Must Luv Romantasy

Rosemary "R.J." Jean-Louis

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Must Luv Romantasy is your podcast for romantasy recs, reviews and interviews. Hosted by R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis), a book club leader and romantasy superfan with opinionated guests. Find out what content to fall in love with or not!

2d ago

Team Feyre or Team Nesta: ACOTAR Book Club Therapy

Send us mail - we read it! Book Besties, it’s time for some ACOTAR Book Club Therapy. As we amp up for the release of Sarah J. Mass's A Court of Tainted Harmony, R.J. welcomes psychologist and fellow podcaster Dr. Brandi Hawk of The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club to tackle one very polarizing question: Are you Team Feyre or Team Nesta? R.J. comes in firmly Team Feyre. Brandi is Team Nesta. Plot twist? They’re both youngest sisters. Together they unpack the Archeron family drama, how trauma shaped Feyre, Nesta and Elain in very different ways, and why our own family experiences may have a lot to do with which sister we understand, or absolutely can't stand. Spoiler warning: We discuss plot points throughout the ACOTAR series Key Takeaways: Three sisters, three trauma responsesFeyre copes by doingNesta copes by pushing people awayElain copes by being “perfect”Feyre carries the family burdenNesta’s anger runs deeperFound family helps them healWhat We Want From ACOTAR 6ACOTAR Favorite Books, Hot Takes IncludedFinal Vote: Feyre, Nesta, or Neither?So are you are you Team Feyre or Team Nesta—or somewhere in between? And why? Leave a comment or click the Send Us Mail link in the podcast description. We may read your take on a future episode. Coming Next: More ACOTAR Book Club Therapy ACOTAR Book Boyfriends — Rhysand, Tamlin and the other males we love, side-eye and definitely need to discuss with a nerdy psychologist!Listen to The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club for more conversations mixing psychology, fantasy, dystopian books and plenty of bookish opinions. Plus follow them on IG and other socials @thenerdypsychologistbookclub Follow the podcast, share it with another Book Bestie and join the conversation. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Oct 3

Threshing Day and Our Fall Reading Recs

Send us mail - we read it! Have you survived Threshing Day? Rebecca Yarros’ new Empyrean collection tops R.J.'s fall recommendation list as the podcast kicks off Season 2 with books to add to your TBR — whether you prefer reading via hardcover, paper back, e-book or audiobook. From political intrigue and slow burns to sapphic romantasy, dark academia, cozy fantasy and dragons serving dinner, there’s a little something for every Book Bestie. Plus, Book Club Besties Wy Warfield and Stephanie Wilkison stop by with fall recommendations of their own. R.J.’s Picks Threshing Day — Rebecca Yarros (audiobook, hardcover and Graphic Audio editions) Try the game at dragonkind.com to see if you survive! The Court of Venus — Bel BantaThe Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows series — Vera RayeTales of the Dragon Diner series — Lindsay Buroker The Astral Library — Kate QuinnWy’s Picks The Jasmine Throne — Tasha SuriThe Keeper of Magical Things — Julie LeongThis Splintered Sea — Haley J. MonroeMoth’s Blood - Lynn D. Jung Stephanie’s Pick Harbinger — Geneva LeeTempest — Victoria AveyardThe Wretched Divine — Adalyn GraceDefy the Dusk — Danielle JensenWeaver’s Veil - Jessi St. JohnThe Fall of the Crowned King - Amber V. NicleFor the Audiobook Besties: RJ’s Picks Rites of the Starling — Devney Perry (Graphic Audio edition)Dracula — Bram Stoker (Audible production starring Jonathan Bailey) Coming up on Must Luv Romantasy Season 2 this month: We’re heading back to Prythian for a special two-part ACOTAR Book Club Therapy series with guest podcaster and psychologist Dr. Brandi Hawk of The Nerdy Psychologist Book Club. Part 1: Team Feyre or Team Nesta: Sister Drama — unpacking the Archeron sisters and why readers connect so strongly with one over the other. Part 2: ACOTAR Book Boyfriends — Rhysand, Tamlin and what the other characters teach about love and healthy relationships Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Jul 1

Fae, Fury & Meh Feelings: Our Vicious Oaths Review

Send us mail - we read it! June/July2026: Book Recommendation: "Our Vicious Oaths" by N.E. Davenport For our Season 1 finale, host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) welcomes back Book Club Bestie Reviewer Asiah Muhammad, by popular demand, to contribute to an honest review of Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport, a black romantasy author. And for the first time ever, the Must Luv Romantasy podcast is available in both audio and video formats! Listen as usual or watch the video version on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (coming soon) as we unpack whether this fae court dark romantasy is worth hugging or hurling! (This book is very spicy so there's a lot of spice talk.) Key Takeaways: "Our Vicious Oaths" gave us fae politics, magic, war, enemies-to-lovers or rather enemies to “I lust you” tension.Real, strong portrayal of black males (in fae form) is praiseworthy.Lackluster characterization of black female fae main character and her squad was disappointing Thick on lust and thin on plot, not enough equal attention to intriguing fantasy world. The audiobook performances by Jeanette Illidge and Morris Kellswater deserve a shout-out.Leave comment, send us fan mail or a voicemail about this review. We may read it on air one day. Shout-out to Ctaylor1220 on Spotify for being the first to comment! By the way we’re taking a summer break and will return in September with episodes leading up to the new Sarah J. Maas book release in October. Follow Asiah Muhammad on IG: @taintt3ed Join the MustLuvRomantasy IRL Book Club! Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Jun 16 · Bonus

Bonus Episode: Our The Way Home Season 4 Check-in

Send us mail - we read it! TV Series Watch: The Way Home Season 4. In this brief bonus episode, host R.J. and Book Club Bestie Yolanda Moore reunite to check-in on the last season of Hallmark’s romantasy adjacent hit The Way Home. Is it hitting the right notes or falling flat? (The series finale airs June 21, 2026). Refresh your memory about the entire show’s run with our early episode this year: The Way Home - Why Hallmark’s Time-Travel Series Belongs in Romantasy. Friends don't read romantasy books alone! Join the in-person Must Luv Romantasy book club that meets in the Atlanta area. It’s free! Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
May 26

We Are Not Okay: Our Rites of the Starling Review

Send us mail - we read it! Book Besties, we are still processing this one. Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) and returning Book Club Bestie guest reviewer Paige Green conduct a spoiler filled, “therapy session” to unpack the gut wrenching “Rites of the Starling", the sequel to “Shield of Sparrows”. Connect with Paige on IG: @popthebutterfly Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy Join the MustLuvRomantasy IRL Book Club Share your rating and mini review in the comments or send us a fanmail and text. Key Takeaways: The sequel expands the lore, fantasy and romance of book oneDual narrative and (spoiler alert!) timelines reveal Odessa’s family tragedyNew characters Caspia and Andreas' heart wrenching story breaks usVoster priests are bad guys who created a false religious systemCliffhanger ending parallels how Odessa’s mom died.Shout out to Stephanie Nemeth Parker the voice artist behind Odessa for the Graphic Audio dramatized books. Part 1 drops July 7th, and Part 2 comes out August 25th. IRL News and Events not to miss: May 30, 2026 at 1 pm-1:30 pm ET: Join the in real life Must Luv Romantasy book club virtual club meeting | Topic: What’s on your TBR? RSVP by joining. June 27, 2026 at 1pm-2:30 pm: Join the Must Luv Romantasy book club in person at Souper Jenny real life book club meeting at Souper Jenny North Decatur Rd. Decatur, GA to discuss “King’s Guard” by Victoria Aveyard. RSVP by joining. June Book Recommendation: “Our Vicious Oaths” by N.E. Davenport. Book Cub Bestie reviewer Asiah Muhammad returns to review. Listen to Asiah’s past reviews: Brimstone Review: What a Hot Mess! Quicksilver Review: A Brutally Honest TakeFollow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Apr 16

Slow Burn Done Right! Our Shield of Sparrows Review

Send us mail - we read it! April 2026 Book Recommendation: "Shield of Sparrows" by Devney Perry Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) and Book Club Bestie guest reviewer, Paige Green, a book influencer and member of the IRL MustLuvRomantasy Book Club exhale over this worth it slow burn. Connect with Paige on IG: @popthebutterfly Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy Key Takeways: Shield of Sparrows feels like a reset for romantasy fatigueApplause for FMC Odessa’s boundary-setting, character growthMMC the Guardian (Ransom) is the broody hero with real humor we needNew trope coined by Paige: "Surprise threesome!"Worldbuilding highlights: Lysa, Voster priests, crux migration and rabid monstersShare your rating and mini review in the comments or send us fanmail. IRL News and Events not to miss: April 19, 2026 - Season 4 premiere of Hallmark Channel's The Way Home Listen to our episode The Way Home - Why Hallmark's Time Travel Series Belongs in Romantasy to get ready for it. April 25, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET- RSVP to join the Must Luv Romantasy in real life book club meeting on the sequel Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry at Panera Bread near Emory University in Decatur, Ga. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Mar 22

