Would You Date A Rubber Duck?

Would You Date A Rubber Duck?

This week, we’re diving into the Sentient Object Holiday Series, a collection of romance novellas featuring everything from bathtubs and books to rubber duckies, white t-shirts, light bulbs, mountains, and more. Yes, really. We discuss our favorites, rank the stories, debate which object romances were surprisingly believable, and try to explain these books with a straight face. Along the way, we chat about curiosity, imagination, self-discovery, and why sometimes the most unexpected stories end up being the most memorable. What surprised us most wasn’t the premise. It was how much heart, humor, creativity, and genuine charm each story contained. We expected to have favorites. We did not expect to fall a little bit in love with every single story in the series. Join us for one of the funniest, most chaotic, and unexpectedly wholesome episodes we’ve recorded in a long time. This episode is sponsored by www.bloomstories.com [www.bloomstories.com] www.heathensandheartbreakers.com [www.heathensandheartbreakers.com]

Special Guest Author Lucy Smoke

This week on Spill the Spice Podcast, we sit down with bestselling author Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark, for a conversation that moves through darkness, healing, power, and everything in between. We dive into her evolution as a writer, from lighter stories into the grit and intensity of dark romance and fantasy, and how personal experiences, trauma, and growth shape the characters she creates. From morally gray dynamics and taboo themes to the emotional weight behind vulnerability and connection, this episode explores what it really means to tell stories that don’t look away from the hard things. We talk about reverse harems and why choose tropes, the role of freedom in fantasy, the balance between emotional depth and storytelling, and how humor can exist even inside the heaviest narratives. Lucy shares insight into her creative process, her approach to writing complex characters, and the importance of both reader responsibility and connection in today’s book world. This conversation is raw, thoughtful, and unexpectedly fun, a reminder that even in the darkest stories, there’s always something deeply human at the center. Spoiler conversations are waiting on Patreon https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon [https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon] This episode is brought to you by our sponsors, Bloom Stories and Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash. Bloom Stories offers immersive, audio-based storytelling experiences designed to bring your favorite fantasies to life. www.bloomstories.com [www.bloomstories.com] Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash is a romance-centered book event blending authors, readers, and unforgettable experiences in a space where dark, spicy, and magical stories collide. www.heathensandheartbreakers.com [www.heathensandheartbreakers.com]

Special Guest Author Amelia Mist-Mercenary

In this episode with Amelia Mist, we dive into the evolution of writing, identity, and what it really means to grow, both as a person and as a storyteller . From character development and emotional depth to the way our own experiences shape the stories we tell, this conversation goes deeper than just books. From the shift between Thief and Mercenary to the deeper layers of character development, this conversation explores how our own experiences, beliefs, and even the harder moments in life shape the stories we tell. We talk about emotional depth, the weight of personal growth, and how characters begin to reflect the changes we’re navigating in real time. This episode goes beyond the surface. It’s about learning, unlearning, and allowing both yourself and your writing to evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable. ✨ Don’t forget, our giveaway with Amelia is still live until 04.25 ✨ And if you want the full, unfiltered conversations, spoiler chats are waiting for you on Patreon https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon [https://www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com/join-our-patreon] A huge thank you to our sponsors 🖤 Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash An immersive bookish event where romance, chaos, and magic collide. Think panels, parties, and a little bit of mischief. Bloom Stories Audio stories designed to awaken your senses. Intimate, immersive, and perfect for exploring your desires.

Special Guest Author Allie Oleander

In this episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, we sit down with Allie Oleander, author of Willing Prey, to dive into the world of primal play, dark romance, and the emotional depth behind the stories that push boundaries. What starts as a conversation about hunter x prey dynamics quickly unfolds into something much deeper. We explore the connection between desire, vulnerability, and trust, and how power dynamics in fiction can mirror real emotional experiences. Allie shares her journey as an author, the inspiration behind Willing Prey, and how she balances intensity with emotional safety in her writing. We talk about kink beyond the physical, the importance of communication and aftercare, and why exploring darker themes can be both cathartic and healing. This episode also touches on mental health, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling to create space for emotions that don’t always have a place elsewhere. If you love dark romance, primal energy, and conversations that go beyond the surface, this one is for you. www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com [www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com] This episode is sponsored by www.bloomstories.com [www.bloomstories.com] If you’ve been craving stories that live on the edge of desire, tension, and power, Bloom Stories is where fantasy and connection collide. Bloom creates immersive audio fantasies that explore power dynamics, curiosity, and what actually turns you on… in a way that feels intentional and empowering. Use our code SPILLTHESPICE to explore your desires with a special discount. www.heathensandheartbreakers.com [www.heathensandheartbreakers.com] Ready to step into a world of romance, chaos, and magic? Join Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, happening June 24–26, 2027 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, TX. Think dark forest fairyland meets ballroom fantasy… panels, vendors, karaoke, and the unforgettable Midsummer Night’s Dream Ball. It’s romantic, edgy, and a little unhinged in the best way.

Special Guest Author Lola B. Marie

This week on Spill the Spice Podcast, we’re sitting down with indie romance author Lola B. Marie to talk about the stories behind A Soul Seen, Immortal for the Plot, and In My Boxes & Breakups Era. From ghostly romance in haunted hotels to chaotic vampire banter and deeply personal second-chance journeys, Lola’s books blend heart, humor, and just enough spice to keep readers hooked. In this episode we dive into her writing process, the real-life experiences that shape her characters, and how vulnerability on the page can lead to some of the most powerful moments in storytelling. We also talk about identity, the expectations placed on women in relationships and society, and what it means to reclaim your voice when the life you built no longer feels like your own. We get into everything from character backstories and reader reactions to writing intimate scenes, mental health, creativity, and the messy, complicated ways love shows up in real life. ✨ Giveaway Reminder We’re celebrating this episode with a giveaway featuring signed copies and bookish goodies from all three of Lola’s books. Leave a comment on this episode or our giveaway post for bonus entries. This episode is proudly sponsored by ⁠Bloom Stories⁠, where immersive, emotionally charged audio fantasies bring desire and storytelling together in unforgettable ways. We’re also honored to be partnered with ⁠Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash⁠, a one-of-a-kind reader and author event celebrating bold stories, passionate readers, and the vibrant indie romance community.