The Romantasy Coven

Author interview - Nikki St. Crowe, West of Wicked

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, the Coven had the absolute pleasure of speaking with author Nikki St Crowe about her new dark spicy Wizard of Oz retelling, West of Wicked!!

We save spoilers for the later on in the episode so don’t worry if you haven’t yet read this one yet. Spoilers are from 29:20 until 49:38!

We also talk to Nikki about her love of dark romance and writing spicy retellings, and why she chose Wizard of Oz for this newest story.

Towards the end of the podcast we let Brigitte go all fan girl on Nikki about what we can expect to get in book 2, which comes out November 2026!

You can find all of Nikki’s work on her website:

Follow the Coven on social media for more romantasy chaos!!
Instagram: @theromantasycoven
TikTok: @romantasycovenpodcast

Author interview: Rachel Vincent, The Alchemary

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode the Coven chats with author Rachel Vincent about her latest book, The Alchemary which came out April 2026 and which we got to read in advance of this conversation. We ask Rachel why she wanted to write a dark academia, which of the two brothers she likes the most and what inspired her to write such an unapologetically driven main female character.

This was such a fun conversation! You can find The Alchemary everywhere that sells books, and you can find out more about Rachel's many previously published books on Rachel's website: www.rachelvincent.com

Please note: we chat spoilers from 28:55 onwards.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share with someone you think might also enjoy it

Souls in Ruin by Jacqueline White

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ria and Jess team up for a special episode on the dark romantasy, Souls in Ruin by Jacqueline White. They spend almost the entire episode talking about how much they LOVE this book, the writing, the character dynamics, the tension, the ending!!

Please check the triggers before you read this book. And please note that in this episode we discuss torture, as well as sexual pleasure under duress and issues of non-consent.

But we also discuss how this is a story about one woman’s fight for autonomy over her body and her life.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider sharing with someone who might also like it. You can also find more reviews, recommendations, laughs and general bookish chaos from us on socials:

@theromantasycoven on Instagram

@romantasycovenpodcast on TikTok

Enjoy!!

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode we talk about how much we all adored Rachel Gillig’s The Knight and the Moth. Spoiler: this was a five star read for all of us! We chat about the comic relief, the found family, THE Rory Mendacious!! We talk about the breadcrumbs throughout the story and the emotional damage this book inflicted on us.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review or sharing with a romantasy-loving friend.

Please note: as ever this episode has lots of spoilers for Knight and the Moth. Happy reading fellow witches!

Brimstone by Callie Hart

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

The chaos resumes! In this episode we chat about the sequel to Quicksilver by Callie Hart, and why sadly it didn’t quite hit the mark for us. We talk about the mad magical admin, silly side quests and our love for most of the characters nonetheless.

Let us know what you thought of Brimstone! You can find us on Instagram @theromantasycoven and on TikTok @romantasycovenpodcast

If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a short positive review and/or sharing with someone you think might enjoy it! Thank you for listening.

Apologies for the quality of the Sassy One's audio - the audio gods decided to curse her for her sassy blasphemous ways. Just focus on the mad stuff that the Forgetful and Wise Ones say.

Author interview: Riley Quinn, Gold and Gossamer

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Our first author interview! We speak with Riley Quinn, author of the new romantasy Gold and Gossamer which came out November 2025. We chat about how Riley’s passion for animation helped her create the immersive world of Fairyland and Avonbend; why Riley chose to write a diverse cast of characters; and which of her characters annoys her the most!

Gold and Gossamer is available to purchase from most book sellers in the US and UK. Find out more at Riley’s website: https://www.rileyquinnart.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a short review or sharing with someone you think might enjoy it.

Minisode: read this book (part one)!

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this mini episode we try to convince each other to read some of our favourite romantasy books not already discussed on the podcast.

Jess pitches Feathers So Viscous by Liv Zander and Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, Ria chooses House on the Cerulean Sea by T. J Klune and Brigitte finally tells us why we should read Throne of Glass.

If you like this episode please give it a little rating, or share with someone you think might like it!

Minisode: Bed, marry, block #1

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:35:30 +0000

In this mini episode, the Thirsty Three discuss which romantasy book characters they would bed, marry and block, led by Jess and her unhinged categories: MMCs, Side Pieces, Baddies, Daddies and Monsters.

If you like this episode please share it with someone you think might also enjoy it! Or give us a little rating, that would really help other people find us!

Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The Thirsty Three chat (and fight) about booktok sensation, Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider.

Ria explains in exquisite detail why this book was not for her, much to the delight of Jess who rated this four metal slinging stars. Brigitte politely explains why she isn’t a fan of the whole ‘fated mates’ trope anymore and why she LOVED the twists in this book.

All three agreed that way too much time was spent on a boat in this debut story.

If you enjoy this episode, we’d be very grateful if you could please tell a romantasy-loving friend about it! And if you have time, a quick review would also prove very helpful indeed.

Until next time Witches!

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:28:02 +0100

The Thirsty Three chat about Quicksilver by Callie Hart, another popular romantasy read and for good reasons!

