the consensus that the third book has to deliver. * Hot Takes & Final Ratings: The crew gives their final star rating (a reluctant 2.5 ⭐️) and "soup" score for the whole book, concluding that author Jenny should stick to writing plot, not romance.Next Up: Omegaverse!We’re putting away the heartmates and jumping into Mate by Ali Hazelwood, the highly anticipated paranormal companion novel.Join us next time as we begin reading Chapters 1–12!

Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 24–35Description: The Romantasy Roundtable returns, barely surviving the third-quarter slump of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. Amanda, Kim, and Rick tackle bacon jokes from 2013, the world’s slowest “joining” talk, soup in the soup, and an alarming number of thumb references. Somewhere between hot springs foreplay and military strategy, our trio wonders if anything in this book actually happens—or if we’re all just second-screening it at this point.Highlights include:The Joining Threesome That Wasn’t: Poppy, Castile, and Kieran keep talking about it, and everyone just wants them to do it already.Juice Box Chronicles: Kieran supervises the world’s most awkward feeding scene while Rick logs every thumb movement.Spark Notes & Show Your Spark: Poppy gains lightning, healing powers, and a personal fan club of wolves who think she smells like mothballs.Soup in the Soup: The hot-spring scene finally happens, complete with recycled cave romance energy and deeply questionable dialogue.Drama at Spessa’s End: Political betrayals, dead side characters we barely met, and Poppy declaring she’s ready to fight while everyone else begs her to stay in the tent and heal.The Fire Rises: The Ascended are marching, Rick is losing the will to live, and Kim sneezes through the prophecy of “one more soup scene.”Plus: Comic-Con shout-outs, Kingdom of Threads merch obsession, “halp” frogs, and confirmation that the pod loves The Life of a Showgirl more than this entire series.Next up: Chapters 36–End—expect chaos, confessions, and (allegedly) the final bowl of soup.

Episode Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire – Chapters 13–23Description: The Romanty Roundtable continues the chaos with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, covering chapters 13–23. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack Atlantean lore dumps, blood-soaked battles, pantry makeouts, and a very questionable use of the word “honeydew.” From cave cats and silver hawks to Dead Bones cannibals and heartmate drama, this section of the book gives us everything from messy soup scenes to Hot Topic-level life mottos.Key Topics Discussed:Library Laps & Lightning Teases – Poppy learns about empath warriors while being forcibly lap-sat, discovers wyverns (not dragons), and sparks that might foreshadow a fiery new signet.Ascended Attack – Lord Cheney (aka Dick Cheney) kidnaps Poppy mid-chaos, baby-eating vamps abound, and Castile rips out throats with war-crime efficiency.Carriage Carnage – Poppy stabs her way to survival with the legendary “meat knife” before Castile goes full dramatic rescue and feeds her his blood.Pantry Passion – A supply closet smooch with Castile gives us heat, vegetables, and the classic fake-engagement angst.Cheney’s Final Curtain – Poppy gets her vengeance with the bloodstone dagger, while Kieran and Castile’s wolven bond raises more moral questions than answers.Soup Complaints – A nightmare, an ick-inducing bedside feeding, and nipple pain discourse lead to one of the weirdest soup scenes yet.Dead Bones Clan Throwdown – Skin masks, bone windchimes, and Poppy proving she can slay with a bloodstone bow. Action scene clarity not included.Pompei & Spessa’s End – Ruins, secret strongholds, and Atlantian plumbing logistics: showers exist… sometimes.Honeydew & Heartmates – Castile’s trance-feeding ends with the worst pet name ever, before Kieran drops the “heartmate” bomb that no one asked for.Join us for pantry kisses, bone masks, and Hot Topic one-liners. Next stop: Chapters 24–35—pack your cloaks, cave cats, and emotional support wolven.

Description: The Romanty Roundtable is BACK with Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, and Poppy wastes no time reminding us why she’s the queen of chaotic inner monologues. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into the opening 12 chapters, covering bloody banquets, lore dumps, tree bears, and lap-sitting that nobody actually asked for. Expect unhinged notes, vampire math equations, and the revelation that Castile’s full name is somehow worse than we imagined.Key Topics Discussed:* Marriage Ultimatum – Castile proposes (or, well, demands) marriage, Poppy fumes, and everyone wonders how long we can drag out this conversation. Spoiler: 200 pages.* Heart-Ripping Romance – From banquet brawls to Indiana Jones callbacks, Castile proves that tearing out hearts is just his love language.* Vampire Math 101 – Mortals + blood loss = Craven? Mortals + Atlantean blood = Ascended? Maybe it’s Maybelline.* Tree Bears & Bear Rats – The animal kingdom of Atlantia is unhinged, and Jennifer L. Armentrout is just making up vibes.* Middle Name Madness – Hawkthrone. Yes, that’s really his middle name. No, we are not okay.* One Throne, One Horse – Lap-sitting at dinner cements the “one throne” trope. Ergonomics be damned.* Lore Dumps & Bloodlines – Seven Atlantean subtypes, changelings, wolven bonds, and why Poppy is giving “extinct bloodline, but make it main character energy.”* Hallmark Moments – Castile promises her a diamond so big it enters the room before she does. Romantic? Terrifying? Both.Join us for heart-ripping, lap-sitting, and tree bear spotting. Next stop: Chapters 13–23. Bring your snowballs, inner hips, and at least one spare throne.

???? Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 36–End???? Description: The Romanty Roundtable closes out Kaylie Smith’s Enchantra with a finale full of bargains, betrayals, memory wipes, and one very stubborn fox. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the final chapters as Genevieve and Rowan descend into hell, face Knox’s manipulations, and fight through the last deadly round of the Hunt. Expect shadow soup, soul lock drama, and an ending that had us equal parts swooning and side-eyeing.???? Key Topics Discussed:* Hell is Basically Norway? – Demons, shops, fans on “Enchantrogram,” and why Knox’s estate feels more like a goth shopping district than eternal damnation.* Bargains on Bargains – Knox tempts Rowan and Genevieve with freedom, cures, and impossible choices, while our duo proves their love with some very messy confessions.* The Trove & The Soul Lock – A James Bond-style villain monologue meets foreshadowed trinkets as Genevieve makes her fateful pick.* Final Rounds & Fake-Outs – Ellen bows out, Rowan vs. Grave hits heel-turn territory, and the ultimate sacrifice lands in Genevieve’s hands (and locket).* Memory Loss Meltdown – Genevieve wakes up without Rowan, Salem gets snarky, and we all collectively groan at the “amnesia trope”… until the letters (and a certain ring) start rolling in.* The Ring & The Reunion – Rowan trades his immortality, Genevieve chooses love, and the waterfront kiss delivers the romantasy payoff.* Epilogue Set-Up – Crimson rot cures, devil frat houses, and the looming big bad king—plus, Lucy’s subplot heating up for book three.* Soup Ratings & Star Ratings – Was the shadow soup hot enough? Did the pacing land? We debate and land on an average of 3.5 cans of soup and 4 stars.???? Join us for devil bargains, shadow kisses, and fox squeals. Book three is coming—bring your keg stands and soul lockets.

Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 17–35Description: The Romanty Roundtable dives back into Kaylie Smith’s Enchantra, covering chapters 17–35—aka the absolute chaos portion of the book. Amanda, Kim, and Rick wade through deadly hunts, shadow soup, fox games, piranha attacks, and family rituals that make Thanksgiving dinner look tame. Expect labyrinth chills, Umbra adoration, and some of the spiciest shadow play we’ve read yet.Key Topics Discussed:* The Hunt Heats Up – Grave’s turn in the labyrinth brings Squid Game vibes, horror-movie choices, and one too many flimsy dresses in the snow.* Two Truths & a Lie – Rowan and Genevieve crack open their pasts with games that double as surprisingly emotional intimacy-building.* Umbra Supremacy – The little black fox steals the show (and our hearts), from flower crowns to tragic piranha drama.* Shadow Soup™ – Rowan brings his shadows into the mix for a scene none of us were prepared for. Extra hands, extra spice.* Birthday Stabbings & Family Secrets – Genevieve’s birthday dinner involves stabbing Dad and spilling secrets. Because of course it does.* Fox Says… – A trust-building, very not-PG version of Simon Says that escalates fast.* Betrayals & Confessions – From bets on Genevieve to Rowan’s secret letter-writing past, trust is tested and love is confessed.* Predictions & Theories – Will Genevieve win the Hunt? Or is a trip to hell (literally) setting the stage for book three?Join us for labyrinth chills, shadow thrills, and Umbra squeals. Only one round left in the Hunt—place your bets and hide your foxes.

Episode Title: Enchantra – Chapters 1–17Description: We’re back with a brand-new series! The Romantasy Roundtable crew embarks on a new gothic romantasy journey with the highly anticipated sequel to Fantasma, Enchantra by Kylie Smith. Amanda, Kim, and Rick discuss the book's first 17 chapters, following Ophelia's sister, Genevieve Grim, as she enters a whole new world of paranormal chaos. From a mysterious new love interest and a deadly scavenger hunt to ancient curses and a whole lot of questions about who is who, the crew breaks down the introduction to the Enchantra world and Genevieve’s new role in the hunt. Expect discussions on chaotic book boy names, the difference between an acceptable and unacceptable "okay" movie, and a very wholesome “soup” scene.Key Topics Discussed:Welcome to Enchantra – We dive into a new book and a new world, picking up right where Phantasma left off and following Genevieve as she travels to Italy to find her mother’s old friend.The Hunt – The crew breaks down the deadly game the Silver family is forced to participate in every year, and the shocking revelation that Genevieve must join them.A New Kind of Book Boy – The gang discusses Genevieve’s introduction to a new kind of book boyfriend, Rowan, a Shadow Wraith whose mysterious past and alluring nature has them all a little confused.Family Secrets – We discuss the complicated family dynamics of the Silver family, their ancient curse, and the unresolved mystery of what a Spectre is.The Soup Scene – The long-awaited discussion of a very wholesome but very forgettable “soup” scene.Final Thoughts & Predictions – The Romantasy Roundtable rates the book so far, gives some wild guesses, and speculates wildly about what’s to come.Join us for more secrets, more curses, and more chaotic energy. Chapters 18–35 are next—bring your tin foil hats and some more soup!

