Kate Golden on "If Not For My Baby": On Dreams Deferred and Writing a Rockstar Romance

Join us for an insightful and intimate conversation with USA Today bestselling author Kate Golden about her first contemporary romance, If Not For My Baby. This heartwarming and inspiring rockstar romance has everything we about a contemporary romance novel: a FMC with character development, pop-culture references, and a soft-boi forest-daddy with a heart of gold. We talk with Kate about how the novel came to be, how her Sacred Stones trilogy and romantasy background informed her contemporary setting, and how she relates to Clementine, the FMC, despite how they are each others antithesis in many ways. As an extra special bonus, Kate gives us insight to her future projects and what she hopes to pursue after her next slate of books are published. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance, good guy rockstars, small-town heroines who make it big, and the heart and soul of Kate Golden's characters, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is Part 2 of our two-part discussion. In this emotionally charged episode, we explore Celaena Sardothien’s harrowing descent into grief, rage, and retribution following Nehemia’s death. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we analyze Sarah J. Maas's Crown of Midnight through two literary lenses, unpacking symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphors, and imagery. This week’s guiding question: Are Celaena’s actions in these chapters the stages of grief playing out? If so, are they bringing her closer toward acceptance? From the chilling moonlit hunt through Rifthold’s underbelly to the silent heartbreak of cleaning out Nehemia’s belongings, these chapters reveal a Celaena stripped of identity, morality, and trust. We break down how Sarah J. Maas uses moonlight as a symbol of conscience, the sacred defilement of Gavin’s sword, the inversion of hero’s journey tropes, and the clash between predator and protector in Celaena’s fractured psyche. We also unpack how Dorian’s and Chaol’s POVs illuminate their diverging views of Celaena, and what that foreshadows for their relationships with her. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, character-driven fantasy, and readers craving deeper analysis of trauma, identity, and power, this episode lays the foundation for Celaena’s transformation and hints of her true heritage. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this emotionally charged episode, we explore Celaena Sardothien’s harrowing descent into grief, rage, and retribution following Nehemia’s death. With 13 years of combined academic literary training, we analyze Sarah J. Maas's Crown of Midnight through two literary lenses, unpacking symbolism, foreshadowing, metaphors, and imagery. This week’s guiding question: Are Celaena’s actions in these chapters the stages of grief playing out? If so, are they bringing her closer toward acceptance? From the chilling moonlit hunt through Rifthold’s underbelly to the silent heartbreak of cleaning out Nehemia’s belongings, these chapters reveal a Celaena stripped of identity, morality, and trust. We break down how Sarah J. Maas uses moonlight as a symbol of conscience, the sacred defilement of Gavin’s sword, the inversion of hero’s journey tropes, and the clash between predator and protector in Celaena’s fractured psyche. We also unpack how Dorian’s and Chaol’s POVs illuminate their diverging views of Celaena, and what that foreshadows for their relationships with her. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, character-driven fantasy, and readers craving deeper analysis of trauma, identity, and power, this episode lays the foundation for Celaena’s transformation and hints of her true heritage. This is Part 1 of our two-part discussion—Part 2 drops Thursday. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part 2 of this week's episode. In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we dive into Chapters 27–34 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. With 13 years of combined academic training, we explore how metaphors, foreshadowing, symbolism, plot devices, and imagery reveal the devastating turning point in Celaena Sardothien’s journey. This section delivers some of the most shocking moments in the series: Celaena’s bloody rescue mission, Chaol’s brutal capture, and the unthinkable loss of Nehemia that sends ripples across Erilea. From themes of power, grief, and identity to the fatal flaws in Celaena and Chaol’s love story, we break down how Sarah J. Maas uses violent imagery, emotional misdirection, and tragic irony to shatter both her characters and readers. This week we ask:“If we think the fallout of Nehemia’s death is not earned, then how would we change it?” Join us as we analyze: How SJM sets up joy as a harbinger of tragedy The symbolism of Celaena shedding weapons and what it means for her identity Why Chaol’s loyalty becomes his fatal flaw The mask of Adarlan’s Assassin and how trauma drives Celaena’s rage The parallels between Sam’s death, Nehemia’s fate, and Celaena’s breaking point How power dynamics and secrets destroy relationships Is this the moment that changes everything for Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian? And does the emotional weight of Nehemia’s death feel truly earned? Perfect for fans searching for: Crown of Midnight analysis, Throne of Glass breakdown, Sarah J. Maas literary analysis, Chaol and Celaena relationship, Nehemia death discussion, SJM foreshadowing, romantasy podcast. