First Dates & Soulmates

Meg and Nikki kick off “Friendsgiving” by dissecting one of the most comforting and chaotic romance tropes of all time: Friends to Lovers. They explore:* Why it hits us right in the feelings: the safety, the yearning, the tension, the why did it take them this long?!* What makes this trope work in both books and TV (Monica and Chandler to When Harry Met Sally)* Why timing, not tension, often drives the conflict* The “best friend vs. partner” debate (and why your partner shouldn’t be your only best friend)Previous Friends to Lovers episodes discussed:Pop Culture + Book References:* Friends * Brooklyn 99* Bones* When Harry Met Sally* Parks & Rec* Cheers* New Girl* Love, Rosie* Set It Up* The Year of Us by Kate Hawthorne* The Deal by Elle Kennedy* Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren* Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn* Merciless (Park Avenue Kings Book 4) by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine* A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra SimoneNikki’s List of Book Recs:* Fool Heart by Emmy Sanders* To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders* Green Light by Lark Taylor* Mr Blue Sky by Isla Olsen* Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton* Hot Head by Damon Suede* Wilde Love by Lucy Lennox* Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox* The First & Last Adventures of Kit Sawyer by SE Harmon* Code Word by NR Walker* A totally platonic thing by Eliot Grayson* Romance Languages by AJ Truman* It’s Complicated by Willow Dixon* Merry Measure by Lily Morton* The Quirky Vet by Casey CoxHow You Can Support The ShowDiscover your romance trope and get a custom play list at https://firstdatesandsoulmates.com/quiz/Follow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

In this flannel-wrapped fall special, Nikki and Meg celebrate cozy season with a “fun house” of games, quizzes, and chaos. Expect haunted hayrides, wraparound porches, ghost-hunting funeral directors, and the eternal sanctity of The Great British Bake Off.Want to know your romance archetype?Take our brand-new “What’s Your Romance Trope?” quiz at firstdatesandsoulmates.com/quiz! In true Cosmo girl fashion, we’ll tell you whether you’re a Fake Dating Fool, a Historical Scoundrel, a Paranormal Heartthrob, or one of our other 5 signature tropes.Your results come with a custom podcast playlist and romance recs so you can jump straight into the episodes and books that match your vibe. Live your BuzzFeed-quiz dreams at firstdatesandsoulmates.com/quizBooks & Media Mentioned:* Happy Place by Emily Henry: https://amzn.to/4qmUtUD* Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino: https://amzn.to/42Po0we* The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston: https://amzn.to/43ekeg7* Ghost (film, 1990)* The Great British Bake Off (TV)* Falling Inn Love (film, 2019 – Christina Milian)* Hocus Pocus (film, 1993)* Mean Girls (film, 2004)* Pride and Prejudice (film adaptations)* Icebreaker by Hannah Grace: https://amzn.to/47oNYYQ* Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: https://amzn.to/474IZO6* Mangos and Mistletoe by Adrianna Herrera: https://amzn.to/47ljDdK* Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly: https://amzn.to/48ICwJM* Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood: https://amzn.to/4oyE5Pb* The Partner Plot by Kristina Monique: https://amzn.to/42UZdXr* Twilight – Stephenie Meyer* Almost Famous (film, 2000)* Love Actually (film, 2003)* Romeo + Juliet (film, 1996)* Moulin Rouge! (film, 2001)* Novel Crafter software* Giggly Squad (podcast)How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.comShare the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9ZShop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Nikki and Meg sink their teeth into Scared Sexy, Amazon’s spooky Kindle Unlimited novella six-pack featuring some of the biggest names in romance. See the whole series here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4ow3WqWFeatured Authors:* Ali Hazelwood (Hot for Slayer): https://amzn.to/3L1aGyH* Christina Lauren (Falling): https://amzn.to/4hkBzK5* JT Geissinger (Spicy Little Curses): https://amzn.to/4qnw3ds* Ruby Dixon (Space Vampire): https://amzn.to/4ql35en* Katee Robert (Beautiful Nightmare): https://amzn.to/48GKt2c* Kimberly Lemming (My Boyfriends Are All Monsters): https://amzn.to/472lrcBBooks & Media Mentioned:* Ice Planet Barbarians & Risdaverse series – Ruby Dixon* Bride – Ali Hazelwood* Alien Mate for Christmas by Melody Beckett* Shape of Water (film)* Pacific Rim (film)* Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV)* Practical Magic, Speed, Miss Congeniality, Leap Year (films)* Christmas Falls shared universe series* Breathless by Cat Wynn * Jacked by KM Neuhold * 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders* Himbo Hitman by Saxon James* Amy Nicole Walker’s Savannah SeriesHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