Some of the highlights of the episode include:
•⁠ ⁠Brigitte’s Kingfisher ick
•⁠ ⁠Ria’s borderline obsessive love for Carrion Swift
•⁠ ⁠Jess’ totally mad 60 second plot recap
•⁠ ⁠Debating which real life man best represents Kingfisher
•⁠ ⁠Callie Hart’s superb social commentary and excellent world building
•⁠ ⁠Our complete refusal to agree with any criticisms for this book
•⁠ ⁠What we want to see from book 2: Brimstone

If you like this episode please share with someone you think might also like it, and consider leaving us a short review. Thank you kindly!!

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

Ria Carrogan — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The Thirsty Three chat about the second book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Ashes and the Star Cursed King, by Carissa Broadbent. All three get weirded out by creepy child vampires, Ria continues on her quest for hot dad Vincent and Brigitte still can’t decide if she will ever forgive Raihn for his betrayal.

As ever lots of spoilers for this book throughout the episode.

You can now find us on TikTok! @romantasy.coven

And Instagram: @theromantasycoven

Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Ria Carrogan — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:22:44 +0100

The Thirsty Three (TT) are back! It's time for the Coven to discuss Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent. The first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, the TT delve into the lore of the world, how to pronounce everything, and argue about book boyfriends.

And oh, how the tables turn in this episode! Jess schools B and Ria on the world of Nyaxia. The student has become the master in this episode!

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Continuing their ACOTAR journey, the Thirsty Three delve into Sarah J Maas’ A Court of Silver Flames, sharing their love for Nesta’s friendships with Gwynn and Emory, and their disapproval of Rhys’ bad attitude.

Ria shares her slightly unhinged fantasy involving the House of Wind and a cartoon fox, Jess shares her love for Cassian and Brigitte explains why she loved the girl’s magical house sleepover so much, even as a grown up.

A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas

Ria Carrogan — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0100

The Thirsty Three are back to discuss more of SJ Maas's ACOTAR world. We discuss a combo of A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Frost and Starlight and delve into the thing she really enjoy about both books, and the stuff that we aren't vibing with. As always, we are just thrilled to discussing the Maasverse once again!

This episode was originally recorded as part of the Femme On podcast.

Please to rate, review, subscribe and all of that. We are just happy to be here discussing romantasy and having fun.

Follow Jess's Substack Bang Average or find the coven on Instagram:

@jess_bdavies
@riacarrogan

The Romantasy Coven podcast is part of the Femme On Collective.

Minisode: Ria's Mystic Quiz - Dragon Poop

Ria Carrogan — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It's our first episode of Ria's Mystic Quiz where she asks the Coven one of the random questions in her head when reading romantasy books.

We want to hear from you, do dragon poop with grace? In private? While they are flying along? What is your dragon poop lore?

If you enjoy this question, check out Ria's Questions on the Femme On podcast!

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Ria Carrogan — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In their first recording as The Romantasy Coven, the Thirsty Three dive into Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, the third book in the Empyrean Series. Ria rates her favourite characters including Brocolli the Cat, Brigitte shares her 8-point love letter to Ridoc and Jess actually remembers what’s going on this time.

Spoilers throughout so listen with caution if you haven’t read this book. If you have, find us on Instagram and let us know what you thought of it! @theromantasycoven

If you know someone else who might like this episode, please share with them and you’ll get our love and appreciation.

Don't forget to check out the Femme On Collective podcast for more awesome lady-led chats. Romantasy Coven is a Femme On Production.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Ria Carrogan — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:08:18 +0000

In honour of the release of Onyx Storm, the Thirsty Three discuss Iron Flame! Yes, listen to Jess, Brigitte and Ria discuss the second book in The Empyrean Series, Iron Flame. They talk shadow daddies (of course), friendship and a couple of predictions for Onyx Storm. Come and have fun with us!

This episode was first published on 20 January 2025 on the Femme On podcast as part of the Literature for Life series, hosted by Jess! Go have a listen!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Ria Carrogan — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:06:13 +0000

Thirsty Three time!

We discuss the incredibly popular ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J Maas. A covid ridden Ria goes off on one about Feyre while Brigitte shares her wisdom about character growth and shadow daddies. Jess simply tags along for the fun. We shout out @zeereads on Instagram who shares fantastic reviews on everything she reads (and posts beautiful pictures) so make sure you give her a follow.

Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe if you haven't already.

This episode was first published on the Femme On podcast as part of the Literature for Life series. Go give Femme On a listen!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Ria Carrogan — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:00:18 +0000

The episode that started it all!

Originally published on the Femme On podcast, we talk sex, dragon riders and how enjoyable the characters are in this romantic fantasy favourite. We save spoilers for the end, in case you're worried!

Join the Thirsty Three as they discuss Fourth Wing, the first book in Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series. If you like strong female characters, found family, shadow daddies, and three awesome women having a laugh, then this is the podcast for you.

We'd love it if you followed us on social media and share any comments about the book/series. Also please review, rate and subscribe as every listen and interaction helps us reach our audience.

This episode was first publish on 5 November 2024 as part of the Literature for Life series on the Femme On podcast. Why don't you go and give Femme On a listen as well? It is excellent.