Shows
First Dates & Soulmates58 | Butch, Femme & Found Family: Celebrating FF Love StoriesThis week, it’s all about the L in LGBTQ+. Nikki & Meg dive into the world of women-loving-women romances: the genre’s underrepresentation, share standout books they’ve read recently, and explore their own relationships to sapphic stories. Listen in for:* Why FF romance still doesn’t get the love it deserves* Stereotypes vs. archetypes and how to tell the difference* Trope differences across FF and MM romance* And what makes sapphic stories feel distinct and powerfulWith a mix of recs, reflections, and one tiny Rent rant (ju...2025-06-1852 min
First Dates & Soulmates57 | Sweet, Spicy, and Queer: Author DJ Jamison on MM RomanceIn this author spotlight, Nikki & Meg sit down with romance writer DJ Jamison to talk about crafting queer love stories with heart, heat, and a whole lot of character growth.Listen in for:* Navigating reader expectations to balancing spice levels across her different series* What makes a series stick (and when to wrap it up)* Why she gravitates toward underdog characters who just need someone to believe in them* a discussion of her latest release, Outcast, and how approaching the Foster Bro Code series was a departure...2025-06-1156 min
First Dates & Soulmates56 | "I'm Coming Out": Queer Awakenings in RomanceIt’s Pride Month, and Meg & Nikki are kicking things off with a reflective conversation about queer identity and coming out romance stories we love (especially the messy, nonlinear, and sometimes late-blooming kind). Listen in for:* What shaped their early understandings of sexual identity and orientation* The multiple “F’s” in a framework designed for awakening…tingles…in the groiny bits…* Their favourite queer awakening romance stories involving oblivious golden retriever types* And why bisexuality deserves better storytellingWe’re kicking off a full month of celebrating queerness in all...2025-06-0456 min
First Dates & Soulmates55 | Rockstar Romance with Jessica TopperThis week Nikki and Meg sit down with author Jessica Topper to dive into the world of rock star romance. A librarian-turned-romance-writer, Jessica shares how her real-life concert experiences and love of music shape her stories — including her beloved Love & Steel series.They explore:* What makes musicians such compelling romantic leads* Why found family dynamics hit differently in fictional bands* The behind-the-stage drama of redemption arcs, messy characters, and their thoughts on bodyguard and manager relationshipsDon’t worry, there’s enough fictional eyeliner to last you a life...2025-05-2853 min
First Dates & Soulmates54 | It's Our Anniversary! One Year of Romance Reads & RecsIt’s the one-year anniversary of First Dates & Soulmates — and Nikki & Meg are getting a little misty-eyed about it. In this retrospective episode, they reflect on how the podcast came to be, how their reading (and recording) habits have changed, and what surprised them most over the last 54 episodes.Listen in for:* The emotional support voice notes that started it all* The differences between reading for joy vs. reading for podcasting* Tropes they’ve come to love more (or less)* And what’s next for Year 2!It’s a mix of...2025-05-2155 min
First Dates & Soulmates53 | All Twerk, No Play: Neighbors, Musicians & Messy HeroinesAll Twerk No Play drops May 15th! Head over to the ‘Zon and download/buy your copy ASAP. Support indie writers! https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9ZNow onto the show…In this episode, Nikki interviews co-host Meg—er, Bailey Seaborn—about her newest release “All Twerk, No Play”, the second book in the All or Nothing series and follow up to “Peppermint Bark, No Bite”. Join them as they dig into:* Why Victoria is a mess and a marvel—and why Cruz might be her emotional match* The role music played...2025-05-141h 01
First Dates & Soulmates52 | A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood: Neighbours to Lovers Trope Deep DiveDon’t forget, Meg’s new book All Twerk No Play drops May 15th! So get thee to the ‘Zon and download/buy your copy ASAP. Support indie writers! https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Now onto the show…This week on First Dates & Soulmates, we're cracking open the windows, cranking up the tension, and diving into one of the most underrated romance environments: neighbours to lovers.Meg and Nikki break down why this setting-based trope hits so hard, especially when your neighbor just might be your next emotional disaster or love story.Lis...2025-05-0752 min
First Dates & Soulmates51 | Fake Dating the Hot Mess: Hothead by Stella RhysFirst off, Meg’s new book All Twerk No Play drops May 15th! So get thee to the ‘Zon and download/buy your copy ASAP. Support indie writers! https://amzn.to/3Ee2O9Z Now onto the show…This week on First Dates and Soulmates, Nikki and Meg unpack “Hothead” by Stella Rhys—a spicy sports romance that kicks off with a bar fight, a public meltdown, and a viral paparazzi photo that leads to fake dating. They talk about:* When fake dating is survival, not strategy* How power dynamics shi...2025-04-3052 min
