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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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What happens when grief meets magic? When a woman on the brink of death is whisked away to the dangerous Fae Court and given a bargain she can't refuse?
Monster romance often gets a bad reputation—dismissed as shallow fantasy or even harmful to readers. Our deep dive into Mallory Dunlan's "Captured by the Fae Beast" reveals why these criticisms miss the mark. This novel stands out by beginning with profound loss rather than the typical setup of a protagonist desperate to escape their mundane life. After witnessing her partner's death during a mountain climbing accident, our heroine finds herself captive to a feared Fae prince with a monstrous reputation and appearance to match.
The story brilliantly explores how being treated as a monster can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Prince Rhysand has accepted his reputation as "The Beast" after years of being feared and reviled, even by his own mother. What unfolds over the course of a year and a day isn't just romance but mutual healing—she processes her grief while he discovers someone who finally sees beyond his beastly exterior.
We examine the fantasy world-building that introduces fascinating concepts like magical soul connections that don't necessarily indicate romantic destiny, and humans rescued from their moment of death. These elements create moral complexity that elevates the story beyond simple fairytale retellings.
Join us for this passionate discussion that might just convince you these stories offer more psychological depth and emotional resonance than critics give them credit for.
Links from the News Segment and Show:
- Toxic Fandom - Ali Hazelwood bullied off social media, cancels Fabled Fantasy attendance
- Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon, a romance set in the world of Critical Role
- Zomromcom by Olivia Dade, magic/paranormal/horror romance
- Author will be doing a book tour, releases August 5th
- News Site
- Bookcon is back! April 18 & 19, 2026 in NYC
- SJM has signed a multi-year worldwide licensing deal
- The Porn-Brained Women Of Monster Smut
- Facebook Post
- Problematic conservative article calls monster smut bad because it causes 'porn brain' in women
- CM Nascosta's (whose book cover Morning Glory Milking Farm) response was to make merchandise on her Etsy Store
- Etsy Store
Follow us:
Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/ofswordsandsoulmates
Chapters
1. Episode Introduction and Apologies (00:00:00)
2. News: Author Bullying and Social Media (00:00:55)
3. News: Book Releases and Publishing Updates (00:15:38)
4. Captured by the Fae Beast Synopsis (00:32:42)
5. Overall Ratings and Plot Discussion (00:34:19)
6. Fantasy World Building Analysis (00:42:52)
7. Romance Development and Character Growth (00:48:10)
8. Spice Rating and Intimate Scenes (00:53:23)
9. Final Thoughts and Episode Closing (00:58:19)
37 episodes