Inside Romantasy Con LA with BookishWine’s Jenn Beach

Send us mail - we read it! Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) chats with Jenn Beach, founder of BookishWine.com, about her immersive experience at Romantasy Con LA and she defines romantasy. From fairy wings and trinket trading to author meet-cutes and gargoyle romances, Jenn shares what made the event fantastic. Plus she talks about the Bookish Wine club and the magic behind the book/wine pairings and boxes. Join the Bookish Wine club | Follow on IG: @bookishwineGet tickets to the Black Romance Book Fest - May 29-31, 2026Key Takeaways Romantasy Con LA is pure magic Held at the historic Biltmore Hotel, the con felt like stepping directly into a romantasy realm — frescoes, ballrooms, fairy wings, and all. “You feel completely immersed into the romantasy culture… like you walked into romantasy realms.” 🤝 Community is the heart of the genre From trinket trading to hugging online friends IRL, the con showcased how welcoming, joyful, and supportive the romantasy community truly is. 📚 Indie authors are redefining the genre Jenn highlights how indie writers are experimenting with older protagonists, fresh tropes, and bold worldbuilding — expanding what romantasy can be. 💘 Tropes, micro‑tropes, and the “Consent King” Jenn shares her favorite micro‑trope: the fae‑wine‑drunk heroine and the love interest who refuses to kiss her until she’s sober. “He really wants her… but he’s like, not until you’re sober.” 🍷 Bookish Wine creates immersive romantasy experiences Jenn’s book + wine club pairs special‑edition romantasy novels with boutique wines, playlists, recipes, and even audiobook codes — a full sensory escape. 📖 Gargoyle romance + Sauvignon Blanc = perfection The March Bookish Wine pick, Bound by Hearts and Stone, is a slow‑burn gargoyle romantasy paired with a high‑end Rutherford Valley Sauvignon Blanc. 🌍 The romantasy tent is BIG R.J. and Jenn emphasize that romantasy includes romance‑forward, sci‑fi romance, cozy romantasy, monster romantasy — all of it belongs. 🎉 Upcoming events for Romantasy lovers Romantasy Con Orlando is sold out, Romantasy Con Edinburgh is coming in 2027, and the Black Romance Book Fest hits Atlanta this May. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Mar 22

Swords, Smut & Shadow Daddies: Defining Romantasy

Send us mail - we read it! What is romantasy, really? Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) breaks it down in two parts. From Sarah J. Maas’ big ACOTAR release‑dates news, reader reactions from the Love Y’all Book Festival and insights from the Romance Fantasy Spectrum author panel - there’s plenty of common and differing opinions. Follow us on Instagram @mustluvromantasy for panel pics! The excerpt from the Love Y’all Book Festival Romance Fantasy Spectrum author panel features: F.T. LukensEhigbor OkosunNia DavenportRebecca RossSasha Peyton SmithNatalia Hernandez was also on the panel but not featured in the clip. The authors share the difference between fantasy romance, romantic fantasy, and “textbook”romantasy — and why the stakes of falling in love can matter just as much as saving the kingdom. R.J. also gives a mini lesson on the origins of fantasy romance and the romantasy term; her definition of what romantasy is; a list of tropes and the books that pulled her into the genre. Key TakeawaysRomantasy blends romance + fantasy as co‑equal forces — remove one, and the story’s emotional core shifts.Readers define it differently, from “magic + transformation + love” to “give me swords, monsters, and a romance subplot.”Authors see romantasy as a spectrum, with fantasy‑forward, romance‑forward, and true 50/50 hybrids.Tropes are essential, including enemies‑to‑lovers, slow burn, fated mates, found family, and magical bonds.Romantasy has deep roots, from early sci‑fi/fantasy writers to paranormal romance to dystopian YA.The genre is thriving, thanks to BookTok, Bookstagram, and readers who know exactly what emotional ride they want.Additional research from the Sci Fi Fantasy Writers Association article: "Romantasy: An Old Genre with a New Name" by Rosemary Jones. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Feb 19

Brimstone Review: What a Hot Mess!