First Dates & Soulmates50 | Science, Sex, and Spreadsheets: The Love Hypothesis by Ali HazelwoodIn this episode of First Dates and Soulmates, Nikki and Meg dive into The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood—a fan-favorite academic rom-com that sparked an entire wave of STEM heroines. Click play on this week’s episode to hear:* Why Olive is a chronic overthinker and why Adam is a misunderstood grump (who totally has a soft side)* How this book walks the line between swoony slow-burn and sexy payoff* The balance of realistic vs. wildly fictional about academiaBooks & Media We Mention...2025-04-2356 min
First Dates & Soulmates49 | Same Trope, Three Ways: Eden Finley's Fake Boyfriend SeriesThis week on First Dates and Soulmates, Nikki and Meg dive into the first three books in Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend series—Fake Out, Trick Play, and Deke. Each features the beloved fake dating trope, but through different emotional, thematic, and public/private lenses. Listen in as they break down:* What works and what stresses us the hell out * The joys of chaos gremlin side characters* The ethics of journalism in romance novels (looking at you, A Christmas Prince),* and what it means when your characters start bossing you...2025-04-1654 min
First Dates & Soulmates48 | Just Go With It: a fake divorce romcom?!Continuing our April theme of fake dating, this week’s pick is Just Go With It (2011), starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston—and spoiler: Meg hated it.In This Episode:* When your “Save the Cat” moment is… never* Catherine deserved a raise, not a ring* Hawaii as the ultimate fake dating backdrop* How this movie failed at its own emotional payoff* Why all rom-coms should show the reveal AND the falloutSubscribe. Review. Come yell with us about why male protagonists never have to grovel...2025-04-0950 min
First Dates & Soulmates47 | Where Absurd Meets Heartfelt: Why We Love The Fake Dating TropeStrap in. We’re going deep. This week on First Dates & Soulmates, it’s a trope episode! And we’re dissecting every glorious and absurd nuance of fake dating.Nikki may think this trope is the Chardonnay of romance (she’ll drink it if you serve it), while Meg is out here creating full frameworks while waiting in line at Disneyland.In This Episode:* Why so many fake dating books fall apart if the initial premise isn’t strong* Why romantic vulnerability matters more than jellybeans* The difference between fake datin...2025-04-0253 min
First Dates & Soulmates46 | Romance, but Make It Rich? Secret Billionaire RomanceThis week we wrap up our month-long Secret Identity theme with the most opulent trope of all: Secret Billionaires. We discuss “Butt-Dialing the Billionaire” by Annika Martin and…* The "specialist boy" framework: time, money, title—and how power imbalance is managed (or not).* What readers love about billionaire books: wish fulfillment, lifestyle fantasy, and… not having to cook dinner.* Why this book had us yelling “That’s not how phones work!” for the first 20 pages.* A breakdown of billionaire romance structure: the transformation from emotionally stunted workaholic to romantic marshmallow....2025-03-2656 min
First Dates & Soulmates45 | "My boring husband is a super spy!" True Lies & Mr. and Mrs. SmithHow do you fix a secret spy marriage? Blow some stuff up. This episode, Nikki and Meg discuss two classic secret identity action romance films, 1994’s True Lies & 2005’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith.Inside this episode:* Which spy couple actually had the healthier marriage?* How do you balance of action, romance, and insane sexual tension WITH GASLIGHTING?* Why do both of these movies feature the worst best friends ever (looking at you, Tom Arnold & Vince Vaughn).* Would Nikki & Meg survive if they were secretly spies? (Spoiler: one of t...2025-03-1951 min
First Dates & Soulmates44 | “I just want to be normal!” Secret Princes & Princesses Seek LoveThis week the March theme of secret identities continues by diving into secret royalty romance: the ones where princes, princesses, and future kings just want a little taste of normalcy… until love (and a dramatic reveal) ruins their plans.Nikki & Meg are diving deep into two secret royal books: Cordina’s Crown Jewel by Nora Roberts, and Felix & The Prince by Lucy Lennox. Listen in as they discuss:* What makes the “secret royalty” trope so fun? And why is it different in MF vs. MM romance?* The pressure of public vs. private...2025-03-1248 min