Episode Title: The Knight and the Moth – Chapters 15–EndDescription: The Romanty Roundtable returns to the haunted moors of Traum for the final stretch of The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig—and what a wild ride it is. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dissect the closing chapters of this gothic romantasy, from sprite showdowns and knightly confessions to shocking betrayals and a gargoyle reveal that had us all yelling. Expect boss-battle energy, found-family feels, and exactly one can of soup (complimentary).Key Topics Discussed:* Sprite Trouble & Omen Hunts – From mountain sprites to the Heartsore Weaver, we follow Cibil’s dangerous encounters and growing mastery with her hammer, chisel, and magic coin.* Rituals, Revelations, & Rory – Cold-water ceremonies, political pomp, and Rory’s steadfast (if slightly too quick) devotion to our Diver-turned-knight.* Boss Battle Bliss – A thunderous fight with the Ardent Oarsman that cements Cibil’s strength—and raises new mysteries about her past.* Gargoyle Gatekeeping – The truth about the first Diver, the Abbis’ twisted plans, and why our beloved Bartholomew might just be the best Disney-style sidekick never drawn.* Benji’s Heel Turn – The shocking betrayal, the wing-shattering cruelty, and how this sets the stage for an epic duology finale.* Soup Scene Review – Sweet, gentle, and… easy to forget. One can, no spice.* Predictions for Book Two – Sprite alliances, gargoyle armies, and why Ma should probably start drafting her will.Join us for prophecies, betrayals, and pining across battlefield ruins. The second (and final!) book awaits—bring your gargoyle snacks and vengeance lists.

