Lou Wilham (she/her) chats with Tess Carletta (she/her) about pushing the limits of cozy fantasy, rewriting 1990s nostalgia to heal queer hearts, and the importance of seeking community.

Lou Wilham (she/her) is the author of the urban fantasy series Bay of the Dead 'Verse, including Witches of Moondale, Hunters of Ironport, Fae of Eventide, and her newest release, History Will Call Them Tombmates, alongside the Shakespearean retelling Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time, the fantasy series The Heir to Moondust, and sundry other works. You can learn more about her and her stories at her website: louinprogress.com

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

This week, we're thrilled to present a special sneak peek into the audiobook for the queer cozy fantasy novel A Captured Cauldron by R.K. Ashwick. Enjoy!

Grumpy potioneer Ambrose Beake has only one social event marked on his calendar: the country's three-day Potion Convention. Alchemists from all over the world pour in to discuss their life's work, and Ambrose eagerly dives into the excitement. Greeting old friends, speaking on panels, hopping into heated debates…

And getting kidnapped by an underground crime syndicate.

The criminals demand that Ambrose brew an impossible illusion potion—but the Guild's protocol for such kidnappings is clear. He must agree to do the work, then delay the project as much as possible, while above ground, his boyfriend Eli and best friend Dawn plot to save him. They're not alone in this venture, either—a beautiful journalist arrives to cover the rescue, just as eager as they are to investigate, infiltrate…and ignite a few sparks in Dawn's heart along the way.

But while Dawn struggles to ignore those sparks and Eli struggles to save his beloved, Ambrose delves into the syndicate's secrets—and finds something far more impossible hidden within its depths.

R.K. Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Side Quest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com

J.T. Adria (they/them) chats with fellow indie author Tess Carletta (she/her) about overcoming burnout, drawing inspiration from Anne Rice, and the curious crossroads where Downton Abbey meets Doctor Who.

J.T. Adria (they/them) is the author of the romantic fantasy series Aether Archives, beginning with The One Who Slept, and the sci-fi romance duology Stars & Time, beginning with Forest of the Stars. You can connect with them on instagram: @jt.adria

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com