This week Nikki and Meg sink their teeth into monster romance with Lily Mayne’s Soul Eater. From morally questionable demons to why readers love inhuman partners, they break down the archetypes of monster romance and how non-human appendages make things… complicated. This is spooky-season romance at its finest: messy, dark, but surprisingly tender.This week they’re talking:* The appeal of monsters as love interests* Non-human logistics: wings, claws, and other appendages* Found family and survival in monster romance* Why readers want their monsters to be both terrifying and trustworthyBooks & Media Mentioned* Soul Eater (and the Monstrous series) by Lily Mayne* Goliaths of Wresting series by Lily Mayne* Herculeia series (The 12 Hunks of Herculeia and Herculeia the Hero) by C. Rochelle* Monstrous Matches series by Lillian Lark* Leviathan Fitness series by Ashley Bennett* Morning Glory Milking Farm by CM Nascosta* A Soul to Keep by Opal Rain* Instagram account @monsterlovers_bookclub* Smokescreen (Knight & Daywalker book 1) by Sam BurnsHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Nikki and Meg slip into slouchy cardigans (and maybe a little gold lamé) to dive into Practical Magic (1998) to unpack whether this is a romance, a feminist vibes movie, or just a witchy autumn aesthetic. Spoiler: it’s definitely the vibes.Tune in for:* The curse that doesn’t really matter* Sisterhood vs. romance — what the movie gets right (and wrong)* Nicole Kidman as a secret comedic genius* Midnight margaritas, lime and tequila method acting* Why this movie is peak cozy fall aestheticBooks/Media Referenced:* Practical Magic (1995 novel) by Alice Hoffman* Hocus Pocus (film)* The Craft (film)* Frozen (film)* Moulin Rouge! (film)* Reservoir Dogs (film)* Just Go With It (film)* NPR article: What Practical Magic Taught Me About Life, Love, and the Importance of Sisterhood (Maria Sagara, 2022)* A Love Song for Ricky Wilde by Tia Williams* The Wrong Paris (Netflix rom-com)How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

October starts with a bite as Nikki and Meg dive fang-first into the many flavours of vampire romance. From broody immortals to leather-pants predators, they trace the evolution of the undead in pop culture and argue over who deserves to be booped on the nose.What you’ll hear:* Sparkly vampires that aged like milk (sorry, Edward)* Why Alexander Skarsgård should never own pants that aren’t leather* The four vampire archetypes: tragic baby, sexy predator, protective dad-vamp, and monster with a secret squishy center* Nikki’s theory of “booping the tiger” as peak vampire romance energy* Meg’s dream vampire power: orgasms on demand (yes, really)Nikki’s Vampire Book List:* Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward: https://amzn.to/4ocMd7Z* Argeneau series by Lynsay Sands: https://amzn.to/42Kbzl2* Anita Blake series by Laurell K Hamilton: https://amzn.to/3ICKMQW* Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: https://amzn.to/42RsdiC* Dark series by Christine Feehan: https://amzn.to/4nPMZXY* A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: https://amzn.to/4pHl9in* Lords of Discord series (and Lords of Chaos spinoff) by Jocelynn Drake: https://amzn.to/46YWoXC* Lark Taylor's Reckless Damned Series: https://amzn.to/4myBdjP* Grae Bryan's Vampire's Mate series: https://amzn.to/3IM5ttH* First Blood by Eliot Grayson: https://amzn.to/4mApaT6* One Bite with a Vampire by Louisa Masters: https://amzn.to/485167w* The Necromancer’s Dance by Sheena Jolie: https://amzn.to/3IEGdW8* Bite me! You know I like it by Fae Quin: https://amzn.to/3VDEKCA* Cronin's Key by NR Walker: https://amzn.to/3IKvM3o* The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA by AJ Sherwood* Fated Mates series by AJ Sherwood: https://amzn.to/42cQbop* Bite Marks & Broken Hearts by TJ Rose: https://amzn.to/3IEGfNK* Immortal Assassins series by Mia Monroe: https://amzn.to/4nRsomk* Vampire Related Crimes Series by Alice Winters: https://amzn.to/474nMmfGet affiliate links to all these books in our Vampires in Love list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mCZa9SBooks/Media Mentioned:* Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer* Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (book and film)* Queen of the Damned (film)* True Blood (HBO series) and Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris* Vampire Diaries (TV series)* Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV series)* Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (book and film)* Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole: https://amzn.to/42hkElb* Casual Felonies by Kelly Fox: https://amzn.to/4pQMEX9* Hot Blooded by Heather Guerre: https://amzn.to/46TGlKNHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Back-to-School September ends on the ice with Elle Kennedy’s The Deal and Him (co-written with Sarina Bowen). Nikki and Meg dig into why these two 2015 hockey romances are still topping charts nearly a decade later, comparing fake dating vs. best-friends-to-lovers, college vs. new adult vibes, and what made both books blueprint-level sports romances.Listen in for:* Garrett Graham: the original “he falls first, he falls hardest” hero?