Episode Title: The Knight and the Moth – Chapters 1–14Description: The Romanty Roundtable embarks on a brand-new gothic romantasy journey with The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig. Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the first 14 chapters of this moody, magical tale set in the haunted moors of Traum. From cathedral drownings and cryptic prophecies to knife-to-throat banter and suspiciously hot knights, the crew dissects the eerie worldbuilding, ominous omens, and slow-burn tension between our divine dreamer and the heretical knight who doesn’t believe a word she says. Expect moth metaphors, theological debates, and just enough book boy thirst to keep things holy.Key Topics Discussed:* Opening Vibes & Gothic Atmosphere – The trio gushes over Gillig’s prose, the cathedral setting, and the windswept moors, while struggling to pin down Traum’s religious and political structure.* The Diviner’s Burden – We break down Sybil “Six” Delling’s life as a prophecy-prisoner, her role in serving the Six Omens, and the claustrophobic isolation of Aisling Cathedral.* Enter the Knight – Rodrick “Rory” Myndacious rides in with heresy, sarcasm, and zero patience for divine visions. Cue the banter and mutual distrust.* Knife Scene™ Energy – A tense, blade-to-throat confrontation turns into a mutual understanding… sort of.* The Escape & the Pilgrimage – Six’s reluctant journey with Rory kicks off, complete with countryside tension, questions of faith, and some slow-burn horse proximity.* Moth & Light Symbolism – We break down the moth motif, its ties to prophecy, and how Gillig uses it to foreshadow emotional and romantic arcs.* Predictions & Theories – Who are the real villains—divine forces, mortal politics, or Rory himself? And what’s the endgame for Six’s prophecies?* Bonus Reads & Recs – Amanda’s latest romantasy haul, Kim’s current dark fantasy obsession, and Rick’s ongoing Throne of Glass read.Join us for prophecies, politics, and pining on horseback. Chapter 15–28 is next—bring your moth nets and heresy shields.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 35–EndDescription: The Devil’s Manor saga comes to a blood-soaked, betrayal-packed close—and the Romanty Roundtable is here to scream about it. Amanda, Kim, and Rick finish Phantasma by Kaylie Smith with a finale episode full of spicy phantom angst, crown conspiracies, and emotionally devastating sister drama. As Ophelia faces the final trials, confronts her dark past, and makes her last soup-laced choices, the crew dives into the book’s big reveals, lore dumps, and unhinged epilogues. Did it stick the landing? Were we emotionally okay afterward? No and also no. But we had fun.Key Topics Discussed:Phantom Sex & Shadow Voices – Ophelia finally lets go—emotionally, mentally, and physically—with Blackwell. We break down the power of consent, trauma recovery, and… floating ghost cuddles.Salmaestrus & the Devil Crown Lore Drop – Demon dads, political betrayals, angelic ancestry, and bargain loopholes galore. Amanda explains the whole Devil’s Grant system like we’re five.OCD Metaphors & Mental Health Payoff – Ophelia's shadow voice arc comes full circle in a way that’s powerful, tender, and genuinely therapeutic. We cried. A lot.The Final Trial & The Real Devil – Forget Hunger Games. Ophelia goes full sacrificial lamb, Rick loses it over the sword moment, and we all scream at the final reveal of Sinclair.The Epilogue(s) – Blackwell’s back (ish), Ophelia's free (maybe), and no one is okay. We debate the open ending, mourn missing soup, and spiral over the possible Book 2 vibes.Rating & Reflection – Stars are given, predictions are re-evaluated, and the group talks about what worked, what didn’t, and why we’re still haunted by Poe the cat.Join us for one last round of chaos, coping, and catharsis as we put Phantasma to rest. We laughed, we screamed, we made soup metaphors. And we’ll probably summon Blackwell one last time… just to be sure.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 18–34Description: Things heat up—and bleed—on the latest episode of Romanty Roundtable. Amanda, Kim, and Rick dive into chapters 18 through 34 of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, tackling phantom thirst traps, demon drama, and the existential horrors of the gluttony level (whatever that was). With blood rain, teleportation sex, and soul-deep OCD metaphors, the gang breaks down Oilia’s increasingly high-stakes trials inside Devil’s Manor and her spiraling bond with our favorite ghostly himbo, Blackwell. Plus: soup theories, devil politics, Sims achievements, and a bourbon-fueled educational tangent you didn’t know you needed.Key Topics Discussed:* BookTok & Bookstagram Updates – The team reflects on their growing TikTok community, Instagram apathy, and Rick’s descent into algorithm addiction.* OCD, Shadow Voices & Literary Representation – Amanda gets real about OCD representation, praising Kaylie Smith’s depiction of intrusive thoughts and internal chaos.* The Lust Level (Yes, There’s Soup) – Bloodlust, fake Blackwell, a vampire orgy maze, and some truly gendered soup dynamics. It’s giving Top Ramen, but haunted.* The Greed Cage Death Trap – Gilded cages over lava? Moral dilemmas? Cade f***ing Barlo being the worst? Yup. Cue existential dread.* Gluttony Level Confusion – Pendulums, gold bars, and chessboard mechanics no one understands. Reading on vibes only.* Wrath & the Consensus Escape – Group trauma bonding, a musical chairs-style death match, and Edna being the MVP.* Phantom Soup & Ghost Physiology – They did the ghost with the most. In blood rain. While floating. Questions remain.* Sinclair, Secrets & Betrayal – We meet the devil daddy prince Salmaestrus (aka Sal Mistress), learn Blackwell’s hiding things, and Oilia spirals.* Predictions & Theories – Angelic ancestry? Genevieve endgame twist? Will Oilia forfeit or fight? Also: what even are spectres?* Bonus Reads & Bourbon Rants – Amanda teaches Bourbon 101, Kim’s watching Netflix again, and Rick is deep in his tandem Throne of Glass read. Plus: the literary war crime that is Pizza My Heart.Join us for teleportation make-outs, shadow voice therapy, and a very serious discussion of Sims ghost woohoo achievements. Homework: finish Phantasma! Soup and secrets await.

Episode Title: Phantasma – Chapters 1–17Description: The Romanty Roundtable trio kicks off Fantasma by Kaylie Smith with their signature blend of literary insight and chaotic charm. In this episode, Amanda, Kim, and Rick unpack the first 17 chapters of this gothic romantasy adventure set in a haunted New Orleans. From phantom flirtations and necromantic rituals to soup dreams and ghost cats, the team breaks down the eerie vibes, complex magic system, and early trials of the Devil’s Manor competition—all while making wildly accurate predictions, literary deep dives, and a surprising number of Danny Phantom references.Key Topics Discussed:Technical Difficulties & TikTok Shoutouts – The crew fights through dying fans and phantom mics, gives love to BookTok followers, and teases upcoming reads including The Knight and the Moth.Setting & Style – Praise (and confusion) for the New Orleans setting, gothic atmosphere, and the unclear time period—carriages and septum piercings?OCD Representation & Shadow Voice – Amanda discusses the depiction of OCD through Oilia’s intrusive thoughts and internal “shadow voice,” sharing both personal insights and community feedback.Hierarchy of the Paranormal – The group nerds out over the glossary chart, breaking down demons, ghosts, necromancers, and ephemerals.Ophelia's Journey – From her mother’s death and the magical inheritance ritual to finding herself trapped in Fantasma, Ophelia struggles with responsibility, family legacy, and (of course) hot ghosts.Blackwell the Phantom – Green eyes, snow-white hair, and disembodied banter. Blackwell enters as a mysterious phantom trapped in the manor. Is he the love interest? Danny Phantom? Both?The Blood Bargain – Ophelia refuses at first, but later accepts Blackwell’s blood pact to help her find her sister and win the Devil’s Grant—setting up a classic romantasy deal-with-a-demon trope.The Trials Begin – Level One (Limbo) throws contestants into a disorienting maze with a hellhound. Ophelia survives thanks to her wits and magic sparks, but tensions rise between contestants.Favorite Details – Poe the ghost cat, the glimmers of soup (aka spice), and the Dante’s Inferno-inspired structure of the competition get big love from the team.Theories & Predictions – Who’s the heart? Who’s the key? Is Cade the Jack Barlow of this book? Will Genevieve be the one to set Blackwell free?Bonus Reading Recs – Amanda powers through five books for her bingo board. Kim’s back in Crescent City, and Rick is deep in Throne of Glass, rating Crown of Midnight a 5-star banger.Join us for a wild ride through ghouls, ghost cats, bargain demons, and growing soup tension. Chapter 18–35 is next—lust awaits. Like, subscribe, and summon Blackwell by saying his name three times… if you dare.

