While Dracula may not be a love tale (as we discussed last episode), there is genre of literature that wraps up vampires and romance in a pretty sexy ribbon. We’re talking about Romantasy! Today, Hannah and Rebecca explore how the “vampire boyfriend” has matured into the “adult vampire lover,” hearken back to the ancient origin of fated mates, talk blood bonds and born vampires, and consider whether the enemies-to-lovers trope is actually a convincing plot device. Plus, Hannah drops a shocking surprise on Rebecca that may or may not involve werewolves.
Come vamps, join us around the campfire.
CW: murder, explicit mentions of sex
Major Spoilers:
* The Vampire Diaries, 2009-2017
* From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 2020
* Blood Orange by Karina Halle, 2022
* The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, 2022
* Quicksilver by Callie Hart, 2024
* Bride by Ali Hazelwood, 2024
* We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark, 2025
Other media mentioned in this episode:
Fiction
* Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, 1847
* Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, 1847
* Dracula by Bram Stoker, 1897
* Dark Descent by Christine Feehan, 2003
* Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, 2007
* The Vampire Diaries: The Return by L.J. Smith, 2009-2011
* A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, 2015
* Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, 2020-
* Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent, 2023
* The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent, 2023
* A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, 2025
* Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood, 2025
Film
* The Twilight Saga, 2008-2012
* Hotel Transylvania, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky 2012
TV
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997-2003
* Game of Thrones, 2011-2019
* Heated Rivalry, 2025
Fairy Tales
* “Bluebeard,” Charles Perrault, 1697
* “Beauty and the Beast,” Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, 1740
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This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rebecca Glazer & Hannah Spiegelman
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