First Dates & Soulmates43 | Royalty, Spies, & Billionaires: Secret Identity RomancesHave you ever fallen for someone only to realize they’re secretly a billionaire? Or a prince? Or, oh, just a government spy with a kill count? This week, Nikki and Meg are diving deep into one of the most over-the-top, high-drama romance tropes of all time: SECRET IDENTITY ROMANCE.What’s inside this episode:* The "Love Me Despite" Factor: Why the conflict in these stories is always I want to be loved for me, not my title/wealth/dangerous profession.* The Aladdin Effect: How romance novels use this trope to expl...2025-03-0554 min
First Dates & Soulmates42 | Set It Up: The Millennial Rom Com We DeserveWhat do you get when you mix Cyrano, The Parent Trap, and two insanely charming leads? You get “Set It Up”, the Netflix rom-com that had us yearning for the days of classic romantic comedies. Push play and hear all about:* Workplace romances that don’t make us feel bad and don’t require an HR intervention* Meet cutes, friends to lovers, grand gestures, and other common tropes that are given a modern touch* Why this movie hits differently when you’ve been a burnt-out 20-something (or just a busy entrepreneur)* A s...2025-02-2658 min
First Dates & Soulmates41 | Regency Romance: Sarah MacLean's Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a RakeIf you’ve ever read a historical romance and thought, “I would 100% sneak into a gambling den just for the drama”, then this week’s episode is for you!This week, Nikki and Meg are diving into Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean, a book that’s all about flouting societal expectations and reforming the bad boys of the aristocracy. Inside the Episode:* Why we think regency romance is basically motorcycle club romance (but with cravats)* How historical romance tropes hit different in 2025* The public vs...2025-02-191h 00
First Dates & Soulmates40: A Romantic Birthday MailbagIt’s Nikki & Meg’s birthday, and they’ll rant about romance tropes if they want to! Our hosts are back with a special mailbag episode, where they challenge each other with the most ridiculous, thought-provoking, and delightfully unhinged romance scenarios they could find. No prep. No planning. Just pure chaos and strong AF opinions.Check inside this birthday episode and their debates on:🎁 Grand gestures: Romantic or gross?🎁 The worst possible job for a romance protagonist🎁 The ultimate pet name cringe factor (Are we team "Babe" or "Absolutely...2025-02-1255 min
Aggressively Human: Online Business in the Age of AI, Algorithms & AutomationsSoftware in Service: Simplicity over Systems with Nikki McKnightWho hasn’t set up a system (or hired someone else to do so) that seems to make your efficiency dreams come true... and that just didn't happen. Or worse? Broke your business.The alternative? Embracing Simplicity over Systems. Embracing Simplicity over Systems, another core Aggressively Human pillar. How can we be thoughtful about where and how we use systems to be in service, instead of just buying systems as a service.And who better to bring in our episode is fellow Ops brain Nikki McKnight. Nikki McKnight (she/her) is an operations and systems st...2025-02-0655 min
First Dates & Soulmates39: Football Romance with Alexa MartinStrap in, romance fans, because this episode is intercepting all your expectations! We’re chatting with the MVP of football romance, Alexa Martin, about romance in the era of Taylor Swift’s NFL, the behind the scenes stories of being (and writing) football WAGS (wives and girlfriends). 🏆What’s in the playbook this week for Meg, Nikki, & Alexa?* How Vanity Fair declared Alexa the queen of football romance (and why she both cheered and cringed at the article).* Why her heroines are always hot messes (in the best way) and what makes a t...2025-02-0558 min
First Dates & Soulmates38: An Interview with K. StirlingOn today’s episode of First Dates and Soulmates, we are welcoming author K. Stirling! Listen in as Meg, Nikki, and K talk:* how K’s writing career started as a dare* whether or not billionaires deserve romance * navigating the ever-changing social media landscape* when you’re stuck, you just need characters to fight and fornicate! About Our Guest:K. Sterling writes like a demon and is mother to Alex, Zoe, Stella, and numerous queer superheroes. She’s also a history nerd, a Lord of the Ring...2025-01-2952 min
First Dates & Soulmates37: The Weight Of It All by NR WalkerCan you fall in love at the gym?Continuing our theme of self improvement this month, this week Meg and Nikki are talking about NR Walker’s book, The Weight Of It All. Listen in as they talk:* how to write a romance about weight loss without feeling fat phobic* the importance of the post-breakup encounter with the ex* why we want to be karaoke friends with Henry* the importance of besties who talk about p*ggingThen, join us on Substack and tell us ab...2025-01-2256 min