Episode Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Rapid Fire RecapDescription: The Romanty Roundtable kicks off their SJM journey with a chaotic, unfiltered rapid-fire recap of A Court of Thorns and Roses. We’re diving headfirst into the book that started it all—spring court, sexy fae, and Tamlin slander included. From rants about riddle logic to a heated debate about Rhys’s early behavior, Rick, Amanda, and Kim pull no punches as they tear through plot points, throw shade, and confess unpopular opinions. It’s feral, it’s unhinged, it’s ACOTAR—Romanty style.Key Topics Discussed:Drinking Game Chaos — Fueled by wine and increasingly unhinged energy, the crew plays a Romantasy-themed drinking game that turns every red flag and plot hole into a reason to sip, spiral, and scream-laugh.Feyre’s Foolishness — Our leading lady catches heat for some truly baffling decisions, including trusting the Suriel and falling for a golden retriever in a mask. Survivalist? Maybe. Smart? Questionable.Tamlin the Wet Noodle — The gloves come off. The crew roasts Tamlin’s lack of personality, manipulative vibes, and general beige energy. Kim calls it early: “This man is not it.”Rhysand: Red Flag or Misunderstood? — Rhys gets major side-eye for his behavior under the mountain, sparking a spicy debate. Amanda’s not convinced, Rick’s conflicted, and Kim is just tired.The Riddle Heard ‘Round the World — The infamous “love” riddle breaks the group. Is Feyre just illiterate? Is the riddle too easy? Did Amarantha secretly want to lose?Under the Mountain Drama — From trials to torture, the crew unpacks the darkness of Amarantha’s rule and why the book’s final act feels so tonally different (and better?) than the rest.Sarah J. Maas's Writing Glow-Up — Everyone agrees: the first book is messy, fun, and not her best work. But it sets the foundation for future chaos, spice, and character growth.Bone-Carver Confusion — Wait… wrong book? Too late. The gang spirals into ACOMAF territory and can’t stop. Feyre's sisters, Illyrians, and future mate-bombs are already on the table.Insights Based on Numbers:1 spring court, 1 golden retriever fae, 3 spicy opinions per minute3 trials, 1 riddle, 0 satisfying Tamlin moments1 red flag love interest, 1 glow-up pending, 100% unhinged1 starter book → endless SJM drama to come

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 21–EndDescription: The Romanty Roundtable sinks its fangs into the final chapters of Bride by Ali Hazelwood—complete with blood bag cocktails, Cheez-It ASMR, and a full breakdown of werewolf anatomy (you’ve been warned). As the book wraps up its steamy werewolf-vampire politics, the crew reflects on everything from consent and hybrid identity to disappointing twists and anatomically confusing soup. With equal parts chaos and critique, Rick, Amanda, and Kim bring laughs, hot takes, and heartfelt reviews in this finale.Key Topics Discussed:Consent in the Soup — The group appreciates how Hazelwood handles consent during spicy scenes, contrasting it with other monster romances. Lowe may be dominant, but Misery stays in control.The Knot Situation — Yes, that scene. Confusion, Google searches, and too much canine anatomy lead to a collective existential crisis—and a firm line between monster romance and monster biology.Ending Letdowns — Despite strong early chapters, the crew agrees the final twist fell flat. Misery’s dad as the villain? Meh. Gabby? Underused. The final battle? Mostly off-page. A lot of build-up, not much bite.Misery: Smart or Dumb? — The hosts debate how someone so book-smart can be so romantically clueless. Is it endearing, frustrating, or just bad character development?Serena Returns — The not-so-dead best friend is back, and the group enjoys her reunion with Misery. Bonus points for Sylvester the cat and the term “fuckwaffle” making a repeat appearance.Lo’s Emotional Walls — “You're not a problem, you're a privilege” hits hard—but so does his hot/cold pushback. The final declaration of love is satisfying, but the road there is bumpy.Werewolf Worldbuilding — The Roundtable digs into Council drama, political fallout, and the vampire/wear hierarchy—and the overarching message that maybe all systems are bad.Blood Cocktails & Book Pong — The episode ends with a live game of book pong to pick the next read (Fantasmawins!), lots of wine-fueled laughter, and a debate about rating systems.Insights Based on Numbers:10 final chapters → 1 werewolf knot explained in horrifying detail3 podcasters → 1 group braincell as they piece together plot, romance, and worldbuilding3.5 stars from all three readers → Fun but flawed4 soup cans for spice → “Good soup… except for the knot”1 confirmed hybrid, 1 soft alpha, 1 villain dad, 0 epic on-page final fights

