Bestselling author Alex Aster recently graced the airwaves on the popular podcast ‘Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club’, where she delved into the intricacies of her writing process and the romantic themes in her latest work. Her debut adult romantasy, titled *Starside*, was published on March 31, and has quickly garnered attention for its unique take on romance and adventure.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Alex-Aster2-2026-041726-034b76c227f74e6fa2a3e0a27ec394b0.jpg)
During the April 14 episode, Aster engaged in an enlightening conversation with host Danielle Robay about her preferences in romance tropes. The discussion turned to the elements of romance that Aster finds charming and those she finds less appealing. One particular trope that Aster expressed distaste for is unrequited love. “I don’t like that at all,” she remarked, suggesting that her tastes lean towards narratives where affection is reciprocated, preferring scenarios where the love interests are openly passionate about each other.
The author also shared her enthusiasm for various romance themes, favouring plots such as marriage of convenience, forbidden love, and the enemies-to-lovers arc, which plays a significant role in *Starside*. The novel follows the journey of Aris, a young orphan who ventures through the enchanting yet perilous land of Starside. Her mission is not only to fulfil a daunting quest but also to seek vengeance against the goddess responsible for her family’s demise. Along the way, the narrative introduces Harlan Raker, a brooding knight whose initial animosity towards Aris gradually transforms as their paths intertwine.
Aster’s reflections on writing steamy scenes were particularly captivating. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, she highlighted the importance of character dynamics in crafting intimate moments. “I think the key is really knowing the dynamic between the characters,” she stated. The tension built over shared adversity adds depth to their relationship, making the eventual sparks fly even more electrifying.
The romantic tension in *Starside* marks a new chapter for Aster, who is keen to explore the complexity of relationships where the characters may not see eye to eye initially. “There’s something so great about characters who actually still hate each other, but cannot stay away from each other,” she mused, pondering the compelling nature of such dynamics.
*Starside* promises not only a thrilling narrative filled with magic and revenge but also a deep exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. The author invites readers to engage with her characters’ emotional struggles, enhancing the overall reading experience.
As Aster continues to build her reputation within the romantic fantasy genre, her insights into what resonates with readers provide a glimpse into her creative process. *Starside* is now available in bookstores and online, and its unique blend of heart-pounding adventure and romance is sure to captivate a wide audience.
For those keen to explore Aster’s work and her thoughts on some of the literary trends shaping the genre, the April 14 episode of *Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club* offers a treasure trove of insights. Aster’s distinctive voice and her literary offerings mark her as a noteworthy figure in the contemporary landscape of romantasy.
With her debut novel now making its mark, it will be exciting to see how Aster continues to develop her craft and what future stories she will unfold for her growing readership. Her passion for storytelling and her thoughtful approach to romance suggest that fans can look forward to even more engaging worlds and characters in her forthcoming projects.