First Dates & Soulmates36: Journeys of Self ImprovementContinuing our series on characters who want to improve their lives, this week we’re diving DEEP into stories that start with characters who resolve to “upgrade” their lives through love, career, health, or hobbies. Listen in as Meg & Nikki discuss:* why this trope is like self help books, but with sex* our own approach to New Year’s resolutions (or lack thereof)* those “hit by a bus” moments that can change your life* SO MANY COLOUR CODED CHECKLISTS!Then, join us on Substack and tell us about your r...2025-01-151h 03
First Dates & Soulmates35: "Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia HibbertWe are kicking off a series about main characters who seek out to improve some aspect of their lives and first up, “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by the wonderful Talia Hibbert. Join Nikki & Meg as they discuss:* where the thing isn’t actually the thing* why we LOVE a man who goes to therapy* beautiful f***ing prose (and how it makes Meg want to quit writing)* the epic badass that is Chloe BrownThen, join us on Substack to share your thoughts and how you too ar...2025-01-0851 min
First Dates & Soulmates34: The First Annual Tingly AwardsWelcome to 2025 and our first annual Tingly Awards!Join Nikki and Meg as they look back at the books that made them blush, tingle, squee, and smile. Then, check out https://bit.ly/fdsmbingo for a link to the official First Dates & Soulmates 2025 book bingo card. Be sure to tag us @firstdatesandsoulmates on your socials as you fill yours out. Meg’s List of Categories & Winners:Best Space Odyssey* Earth Boys are Easy by C. Rochelle* Ruby Dixon’s Risdaverse series* Good Deeds by K...2025-01-0158 min
First Dates & Soulmates[Re-Release] Christmas in July: 30+ holiday romance novel recsHo, ho, ho, everyone. This week, because it is the holidays, and both Meg and Nikki are enjoying some well deserved time off, we come to you to the pod this week with a re-release of our Christmas in July episode.This episode was released back in July as we were gearing up for the release of Meg's debut novel, Peppermint Bark No Bite. We talked all about the different Christmas tropes and small town holiday romances that we enjoy. So enjoy this little blast from the past and we will see you in the new year.2024-12-2555 min
First Dates & Soulmates33: NaNoWriMo Roundtable- The ResultsThe month of November has passed and it’s time for us to check in with our NaNoWriMo authors from episode 27 to see how it went!Join Nikki, Meg, Lee, and Megan as they chat about:* why November is a horrible month* the importance of creating spaces for creative work * Nikki finding out about a disney villains series* why you should always bet on come Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/Follow the show on Ti...2024-12-1841 min
First Dates & Soulmates32: Christmas Falls Season 2What kind of romantic shenanigans can happen in the small town of Christmas Falls? A hell of a lot, as it turns out! In this week’s episode, our hosts are talking all about the shared universe series of Christmas Falls, back for its seconds season. Join Nikki & Meg as they talk about the town of the season and:* how ugly Christmas sweaters can still be sexy * the work that goes into writing a shared universe series* why Nikki wanted to see someone get hurt (because being carried is se...2024-12-1158 min
First Dates & Soulmates31: Meet Me Next Christmas, a holiday romcomCould it be a holiday miracle meet-cute involving the beautiful harmonies of Pentatonix? Why yes, it could! This week on the show Nikki & Meg are diving into Netflix’s latest holiday flick, Meet Me Next Christmas with Christina Milian and Devale Ellis. Listen in as they discuss:* the chemistry of the two leads and how we became Teddy superfans* the logistics of concert venues for holiday shows * our slightly cynical leanings on a certain…sparkly plot device* Nikki’s experience in filming the big ending sceneand...2024-12-0457 min
First Dates & Soulmates30: Sex Lives of Superheroes with Diana McCallumYour friendly neighbourhood spider person with radioactive sperm, an Amazonian warrior who gets tied up, and a caped crusader who likes to fight with his female opponents - it’s time for some heroic bedroom activities!In this episode, Nikki & Meg are joined by writer & podcaster Diana McCallum to discuss her book, Sex Lives of Superheroes, and the many considerations about what it takes to date & mate a super powered human.Join their very scientific conversation about:* how to talk to your lover about your superhuman sperm, super stretchy genitals, or your many sp...2024-11-2755 min
First Dates & Soulmates29: Back for Seconds, a hedonistic holiday taleIn this ode to American Thanksgiving, this week our hosts are diving into platters full of stuffing, phallic vegetables, and creams of all kinds. Meg & Nikki are talking about Back For Seconds, an erotic holiday novella. In this episode, they talk about:* why 2nd person POV should NEVER be used in erotica* the chore porn involved when people do housework for us * Meg’s many excellent food puns * the f***ed up pantheon of gods that must exist in this books’ world* Then head on over...2024-11-2043 min
First Dates & Soulmates28: Romance That Makes Us HungryAre you hungry? Famished? Voracious for something…delicious?In this week’s episode, Meg & Nikki dive deep into a prix fixe framework of delicious romance novels that focus on folks in the food industry or where food plays a role in the romantic plot lines. Get your aprons handy and whisks at the ready as they talk about:* why folks who work in food service are GODS! GODS WE SAY!* the romance created by a well-constructed meal * how Nikki is the easiest sloot if you bring her food…a...2024-11-131h 05
First Dates & Soulmates27: A NaNoWriMo Author RoundtableFor many creative folks the world over, the month of November is spent in pursuit of writing 50,000 words. Today, Meg & Nikki welcome 3 of Meg’s author & entrepreneurial friends to see how they’re approaching this month.Listen into the roundtable as they discuss:* The reason why they’re not doing the “official” NaNoWriMo challenge* Why writing succinctly is so freaking hard (we’re looking at you, Meg)* Their differing approaches to outlining and story creationA slightly sad note, during this recording session Megan Flatt’s audio decided to die so she doe...2024-11-0649 min
First Dates & Soulmates26: Bride by Ali HazelwoodTake one strong alpha male shifter and one super smart yet culturally naive vampire, put them in an arranged marriage with a dash of political intrigue and a soupçon of sexual tension, and what do you get? Bride, by Ali Hazelwood! Join Meg & Nikki this week as they talk:* why we all KNOW what it means when you sniff a neck* the importance of secret friendship languages for surprise unveilings* the “science” of shifters changing with or without their clothes* the…physics… of interspecies tingles in the groiny bits ...2024-10-3050 min
First Dates & Soulmates25: Spooky Teen Romance Films (Twilight & Warm Bodies)This week on the podcast Nikki & Meg are diving into YA spooky romance films Twilight and Warm Bodies! Yes, we are biting our lips, touching our cold boyfriends, and being that girl that everyone loves from the get-go!Nikki walks us through the 4 signs you’re in a spooky teen romance and:* Meg shares her trauma about watching the Twilight film for the first time* Why parents aren’t ALWAYS the bad guys in these teen scenarios* The reasons why we would all want to be the best friend character...2024-10-2354 min
First Dates & Soulmates24: The Hidden Species series by Louisa Masters“Hellhounds declaring a glitter fight? Vampires at war with accounting? It’s another day at the Community of Species Government.”In a bit of surprise twist this week, Nikki & Meg decide to add in a completely unplanned episode! So inspired by Nikki waxing poetic about this series during our episode on Paranormal Romance (see episode #22), Meg decided to download and read The Hidden Species series in one week just so they could talk about it!Join them this week as they talk about:* Nikki’s love of demonic bureaucracy* How this...2024-10-1654 min
First Dates & Soulmates23: A Book Launch Review (and update) with Bailey SeabornIt’s been almost two months since host Meg (aka author Bailey Seaborn) released her debut novel, Peppermint Bark No Bite. This week, we are checking in with how the book launch went, some lessons from a new(ish) author, and got a sneak peak at what’s coming next!Listen in to hear all about:✏️ how Meg wrote the series almost in reverse, and 4 books at once✏️ the challenges in promoting a romance book to your…not romance book audience✏️ the Avengers-level team of support that Meg worked with ✏️ the BEST THIN...2024-10-0952 min
First Dates & Soulmates22: Paranormal RomancesAre spooky scary skeletons sending shivers down your spine?Will dastardly demons and alpha shifters send tingles into your groiny bits?This week on the podcast, it’s Paranormal Romances!Join Meg & Nikki as they talk:🎃 the things we love that go bump in the night🎃 what type of vampire we’d be - sparkly or scary 🎃 how paranormal and fantasy are NOT the same thing🎃 S-class superpowers & the mortals they love to dateBooks & Media We MentionHeaving Bosoms...2024-10-0258 min
First Dates & Soulmates21: Heartless by Elsie Silver | cowboy, nanny, surprise baby grumpy-sunshine romanceFor many of us, romance is an escape from our day to day lives where we can just focus on the witty repartee, brooding good looks, and all of the tingles in the groiny bits.This month, Nikki and Meg are sharing a book they somehow love yet it contains their most hated trope(s).Nowhere on Meg’s TBR list would we expect to see a grumpyXsunshine western single dad romance with a nanny AND A SURPRISE BABY. But surprise, it’s time for Meg’s pick, Heartless by Elsie Silver. In t...2024-09-251h 00