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 11–20Description: The Romanty Roundtable continues their journey through Bride by Ali Hazelwood, covering chapters 11–20 with spirited discussion, deepening character insights, and steamy werewolf-vampire dynamics. From big Jewish weddings to bouncy castle party planning, the team brings humor and heart as they dive into evolving relationships, complex world-building, and juicy plot twists—including a surprise poisoning! The soup (read: sexual tension) is definitely simmering.Key Topics Discussed:* Pack Politics & Parallel Traumas – Misery and Lo’s shared histories of displacement and forced roles emerge as emotional glue, building mutual understanding amid werewolf-vampire hierarchies.* Sensual Scenting & Consent – A pivotal scene in California features Lo scenting Misery to claim her as pack—a powerfully intimate and respectful act that underscores simmering chemistry.* Tech Meets Fantasy – From Raspberry Pi devices to spy museum dreams, this section blends realism and tech into a magical world with hacker wolves and digital-illiterate alphas.* Dinner Parties & Declarations – Scenes with family-style meals, Capri Sun-esque blood pouches, and vampire birthday bans spotlight the novel’s clever juxtaposition of domestic charm and dark lore.* Soup Check: Blood = Pleasure – Feeding becomes sensual as Misery drinks from Lo for the first time, sparking euphoric sensations, mutual vulnerability, and undeniable romantic bonding.* Mating Misunderstandings – Lo clearly sees Misery as his mate, but Misery remains hilariously oblivious. The crew debates whether it’s cultural ignorance or classic rom-com blindness.* Poisoned Peanut Butter & Plot Twists – Misery’s collapse after a sweet moment (literally—peanut butter!) suggests foul play, possibly from within. Suspicion brews around Juno’s motives.* Fluffy Werewolf Cuddles – After near-death, Misery awakens to find Lo in wolf form guarding her. What follows is a heartwarming and deeply cozy one-bed-turned-closet moment that blurs romance with puppy-level affection.* Predictions & Speculations – Is Serena dead? Is she Anna’s sister? Is Juno jealous or just shady? The roundtable lays their bets for what’s next—often with wine on the line.Join the Romanty Roundtable for another lively discussion full of insights, headcanons, literary laughs, and just the right amount of chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and weigh in with your predictions and favorite theories!

Episode Title: Bride – Chapters 1–10Description: The Romanty Roundtable kicks off their readalong of Bride by Ali Hazelwood, diving into a steamy supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, and forbidden romance. In these early chapters, we meet Misery Lark—an academic forced into a political marriage with the mysterious werewolf Lowe. Packed with power dynamics, witty banter, and hidden agendas, this book starts hot and gets hotter. The crew discusses themes of autonomy, loyalty, identity, and spice, with plenty of detours into wolfish behavior and bloodplay banter.Key Topics Discussed:* Misery Lark’s Dilemma — Half-vampire, full mess: Misery is forced into a werewolf marriage for political reasons while secretly trying to find her missing best friend. Her dry wit and inner voice steal the show early on.* Lowe’s Alpha Energy — Territorial, protective, and fanged: Lowe, the werewolf alpha, brims with mate tropes, charm, and quiet dominance. His interactions with Misery sizzle from the start, blending gruffness with genuine intrigue.* Fake Marriage, Real Sparks — Enemies to lovers with a bite: The political betrothal setup rapidly turns into romantic tension, with subtle shifts in power, desire, and trust between Misery and Lowe.* Missing Friend Mystery — Misery’s secret mission: Beneath the surface romance lies a compelling mystery as Misery searches for her missing friend Kira and unravels truths about vampire-werewolf relations.* Spice and Bloodplay — Early heat and taboo kinks: The group talks about Hazelwood’s fearless approach to spice, including bloodplay, mate tropes, and physical intimacy that’s intense, primal, and layered with emotional beats.* Political Worldbuilding — Laws, tensions, and governance: From vampire nobility to werewolf social hierarchies, the hosts discuss the nuanced supernatural politics that shape the story’s stakes.Insights Based on Numbers* 10 chapters, 1 steamy encounter, 2 hidden motives: Lays the groundwork for deeper character arcs and evolving relationships.* 1 missing friend, 1 suspicious father, 3 vampire laws mentioned: The tension builds across multiple threads.* 2 fated mates?: The ambiguity around fate and choice keeps the romantic stakes high.

