Episode Details

How often does this happen to you? You’re a plain, ordinary, gorgeous heroine, who’s suddenly abducted by aliens and taken to Planet Gladiator Violence VI. There you encounter a bull-headed man with piercings in all his massive muscles, and various events ensue, and if we kept up this description the grown-ups would not let you listen to this podcast episode. And that’s probably the tamest version of what’s now called “romantasy.” These kinds of monster stories are winning legions of female fans. What manner of perversity is this?

Episode sponsors

1. Enclave Publishing: Singularity by Shannon McDermott
2. The Seekers series by J. A. Webb
3. Cultural Engagement Giveaway: The Pop Culture Parent, On Magic and Miracles, and Above the Circle of Earth

Mission update

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Quotes and notes

• Lorehaven podcast ep. 149. Why Do Christian Fiction Fans Love So Much Romance?
• Lorehaven podcast ep. 249. What is ‘Romantasy’? | with Parker J. Cole
• Here Be Dragons: What Christians Need to Know About Romantasy, Kathryn Butler at The Gospel Coalition, Feb. 28, 2025
• Ep 1240 | TikTok’s Spicy Novels Are Warping Women’s Minds, Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Sept. 10, 2025

Backstory: Parker J. Cole

Onscreen writer Parker J. Cole is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical romance as well as a speaker, podcast host, and CEO of the podcast network PJC Media. As an author, Parker enjoys exploring history through the vehicle of romance. Her speaking topics focus on inspiration for aspiring authors. For over a decade, she has interviewed authors from all over the world via her podcast network. Consumed with a plethora of interests that keep her life busy, she lives in Detroit, Michigan. Visit her website at ParkerJCole.com.

1. Explore romantasy’s love and monsters

• Review of the original better purpos