First Dates & Soulmates20: The Best of RomanceBooks subreddit with Andréa JonesToday, we’re diving deep into the bowels of our FAVOURITE subreddit to pick out the most curious of questions, the hottest of hot takes, and share the super spicy stuff that we’ve been reading lately. We’re also joined by our podcast SuperFan (and the reason this show exists), marketing expert extraordinaire, podcaster, and all around romantic, Andréa Jones! Check out this week’s episode for:⭐ which Harry Potter fanfic pairing is our main ship⭐ the weird Anime North viewing rooms that Nikki spent her teen years in⭐ how Me...2024-09-1859 min
First Dates & Soulmates19: Secret Identity Rom Coms with Shenee HowardDear Fellow Plant Daddies, what would you do if you discovered that the anonymous person you have been chatting with is the horrible shirtless plant influencer from next door?This week on the podcast Meg is playing host to author Shenee Howard and we talk all about:* sexy plant daddies inspired by BTS members* what makes a great rom com story* Shenee’s sci fi rom com plans (and more Long Beach stories!)* why we love (and hate?) reddit and AIM and how it’s evolved in the books we r...2024-09-111h 00
First Dates & Soulmates18: Trope We Hate/Book We Love - Kissing Tolstoy by Penny ReidWe all have our favourites when it comes to tropes and storylines that we love. We also have ones that we hate with the burning fiery passion of a thousand hells. And yet somehow we can find authors or books that manage to turn our most hated narrative frameworks into something we like, and maybe even love. This month, Nikki and Meg are sharing a book they somehow love yet it contains their most hated trope(s). Starting with Nikki’s pick, Kissing Tolstoy by Penny Reid. In...2024-09-041h 11
First Dates & Soulmates17: Sensitivity Readers 101 with Sydney FowlerIs it true that we should only write what we know?In this episode of #FirstDatesAndSoulmates, Meg & Nikki sit down with Sydney Fowler, a sensitivity reader who also worked on Meg’s debut novel Peppermint Bark, No Bite. We ask Sydney so many questions including:✏️ the role of a sensitivity reader (and what they are NOT)✏️ the importance of dialogue between author & any type of reader✏️ how Sydney helped shape Meg’s book content and storytelling ✏️ when and why an author should engage with a sensitivity readerAbout Ou...2024-08-281h 09
First Dates & Soulmates16: Bro’s Best Friend Romances with Mikayla ChristyIs dating your brother’s best friend… taboo?How shocking!In this week’s episode of #FirstDatesAndSoulmates, Nikki and Meg are joined by guest Mikayla Christy to talk all about the trope of best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend. A favourite trope of Meg’s, we talk all about:❤️ how Mikayla DID date her brother’s best friend (and Nikki’s best friend married HER brother)❤️ the 3 “F’s” of this trope (and yes, one of them is what you’re thinking)❤️ the STRESS of secret relationships❤️ and wh...2024-08-2159 min
First Dates & Soulmates15: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not DatingWe all know Nikki read her first romance novel (Born in Ice by Nora Roberts) when she was around 10 years old - but what about Meg’s first romance read?! In this week’s episode, Meg and Nikki are doing a read-along of Meg’s first romance novel (that she read in 2018!!), Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren.We talk:❤️ whether your first trope is really the best trope❤️ Nikki's Korean blindness❤️ Meg's thoughts on "that girl" heroines❤️ Crazy helvetica merch ideas❤️ and why we hate surprise babiesBooks & Media We Mention In This Episode:2024-08-1455 min
First Dates & Soulmates14: The Weird-Ho’s Table with Author C. RochelleGiven our love of himbos, heroes (and villains) in spandex, and random ho-stuff, we knew there was but ONE PERSON who we could invite to the show this week.We're fangirling *just a bit* over this week's episode where we welcome author C.Rochelle to #FirstDatesAndSoulmates!In this slightly bonkers episode we talk about:🦸♂️ chaotic plot gremlins and how C "plans" her stories🦹♀️ the epic fans and growing community online🥳 managing smexy times with multiple people and...appendages......as well as some teasers for her upcoming projects, including Rabble End Game (the final book in the Villainous series).About Our Gu...2024-08-071h 20
First Dates & Soulmates13: An Alien Mate for ChristmasIn this last episode of First Dates and Soulmates’ “Christmas in July” series, Meg and Nikki are doing a read-a-long of a Christmas novella, An Alien Mate for Christmas by Melody Beckett.Warning: this episode is not for the weak when it comes to graphic depictions of alien peens. If you like a good sci-fi holiday romance, this episode (and book) is for youMeg and Nikki discuss the fated mate trope, their favorite parts of the novella, their not-so-favorite parts, and more.Melody Beckett’s Website: https://www.melodybeckett.com/ Melody’s...2024-07-3158 min