Send us mail - we read it! February 2026 Book Recommendations: Fae & Alchemy series: Part 2 Brimstone Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) and Book Club Bestie guest reviewer Asiah Muhammad return to review “Brimstone” the follow-up to “Quicksilver” by Callie Hart. And boy do they have notes! Did the sequel win them over, though? Listen in. Agree or disagree? Share in comments or send a text. Revisit their brutally honest review of "Quicksilver". Special thanks to the Bookish Goblin for source material for the recap section. IRL Book Event not to miss: February 28, 2026 - Book signing with CM Lepore, author of "Lucid" and Book Bestie guest on Onyx Storm episode - 2nd & Charles, Hagerstown, Md. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Feb 11

Quicksilver Review: A Brutally Honest Take

Send us mail - we read it! February 2026 Book Recommendations: Fae & Alchemy series: "Quicksilver," "Kingfisher's POV" and "Brimstone" by Callie Hart. Was this BookTok sensation worth the flowers? Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) and Book Club Bestie guest reviewer Asiah Muhammad give brutally honest reviews and ratings. Part 1 in this episode "Quicksilver" and "Kingfisher's POV". Join us next week for Part 2 - the review of "Brimstone". Agree or disagree? Share in the comments or send a text. IRL Book Events not to miss: February 13-14th, 2026 - Love Y'all Festival - romance and romantasy book conference in Decatur, Ga (MustLuvRomantasy will be there!)February 28, 2026 - Book signing with CM Lepore, author of "Lucid" and Book Bestie guest on Onyx Storm episode - 2nd & Charles, Hagerstown, Md. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Jan 13

Bonus Episode: The Way Home - Why Hallmark’s Time-Travel Series Belongs in Romantasy

Send us mail - we read it! TV Series Binge-Watch Recommendation: The Way Home In this bonus episode, host R.J. teams up with book club bestie and fellow superfan, Yolanda Moore to breakdown The Way Home — Hallmark’s unexpectedly addictive, time‑traveling, multi‑generational drama that absolutely deserves a spot on every Romantasy lover’s binge-watchlist. Together, they explore the magical pond that drives the story, the emotional arcs across three seasons, the layered romances, and the family mysteries that keep viewers hooked. Yolanda also brings a curated list of Hallmark time‑travel movies for your next cozy binge and opens up about the mission behind her nonprofit, Loving Rose Foundation. Key Takeaways Peak Romantasy energy: magic, mystery, emotional healing, and multi‑timeline storytelling.The pond as chaotic magic: a fate‑driven portal shaping the Landry family’s past and present.Season‑by‑season themes:Season 1 → DiscoverySeason 2 → Redemption & rescueSeason 3 → Adjustment & identityRomance across generations: Kat’s love square, Alice’s first love, Del’s late‑in‑life romance, and a queer‑coded thread with Susanna.Season 4 theories: Who is Casey Goodwin? Is Sam Bishop a time traveler? What secrets remain buried in Port Haven?Hallmark’s time‑travel canon: Yolanda’s must‑watch movie list.The Loving Rose Foundation: Yolanda’s heartfelt work supporting blood cancer and dementia patients and caregivers. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy
Jan 13

Onyx Storm Anniversary: Release-Day Chaos, FOMO & Our Full Review

Send us mail - we read it! January 2026 Book Read Recommendation: “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca. Relive the excitement over last year's release of “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros! Host R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis) and Book Bestie guest, author CM Lepore reminisce about the midnight release parties, the coveted Target edition and review whether the book lived up to the hype. The discussion culminates with their final thoughts and ratings, along with insights into CM's own writing journey and her book "Lucid". “Lucid” by CM Lepore is available on Amazon, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Join the conversation by sharing your “Onyx Storm” book release memories in the comments or through text mail. Key Takeaways: Release‑day nostalgia: Midnight parties, Target‑edition chaos, and the fandom’s collective FOMOCollector’s edition drama: Sprayed edges, stock‑image accusations, and the resale frenzyCharacter deep dives: Tairn’s comfort, Andarna’s chaos, Xaden’s emotional evolution, Violet’s savior arcMVPs & glow‑ups: Why Ridoc stole the show and how Dain & Cat redeemed themselvesVillain rankings: Daddy Aetos vs. Theophanie — who’s the bigger threat?Plot pacing & worldbuilding: Island‑hopping, Irid lore, and whether the travel arc paid offCliffhanger theories: Who is the mysterious “brother”?Predictions for the next book: Venin lore, Violet’s family secrets, and what Yarros might be setting upFebruary 2026 Book Recommendations: "Quicksilver", "KingFisher's POV" and "Brimstone" all by Callie Hart. Follow us on IG: @mustluvromantasy

12 Episodes

Must Luv Romantasy is your podcast for romantasy recs, reviews and interviews. Hosted by R.J. (Rosemary Jean-Louis), a book club leader and romantasy superfan with opinionated guests. Find out what content to fall in love with or not!

Creator

Rosemary "R.J." Jean-Louis
Years Active

2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Must Luv Romantasy
Show Website

Must Luv Romantasy