Episode Title: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a DemonDescription: In this episode, the Romanty Roundtable dives into That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming — a fast, fun, and ridiculous romantasy romp. The crew explores Cinnamon Hot Pepper’s journey from drunken spice farmer to unlikely demon-saving heroine. Filled with pirate hijinks, dragon transformations, dubious soups, and plenty of laughs, this tale delivers humor, steamy moments, and self-aware silliness. Expect hearty banter, sharp critiques, and more than a few detours into video games and soup metaphors.Key Topics Discussed:*  Cinnamon’s Unlikely Adventure — Drunken night leads to demon drama: Cinnamon Hot Pepper stumbles into an unexpected quest after smacking a demon with a cinnamon stick, discovering her “goddess” is an undead witch enslaving demons.* Fallon the Dragon Demon — Demon ally with hidden powers: Cinnamon’s companion turns out to be a dragon demon, fiercely protective and increasingly enamored, adding steamy tension and pirate flair to their quest.* Pirate Escapades — From city destruction to high seas: After burning a city in a rage, Fallon and Cinnamon become pirates, gathering allies (a werewolf, snake demon, and tavern owner) for their final showdown.* Final Battle Against the Lich — Hero’s party clash and goddess defeat: The group battles the false goddess (a lich), Cinnamon smashes the last chalice, and Fallon’s dragon fury nearly destroys everything — until love saves the day.* Soup & Romance Tropes — Dubious consensual scenes stir debate: The crew critiques repetitive “soup” scenes (steamy moments) and the handling of dubious consent tropes, while reflecting on the book’s self-aware absurdity.* Bonus detours — Video games & ratings talk: Tangents include Clare Obscure Expedition 33 game reviews and musings on star ratings, highlighting the fun chaos of the podcast.Insights Based on Numbers* 200 pages, 15 chapters, 1 epilogue: A compact tale that barrels through plot points at breakneck speed.* 4 temples/chalices smashed: A video game-like progression that fuels the quest structure.* 3 months of island honeymoon: Marks the characters’ transition from chaos to peace, highlighting the shift from adventure to domesticity.* Average crew rating: 2.5 stars: Reflects enjoyment of the humor but criticism of repetitive tropes and consent issues.

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 50–EndDescription: The finale of Onyx Storm delivers everything fans could want—intense showdowns, magical revelations, emotional heartbreak, and hilarious commentary from the Romantasy Round Table crew. As Violet navigates devastating losses, newfound powers, and shocking betrayals, the team breaks down every major twist and epic moment with passion and wit.Key Topics Discussed: • Violet’s Second Signet – Dreamwalking:Violet’s new power allows her to enter others’ dreams, revealing her as a rare dreamwalker—more powerful than Zaden’s ability to read thoughts. This magic emerges from her emotional drive to reach Andarna and shapes her journey profoundly. • The Return of the Irids:The peaceful Irid dragons return in a critical moment, reigniting the wards and shifting the balance of power. Leoan, revealed to be of Andarna’s line, powers the wards to protect Violet, emphasizing family ties and destiny. • Battle and Loss – Theophony’s Threat:Wyvern swarm, Tairn is wounded, and Andarna leaves Violet. Theophony attacks, threatening Meera’s life and igniting major conflict. Though Meera’s throat is slit, a stunning siphon-based healing saves her—highlighting magic’s complexity and emotional stakes. • Violet’s Three Signets – A Magical Evolution:A groundbreaking moment suggests Violet holds three signets, two from Tairn, reflecting his strength and lineage. This unprecedented power hints at her unique destiny in the world of riders and dragons. • Family Secrets and the Path to Venon:Violet’s past comes to light—her incomplete dedication to the priesthood, her parents’ secret decisions, and Zaden’s confession of turning Venon. A shadow looms: is Violet destined to turn too? Or will she resist temptation? • Theophony vs. Violet – Magic Showdown:In an explosive duel, Violet faces off against Theophony, who reveals storm magic and a personal vendetta tied to Violet’s mother. Violet’s clever use of lightning and aerial acrobatics turns the tide, with Scale and Tairn as loyal allies. • Rider-Dragon Bonds Deepen:The team explores how dragon personalities reflect their riders. Violet, Rhiannon, and others showcase these profound relationships during high-stakes battles, adding emotional depth and fun to the action. • Comic Relief and Chaos:From dragons named “Queer” and “Tiny” to debates over Venon baby names and Rebecca Yarros’ love of chairs, the crew blends deep analysis with irreverent fun and their trademark banter.Join the Romantasy Round Table as they wrap up Onyx Storm with epic insights, heartfelt commentary, and a healthy dose of chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite moments in the comments!