First Dates & Soulmates12: Peppermint Bark, No Bite with Author Bailey SeabornIn this week’s episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Nikki is interviewing soon-to-be-famous author, Bailey Seaborn.Bailey Seaborn (Meg Casebolt’s pen name) is the author of the romance novel you may have heard the first handful of chapters of on this podcast, Peppermint Bark, No Bite.And she’s here to answer all of your questions about herself as a romance novelist, author, and entrepreneur.She talks about:* Where the pen name Bailey Seaborn originated* How she went about plotting the novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite* Inspir...2024-07-241h 11
First Dates & Soulmates11: Peppermint Bark, No Bite: Chapters 4 & 5Get a sneak peek of Meg Casebolt's (written under the pen name, Bailey Seaborn) debut romance novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite, a witty heartwarming, romantic comedy about a woman who recruits the grinchiest man alive to be her stand-in for Santa, and then she melts his frosty facade.The novel will be released on July 25th in celebration of Christmas in July. Pre-order your copy so it'll go right to your inbox when it's released: https://amzn.to/4dJlnjeThis episode includes Chapters 4 and 5. Chapters 1-3 are also available right here on the podcast! Follow the show on...2024-07-1726 min
First Dates & Soulmates10: Love, Actually: Film ReviewWhen Love, Actually came out in November of 2003, so many critics hated it. Meg and Nikki are here today, continuing with Christmas in July to talk about the Love, Actually, which many people consider a Christmas movie.Although there were many iffy parts to this film, it did spark a cultural phenomenon. In this episode, Meg and Nikki discuss their favorite and least favorite romantic storylines, couples, tropes, and WTF moments from the film. Some of the couples they hate, some they love, and some are just kinda… meh. Tune in if you love romance mo...2024-07-101h 00
First Dates & Soulmates09: Christmas in July: Holiday RomancesMeg and Nikki are kicking off the month by celebrating Christmas in July.In this week’s episode of First Dates & soulmates, Meg and Nikki talk about holiday romance novels as they discuss their favorite Christmas tropes and the ones they think lack originality. This episode is packed with lots of great holiday book recommendations, as well as holiday microtropes they LOVE, and the four ways Christmas can be built into a novel. If you’re a holiday romance lover, this episode is for you. And if you’re NOT, then this episode might just make y...2024-07-0355 min
First Dates & Soulmates08: Bridgerton Season 3 RecapSeason 3 of Bridgerton is out and Meg and Nikki have THOUGHTS. In this week’s episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki discuss their favorite moments from Season 3, as well as some of their biggest disappointments.If you’re not caught up with parts 1 and 2, beware - there ARE spoilers in this episode.You can also expect from this episode:* Meg and Nikki’s thoughts on the way the season was released; Should they have released it weekly instead?* Queer representation in the season* The most import...2024-06-261h 00
First Dates & Soulmates07: Trope Deep Dive: Enemies to LoversIn this week’s episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki are doing a deep dive of one of the most popular romance tropes, enemies to lovers. In this episode, you can expect:* What exactly IS the “enemies to lovers” trope? Including Nikki’s five different types or subcategories of the trope* The history of the trope* Class, power, and privilege within the trope* What Meg and Nikki like and dislike about the trope* Several books that feature the enemies to lovers trope (and ones that are SUPPOSED to, but...2024-06-1950 min
First Dates & Soulmates06: Peppermint Bark, No Bite Chapter 3: The Midnight Meet CuteGet a sneak peek of Meg Casebolt's (written under the pen name, Bailey Seaborn) debut romance novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite, a witty heartwarming, romantic comedy about a woman who recruits the grinchiest man alive to be her stand-in for Santa, and then she melts his frosty facade.The novel will be released on July 25th in celebration of Christmas in July. Pre-order your copy so it'll go right to your inbox when it's released: https://amzn.to/4dJlnjeThis episode includes Chapter 3: The Midnight Meet Cute. Come back next month (July) for Chapters 4 and 5! Get full...2024-06-1222 min
First Dates & Soulmates05: Their Last Resort by R.S. GreyMeg and Nikki sure do, but in the case of Their Last Resort by R.S. Grey, they were left a little disappointed with the execution of some of these tropes. In this week's episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki discuss the things they liked in this novel and the things they think could've been implemented differently. You can also expect to hear:* Is this REALLY an "enemies to lovers" novel?* The development of Paige and Cole's relationship and the pacing of the overall storyline* Perceived conflict versus actual conflict2024-06-0545 min