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we dive into Chapters 27–34 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas. With 13 years of combined academic training, we explore how metaphors, foreshadowing, symbolism, plot devices, and imagery reveal the devastating turning point in Celaena Sardothien’s journey. This section delivers some of the most shocking moments in the series: Celaena’s bloody rescue mission, Chaol’s brutal capture, and the unthinkable loss of Nehemia that sends ripples across Erilea. From themes of power, grief, and identity to the fatal flaws in Celaena and Chaol’s love story, we break down how Sarah J. Maas uses violent imagery, emotional misdirection, and tragic irony to shatter both her characters and readers. This week we ask:“If we think the fallout of Nehemia’s death is not earned, then how would we change it?” Join us as we analyze: How SJM sets up joy as a harbinger of tragedy The symbolism of Celaena shedding weapons and what it means for her identity Why Chaol’s loyalty becomes his fatal flaw The mask of Adarlan’s Assassin and how trauma drives Celaena’s rage The parallels between Sam’s death, Nehemia’s fate, and Celaena’s breaking point How power dynamics and secrets destroy relationships Is this the moment that changes everything for Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian? And does the emotional weight of Nehemia’s death feel truly earned? Perfect for fans searching for: Crown of Midnight analysis, Throne of Glass breakdown, Sarah J. Maas literary analysis, Chaol and Celaena relationship, Nehemia death discussion, SJM foreshadowing, romantasy podcast. Part 2 drops Thursday—don’t miss it! Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second half of our two-part deep dive into chapters 22–26 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, we explore the emotional, political, and romantic tipping points that define this act of the story. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, we ask ourselves: "If knowledge is power, what are the power dynamics between Celaena, Chaol, and Nehemia?" With 13 years of combined academic training and two literary lenses, we analyze how Sarah J. Maas uses foreshadowing, symbolism, imagery, plot devices, and metaphor to elevate the tension between love and loyalty, duty and desire. In this episode, we discuss: – Dorian’s terrifying awakening to magic and what it means to be powerful yet powerless – Celaena’s romantic vulnerability and symbolic gesture of recreating Rena Goldsmith’s legend for Chaol – The shifting tides of Chaol’s morality as he balances oaths to the king and his love for Celaena – The heartbreaking confrontation between Nehemia and Celaena that reframes heroism, cowardice, and choice – The quiet horror of Elena’s manipulation and the hidden cost of keeping Celaena in the dark From broom closets to broomsticks, rooftop confessions to explosive arguments, this episode lays the groundwork for the heartbreak ahead, because even love cannot survive when truth is a weapon and power is kept behind locked doors. This is Part 12 of Episode 5 as we follow the fallout and examine the consequences of silence, sacrifice, and betrayal. Sponsor: Task Rabbit: Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK. Babble: We want you to learn another language, so we're teaming up with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a fun and heartfelt conversation with New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn about her newest romantic comedy, Till Summer Do Us Part. This steamy and laugh-out-loud contemporary romance has everything we love from a Meghan Quinn book: witty banter, heartfelt emotional beats, and characters who feel real. We talk about what inspired this story, how Meghan mapped out a romance on a strict timeline, and why therapy plays such an important role in the plot. Plus, she shares her process for creating strong, relatable FMCs, her favorite romance tropes (and which ones she avoids), and the risks she took that made this book so special. If you’re a fan of rom-coms, contemporary romance, unforgettable heroines, and Meghan Quinn’s signature humor and heat, this episode is for you. And don’t miss the sneak peek of her upcoming Christmas rom-com, Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal! Sponsor: Task Rabbit: Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK. Babble: We want you to learn another language, so we're teaming up with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first half of our two-part deep dive into chapters 22–26 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, we explore the emotional, political, and romantic tipping points that define this act of the story. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, we ask ourselves: "If knowledge is power, what are the power dynamics between Celaena, Chaol, and Nehemia?" With 13 years of combined academic training and two literary lenses, we analyze how Sarah J. Maas uses foreshadowing, symbolism, imagery, plot devices, and metaphor to elevate the tension between love and loyalty, duty and desire. In this episode, we discuss: – Dorian’s terrifying awakening to magic and what it means to be powerful yet powerless – Celaena’s romantic vulnerability and symbolic gesture of recreating Rena Goldsmith’s legend for Chaol – The shifting tides of Chaol’s morality as he balances oaths to the king and his love for Celaena – The heartbreaking confrontation between Nehemia and Celaena that reframes heroism, cowardice, and choice – The quiet horror of Elena’s manipulation and the hidden cost of keeping Celaena in the dark From broom closets to broomsticks, rooftop confessions to explosive arguments, this episode lays the groundwork for the heartbreak ahead, because even love cannot survive when truth is a weapon and power is kept behind locked doors. This is Part 1 of Episode 5. Join us Thursday for Part 2 as we follow the fallout and examine the consequences of silence, sacrifice, and betrayal. Sponsor: Task Rabbit: Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK. Babble: We want you to learn another language, so we're teaming up with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of our deep dive into chapters 17–21 of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, we explore the unraveling power dynamics between Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian as personal and political boundaries begin to blur. Through our dual literary lens approach and 13 years of combined academic training, we examine how metaphors, foreshadowing, symbolism, plot devices, and imagery reveal the growing cracks in each character’s path. This week, we ask:"We see Chaol struggle with his honor and Celaena struggle with her destiny. Can the two of them even have a successful relationship when they are driven/haunted by different things?" Join us as we analyze: – The complicated dance between Celaena and Chaol, both literal and metaphorical – The foreshadowing hidden in Dorian’s growing powers and Nehemia’s cryptic knowledge – Symbolic imagery from Celaena’s dreams and her solitary mourning – The weight of past trauma, shifting loyalty, and what “home” really means to a girl who has lost everything With a mix of academic rigor and emotional insight, we unpack the tension, heartbreak, and red flags that define this turning point in the novel, and the Massverse. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. All other spoilers will be contained to the Breadcrumbs & Broomsticks section at the end of the episode. This is Part 2 of Episode 4. Sponsor: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and use ZocDoc. Go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Book Talk for BookTok, we sit down with bestselling romantasy author Devney Perry to explore the twists, turns, and emotional layers of her latest novel, Shield of Sparrows. We unpack: The origin of the story's central secrets and the moment that had Devney laughing maniacally as she wrote The unique development process behind this high-stakes fantasy, from royal family dynamics to layered worldbuilding Writing morally complex characters, including a male main character (MMC) whose presence shapes the heroine’s journey without ever giving us his POV Why there are no "evil" parents in this romantasy and what it means to survive the choices of those who raised us The maternal bonds that show up in unexpected places, and what Odessa's empathy says about her strength and vulnerability Female friendship, betrayal, and the question of whether empathy is a fatal flaw or a quiet superpower Devney also gives us insight into where Odessa, Zavier, and Ransom might be headed next, and how their complicated titles evolve into earned identities. Whether you're a long-time fan of Devney Perry or a romantasy reader looking for stories with emotional depth, powerful heroines, and found-family themes, this conversation dives into everything that makes Shield of Sparrows soar. Sponsor: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and use ZocDoc. Go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show: Patreon: ⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠ Merch: ⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices