Spill The Spice Podcast

In this episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, we’re joined by dark fantasy romance author Melissa K. Roehrich for a deeply honest and engaging conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the personal experiences that shape the stories we love.

We explore the healing power of writing, the emotional layers behind character development, and the delicate balance between plot and feeling. Melissa shares insight into her creative process, the interconnectedness of her worlds, and how complex emotions, identity shifts, and life experiences influence her narratives.

From discussing the realities of publishing and creative burnout to diving into romance, character dynamics, and emotional depth, this episode is a candid look at both the artistry and vulnerability behind the writing journey.

This conversation is reflective, thoughtful, and filled with the kind of moments that remind us why stories matter.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com

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.

In this special mini episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, Lizzy and Veronica share a love letter to romance, the genre that has comforted, challenged, and surprised us in ways no other stories can.
We explore why romance is so much more than escapism. From emotional validation and nostalgia to curiosity, desire, and self-discovery, romance books often meet us exactly where we are. This conversation dives into the stigma surrounding romance novels, the power of reading as self-care, and the deeply personal ways stories can shape how we understand love, connection, and ourselves.
We talk about comfort reading, evolving tastes, and the freedom readers have to explore whatever draws them in, without shame or judgment. Because choosing what we read is also choosing what resonates, heals, and sparks something inside us.
This episode is soft, honest, and deeply human. A reminder that romance isn’t just about love stories, it’s about the emotions, safety, and self-reflection those stories can unlock.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com

This episode is proudly sponsored by Bloom Stories, where immersive, sensual audio experiences bring desire and storytelling together.
We are also honored to be partnered with Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, a romance-centered event celebrating indie authors, readers, and the magic of the bookish community.

In this episode of Spill the Spice Podcast, we’re joined by indie romance author MJ Hughes for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply honest conversation about writing, creativity, and letting stories evolve in unexpected ways.
MJ Hughes takes us inside her River Road series, a hockey romance that blends college life, cheerleading, found family, and slow-burn tension. We talk about how her characters often write themselves, how spice levels naturally rise when chemistry takes over, and why trusting the creative process leads to the most authentic storytelling. MJ also shares her inspiration for sports romance, and how personal life moments influence her character dynamics.
The conversation dives into character development, romance tropes, and crafting intimate scenes that feel organic and emotionally grounded. We explore the realities of indie publishing, the risks and rewards of self-publishing, balancing marketing with creativity, and the importance of community and reader engagement.
This episode is about connection, creativity, and honoring the stories that demand to be told, even when they surprise us.

We’re also excited to share an exclusive offer from MJ Hughes herself. Shop her Etsy store for bookmarks, character art, and bookish goodies, and use the code SPILLTHESPICE for an exclusive discount until February 14.
https://authormjhughes.etsy.com?coupon=SPILLTHESPICE

This episode is proudly sponsored by Bloom Stories, where desire, tension, and immersive audio storytelling collide. Bloom Stories curates sensual, emotionally charged audio experiences that invite you to explore romance, fantasy, and connection in a whole new way.
We’re also honored to be partnered with Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, a reader-favorite romance event celebrating indie authors, bold stories, and the beautifully chaotic heart of the bookish community. From panels and signings to unforgettable themed events, Heathens & Heartbreakers is all about connection, creativity, and supporting authors who aren’t afraid to push boundaries.

Some stories aren’t meant to be comfortable.
They’re meant to be honest.
In this episode, we sit down with Luna K. Wicked to talk about erotic horror, feminine rage, realism, and emotional catharsis as tools for healing and reclamation. We explore why writing taboo stories matters, how rage can be a pathway back to power, and what it means to create characters who hold the anger, grief, and truth we’re often told to silence.
This conversation dives into self-forgiveness, accountability, cultural roots, and the cathartic nature of dark fiction, especially for readers who need to know they’re not alone in what they feel. We talk about confronting uncomfortable truths, challenging societal norms through storytelling, and why these stories deserve space.
If you’ve ever found yourself inside a character and felt seen, this episode is for you.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com

✨ This episode is sponsored by ✨
🖤 Heathens & Heartbreakers
A bold, inclusive bookish community and immersive author event celebrating romance, rebellion, and stories that push boundaries. If you love dark romance, unapologetic desire, and readers who don’t look away, this is your people.
www.heathensandheartbreakers.com

🌙 Bloom Stories
A romance-focused audio platform centering pleasure, connection, and stories that honor desire in all its forms. Bloom Stories creates intentional, empowering audio experiences that meet listeners exactly where they are. Use code SPILLTHESPICE for an exclusive discount, and make sure to check out our current obsession The Game: Hunted.
www.bloomstories.com

In this episode of the Spill the Spice Podcast, we’re joined by Jenny Grimes for a soul-deep conversation about her completed four-book Soul Magic series and the stories that grow with us as we change.
We dive into her writing journey, the evolution of a fantasy series built around interconnected characters, and why pacing, accessibility, and emotional depth matter when you’re asking readers to stay for the long haul. Jenny shares how each book follows Opal’s arc while also honoring the journeys of her friends, weaving together love, trust, sacrifice, and growth in ways that feel deeply personal.
We also talk writing rituals, balancing motherhood and creativity, the role of music and playlists in shaping her worlds, and what it means to write characters who hold both light and darkness at the same time. From complicated relationships and redemption arcs to reader reactions and emotional stakes, this episode is a reminder of why fantasy can be both a comfort and a catalyst for healing.

✨ For bonus content and spoiler-filled conversations, head over to our Patreon for deeper dives into characters, plot twists, and all the moments we couldn’t fully unpack here.

✨ This episode is proudly sponsored by Heathens & Heartbreakers Book Bash, a romance-forward book convention celebrating indie authors, readers, community, and unapologetic love for stories that push boundaries.

www.spill-the-spice-podcast.com