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 34–49Description: In this thrilling installment of Romanty Roundtable, the hosts dive into chapters 34–49 of Onyx Storm, where the emotional stakes rise and the fantastical elements intensify. From poisoned dinner parties and dragon diplomacy to mysterious signets and kitten gifts, this section of the book offers rich plot development, complex character arcs, and laugh-out-loud moments. The team brings their signature humor and heartfelt analysis to every twist and turn.Special thanks to The Literary Lifestyle for their incredible chapter summaries that helped guide this week’s discussion!* Dinner with Zaden’s Mom – Violet and the crew confront family drama and political pressure over cauliflower-laden meals, while contract marriages and stepbrothers emerge from the shadows.* Wisdom Trials and Poison Plots – The group faces a philosophical challenge with the Triumvirate, leading to a dinner laced with double poison. Violet’s brilliance shines as she negotiates freedom and survival.* Double Poison Reveal – Violet flips the script with a surprise double-cross, leveraging Andarna’s stealth for dramatic blackmail, and establishing a hard-earned alliance.* The Luck Trial Turns Deadly – A mystical card game gifts everything from tunics to kittens… and ends in tragedy. Trager’s death is swift and heartbreaking, marking a powerful narrative shift.* Dragon Diplomacy and Andarna’s Origin – Feather-tailed Irid dragons arrive, revealing complex moral codes and judging Violet’s use of Andarna. Andarna’s past as the “criterion” sparks questions of ethics and purpose.* Riddick’s Rise – The fan-favorite continues to shine with wit, loyalty, and emotional depth, navigating Violet’s secrets and confronting Zaden’s growing darkness.* Violet’s Second Signet Hints – Dream-based power theories and cryptic warnings suggest Violet may have the ability to enter others’ dreams or minds, raising tantalizing questions about her true potential.* Zaden’s Inner Turmoil – The shadow wielder’s red-eyed secrets and potential fall into darkness are revealed to Riddick, sparking a moral debate that tests squad loyalty.* Military Briefings and Magical Balances – The team returns to Basgiath to discover massive destruction, traitor speculation, and a second shadow wielder—hinting at cosmic balances and double signets.* Broccoli the Kitten & Birthday Gifts – Light-hearted moments shine through grief with the introduction of Broccoli the kitten and a heartfelt birthday scene between Violet and Zaden.Join the Romanty Roundtable as they unpack this emotionally intense and philosophically rich section of Onyx Storm. From epic dragon lore to witty banter, this episode has it all. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts about Broccoli, signets, and soup!

Episode Title: Onyx Storm – Chapters 17–33Description: This episode of Romanty Roundtable dives deep into chapters 17–33 of Onyx Storm, where the fantasy saga surges forward with intense action, rich worldbuilding, and sizzling character dynamics. Violet and her quest squad are back—and this time, the stakes are even higher. Expect plenty of twists, heartfelt revelations, and the podcast's signature humor as the crew unpacks magical battles, dragon lore, political drama, and romantic turmoil.Special thanks to The Literary Lifestyle for their incredible chapter summaries that helped guide this week’s discussion!https://theliterarylifestyle.com/onyx-storm-summary/Key Topics Discussed:Dane’s Underwhelming Arc – The much-anticipated reveal fizzles as Dane simply hands over the book offscreen, prompting critiques of lazy storytelling and missed tension.Classic Fantasy Quest Unlocked – Violet's journey truly begins with secret codes, cryptic letters from her father, and a mission to retrieve rare magical items far beyond the reach of known magic.Prince Halden Arrives – Violet’s ex reenters the picture, causing jealousy sparks with Zaden. Their complicated history gets tangled in diplomacy and dragonfire.The Password is... Love? – Intricate riddles lead to the unlocking of Violet's father’s book, revealing deep truths and literary nods (Dan Brown and ACOTAR fans will be thrilled).Quest Squad Chaos – Violet forms her ideal team: Zaden, Meera, Riddick, Cat, Halden, and more—a cocktail of exes, frenemies, and misfits on a mission. Hilarity (and danger) ensues.Wyverns and Tragedy – A powerful wyvern attack leads to Aura's fiery downfall. Andarna and Tairn return with fierce dragon energy, shifting the balance of power.Ice Magic Unleashed – Riddick reveals his terrifying new abilities, hinting at the limits of signet training and the creative evolution of magic beyond the school system.Dragon Diplomacy – Violet negotiates with kings and nobles, trading secrets, shells, and sarcastic burns to keep her squad alive and their mission intact.Steamy Romance – Zaden and Violet finally act on their tension in a scene that’s both spicy and emotionally vulnerable—dubbed “The Soup Chapter” by the crew.Andarna's Reveal – The mysterious dragon is confirmed as the seventh kind, showcasing stealth, sass, and immense magical potential in key battle moments.Panther Fights and Political Moves – The tension escalates in Devarelli with betrayals, assassinations, and magical brawls that leave Halden sidelined and Zaden in charge.Join the Romanty Roundtable for an episode full of literary theories, emotional unpacking, and signature chaos. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite quest squad moments in the comments!