* Why hockey housing should come with a hazmat rating* The book that made everyone fake-date a little harder* Nikki’s ringette camp horror story: pine needles, lake baths, and trauma bondingBooks/Media Mentioned:* The Deal by Elle Kennedy, part of the Off-Campus series: https://amzn.to/4nH7Ahb* Him by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen: https://amzn.to/3ItT0L9* Us by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen: https://amzn.to/3ItT0L9* Boyfriend Material & Husband Material by Alexis Hall: https://amzn.to/47VOCPl* Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews: https://amzn.to/47PLCUF* Heated Rivalry & The Long Game by Rachel Reid: https://amzn.to/3KAAgtS* Puckboy series by Eden Finley & Saxon James: https://amzn.to/3VwR5s7* Savannah universe books by Aimee Nicole Walker: https://amzn.to/3Kgbr6u* In the Game by Sloane St James, book 3 in the Lakes Hockey series: https://amzn.to/4gBHRoeHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when you take Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, add soccer, boarding school hijinks, and early-2000s Amanda Bynes? You get She’s the Man! In this episode, Nikki and Meg break down the comedy, chaos, and charm that make this rom-com still hold up nearly 20 years later (at least for Nikki!)Listen in for:* The Top 5 reasons Nikki thinks She’s the Man works as a Shakespeare retelling* Why the school setting makes the comedy sharper and the romance sweeter* Meg’s strong opinions on the vocal choices and gender rep in this early ‘00s flick* The rise of the 2000s teen rom-com as Shakespeare’s modern home* Why identity swaps never stop being messy (and fun)Books & Media We Mention* She’s the Man (2006)* Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (1996)* 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)* How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin* Focus Friend app How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Nikki and Meg sit down with author M.A. Wardell (of the Teachers in Love series) along with guest host Andréa Jones (aka author Olivia Carter) to talk about why teacher romances never go out of style.From the messy, cozy dynamics of faculty lounges to the importance of mental health and Jewish representation in romance, Wardell shares what makes his characters so memorable. Listen in for:* Why parent / teacher romances feel fun, forbidden, and relatable* M.A. Wardell’s take on writing *real* queer characters (including how there’s never enough r**ming or prep)* The allure of the hot single parent character and why every teacher wants their kid in their class * Why we think Matt needs to do a webinar…About Our Guest:Writing as M.A. Wardell, Lambda Literary Award nominee Matt writes spicy queer rom-coms.His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love.Matt loves rom-coms and has always wished for better representation, so he's writing the stories he wishes existed. The queer men in his stories are flawed and messy. Helping them find their HEA is Matt's passion.www.mawardell.comCheck out Matt’s teacher/school series:* Teacher of the Year* Mistletoe and Mishigas* Napkins and Other Distractions* Husband of the Year (coming November 2025)About Our Guest Host:Writing as Olivia Carter, Andréa writes emotionally rich, high-heat MM romance with medium angst, queer joy, and a guaranteed HEA.https://authoroliviacarter.com/Books & Media We Mention* Pretty Mess by Lily Morton: https://amzn.to/4pcPJjX* Wooing the Wiccan by Louisa Masters: https://amzn.to/45XnKgx* Monstrous audiobooks by Lily Mayne: https://amzn.to/4m7p1WU* Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://amzn.to/4ghThxf* The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers Podcast How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

In their 69th episode (OH 69!), Nikki and Meg tackle a trope that’s as controversial as it is compelling: professor/student romance. Once labeled a hard “no” for Nikki, this trope has crept into her “read and liked” pile in ways that can be confusing.This episode covers:* Why these stories can feel squicky, and when they work* Why POV can impact the…ROI… of the story* the difference between consensual fantasy and real-world boundaries.* When authors navigate the trope ethically—and when they just…don’tNikki’s Recommendation List:* Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid* Loathed by Lagan by Nora Phoenix* Just a Bit Twisted by Alessandra Hazard* Disciplinary Action by Onley James* Teach Me by Neve Wilder* The Boy Who Loved Wicked by C.P. Harris.* Secrets & Lies by Brooke Blaine, Ella Frank* Full Service by Cora Rose* Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1) by CF White* Kismet by Ashley James* My (Not So) Slutty Professor (Not So University Series Book 1) by DK Sutton* A Foot in the Door (Open Doors #3) by Vinni GeorgeHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Nikki and Meg head into the 1950s for a double feature of classic romantic comedies: Roman Holiday and The Prince and the Showgirl. They discuss:* Audrey Hepburn’s strength in restraint vs. Marilyn Monroe’s comedic weaponization of sex appeal* How both films use physical space and quiet space to build (or block) intimacy and restraint* The role of glamor, class, and discomfort in shaping romantic tensionBooks & Media We Mention:* Roman Holiday (film)* The Prince and the Showgirl (film)* The Philadelphia Story * His Girl Friday * My Week with Marilyn * Shroom for Improvement by Jemma Croft* Dredge (Nintendo Switch)How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Nikki