First Dates & Soulmates05: Their Last Resort by R.S. GreyWho doesn't love a good enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance?! Meg and Nikki sure do, but in the case of Their Last Resort by R.S. Grey, they were left a little disappointed with the execution of some of these tropes. In this week's episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki discuss the things they liked in this novel and the things they think could've been implemented differently. You can also expect to hear:Is this REALLY an "enemies to lovers" novel?The development of Paige and Cole's relationship and the pacing of the o...2024-06-0545 min
First Dates & Soulmates04: The Bridgerton Prosaic UniverseIn this week's episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki are diving into the Bridgerton universe. Written by Julia Quinn and brought to T.V. by Shonda Rhimes, The Bridgerton series is an epic Regency romance tale, set throughout eight novels. In this episode, you can expect:* Meg and Nikki's experience with Bridgerton and why they love Regency romance* How the show differs from the books, as well as what they liked and didn't like* The differentiation between the Regency time period and other historical time periods in terms of the number...2024-05-291h 12First Dates & Soulmates04: The Bridgerton Prosaic UniverseIn this week's episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki are diving into the Bridgerton universe. Written by Julia Quinn and brought to T.V. by Shonda Rhimes, The Bridgerton series is an epic Regency romance tale, set throughout eight novels. In this episode, you can expect:Meg and Nikki's experience with Bridgerton and why they love Regency romanceHow the show differs from the books, as well as what they liked and didn't likeThe differentiation between the Regency time period and other historical time periods in terms of the number of books soldWho are the readers of...2024-05-291h 12
First Dates & Soulmates03: Peppermint Bark, No Bite sneak preview: Chapters 1-2Get a sneak peek of Meg Casebolt's (written under the pen name, Bailey Seaborn) debut romance novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite, a witty heartwarming, romantic comedy about a woman who recruits the grinchiest man alive to be her stand-in for Santa, and then she melts his frosty facade.The novel will be released on July 25th in celebration of Christmas in July. Pre-order your copy so it'll go right to your inbox when it's released: https://amzn.to/4dJlnjeThis episode includes Chapters 1 and 2 of the novel. Come back next month for Chapter 3!...2024-05-2026 min
First Dates & Soulmates02: My First Read: Born in IceCan you remember the very first romance novel you've ever read? For Nikki, it was Born In Ice by Nora Roberts. And in this episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki are going all in on their favorite tropes, the clashing of plots, some romance "no-no's", and more from Born In Ice. And don't worry - if you've never read this novel, Nikki and Meg give a very short overview of the plot before diving into the discussion.Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ Follow the show...2024-05-191h 05
First Dates & Soulmates01: Why We Love Romance So Much That We Can’t Shut Up About ItIn the first official episode of First Dates & Soulmates, Meg and Nikki talk about where their love for romance and reading began and why they're making it into a passion project. You'll also hear about Meg and Nikki's favorite genres (there may be some controversy here), the genres they tend to stay away from, what you can expect to hear in episodes going forward, and, as Nikki puts it, "discussion, giggles, and what the fuckery".Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ Follow the show on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates2024-05-1522 min
First Dates & SoulmatesTEASER: First Dates & SoulmatesPremieres Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024. Join Meg Casebolt and Nikki Mcknight for their weekly conversations on their latest romance reads. Each week, listen in to get Meg and Nikki's takes on their favorite (and most cringey) romance stories. Plus, hear from authors and get sneak peeks of Meg's upcoming releases.Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/ Follow the show on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates View the full show notes on our Substack https://firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/ Pre-Order Meg’s debut novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite (affiliate li...2024-05-1301 min