S08.35: Sad Boys Who Punch Things with Veronica Roth

S08.35: Sad Boys Who Punch Things with Veronica Roth

From Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People by Fated Mates

May 20, 2026 · 1h 32m · Season 8 · Episode 35

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Veronica Roth discussing her book and the trope of 'Sad Boys Who Punch Things'.

This week, we’re joined by one of the greatest, Veronica Roth, whose new book, Seek the Traitor’s Son , features one of her most beloved of tropes: Sad Boys Who Punch Things. We were delighted when she suggested we do an episode on this very particular, very delicious romance concept, and of course, we invited her to join us! We talk about how it works, why we love soft boys who are full of rage, and how we stan a hero who is willing to stand back and let his partner be awesome. We also talk about The West Wing & Ladyhawke (makes sense). And of course, we talk about her books! If you’d like to continue the conversation about sad boys who punch things or about Veronica’s deep backlist, please join the Fated Mates Discord, which is accessible to our Patreon subscribers. By joining the Patreon, you meet other Fated Mates listeners and get an extra monthly episode from us. Support us and learn more at fatedmates.net/patreon . Our next read along is Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Get it at Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Kobo , Apple Books , wherever you get your books , or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited . Books Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth When…

People in this episode

Guest: Veronica Roth

Topics covered

  • Sad Boys
  • Romance
  • Literature
  • Character Tropes
  • Book Discussion

Keywords

  • Veronica Roth
  • Sad Boys
  • romance books
  • character tropes
  • Fated Mates

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Seek the Traitor’s Son, Divergent, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, When Among Crows, Shadow’s Claim, Lothaire, Managed, These Summer Storms, The Professor, How to End a Love Story

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