and Meg sit down with bestselling author Eden Finley to talk all things generational romance, character crossovers, and the chaos of collaborative writing. From her Fake Boyfriend series to Puckboy, Eden shares how she builds interconnected worlds where the HEAs don’t stop with one couple but they span generations.Listen in as they discuss:* Why gay hockey is such a reliable niche* Keeping track of a sprawling cast across multiple spin-offs and shared universes* Eden’s writing process (spoiler: chaos is embraced)* Tropes, tension, and the line between sweet and spicyGrab Eden’s latest release, The Office Bet at https://mybook.to/TheOfficeBet About Our Guest:Eden Finley didn't start writing until the age of 28. She always loved being creative and writing stories for English and Lit classes in high school but never thought she could make a career out of it. The reason she is where she is today is because of a list of 30 things she wanted to do before she was 30, one of them being 'write a book.' One turned into two and kept growing, and now she is an Amazon top 10 bestseller.https://linktr.ee/edenfinleyhttps://edenfinley.comhttps://www.instagram.com/finley.eden/Books & Media We Mention:* Fake Boyfriend series by Eden Finley* Puckboy series (co-written with Saxon James)* Franklin University (shared universe series)* Calling His Bluff by Charlie Cochet* Problematic Summer Romance by Ali HazelwoodHow You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Nikki takes over with her Gay Little Book Club, a roundup of recent M/M romance reads featuring everything from pierced men with large…attributes… to nerdy Caltech grads getting dating lessons from hot bros. In this episode:* Bull’s Boy by Kiki Clark: daddy/boy dynamics, size difference, dirty talk, and a surprising amount of genuine tenderness* The Allure of Ruins by Mary Calmes: boss/employee tension, trauma recovery, and somehow the mafia is involved!* Rocket Science by K.M. Neuhold: awkward genius meets the brother’s best friend, and a “teach me how to flirt” setup that turns into the real thing* Wedding Bet by Raleigh Ruebins: childhood best friends turned fake grooms in a Vegas wedding scheme with accidental feelings* Of Pranks and Passion by Amy Padilla : fake dating, underground MMA, and absolutely zero chillSprinkle in an accidental theme of protector love interests, age gaps, and emotionally repressed workaholics who need a hug (or a firm spanking) and you’ve got an episode that’ll make you blush!How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Meg dug into the weird world of romance search terms, using real SEO data to see what readers are actually Googling and what that means for the stories we love (and maybe secretly judge).In this episode:* What is “sex pollen” and why does it come up in so many search results?* The internet’s quiet obsession with “touch her and die” vs. “who did this to you”* How SEO influenced the renaming of their most SEO’ed (?) episode * The surprising fan interest in terms like “Xena Warrior Princess,” “Gundam fandom,” and “standing there menacingly”* The ethics(?) of dinosaur romance and Amish love stories* Meg’s nerdy delight over keyword strategy, niche categories, and the Amazon orange bannerBooks & Media We Mention:* Heartless by Elsie Silver* Hot Head by Stella Rhys* Tammy and the T-Rex (1994 film)* Buffy the Vampire Slayer * Practical Magic * Xena: Warrior Princess* Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005 film)* Gundam * Date Everything (video game where you romance household objects)* K-Pop: Demon Hunters (Netflix animated film)* Publisher Rocket (SEO/keyword research tool)How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe

Meg and Nikki tackle Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez and the book club is in session! They’re breaking down all the sandy, swoony, and slightly chaotic details of this “one summer only” love story. There’s fake dating, complicated exes, secret emotions, and exactly the kind of drama you'd expect from a romance that promises to be temporary.Listen in for:* Parental trauma, lake house love, and good dog content* Nikki’s obvious love of pre-date questionnaires* The emotional arc of Justin and Emma (and why they’re both too competent for this trope)* Why we LOVE to see a solid “if he wanted to, he would”Books & Media We Mention* Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez* Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez* Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez* The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez* Good Luck Chuck (film)How You Can Support The ShowFollow Us On Social:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmatesDownload your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingoEmail us at firstdatesandsoulmatespod@gmail.com Share the show with a friend or loved one!Got a Little Extra Money to Spend?Buy our official merch on TeePublic: http://tee.pub/lic/6TtnpmFagAkGet Meg’s Latest Book: All Twerk No Play: https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreativeUpgrade to a paid tier on Substack Get full access to First Dates & Soulmates at firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/subscribe