Turn The Page – Episode 406D – Ashley Bennett
Ashley Bennett returns to *Turn the Page* to discuss *Tentacles and Triathlons*, the expanded sequel to her popular *Muscles and Monsters*—a monster romance that redefines the small-town gym as a sanctuary of connection, vulnerability, and romance. She reveals how the book’s grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Cyrus and Reese isn’t just a trope, but a deliberate exploration of emotional balance, where opposites don’t just attract—they heal. Bennett unpacks her writing process with raw honesty, admitting to imposter syndrome while celebrating growth from revisiting her earlier work. She emphasizes that intimacy in her books—both physical and emotional—is grounded in consent, safety, and character depth, not just explicit content. The nonhuman anatomy of her monsters isn’t a gimmick, but a narrative tool to explore new dimensions of connection. With her upcoming release *Mantras and Minotaurs*—a later-in-life romance—Bennett champions the idea that love at any age is a form of coming-of-age, a second chance to discover who you truly are. Her message is clear: the most powerful stories aren’t about perfect bodies or flawless relationships, but about the courage to be seen, even when you’re still learning how to be yourself.
Revisit old writing not to shame yourself, but to see how far you've grown—your past self is proof of progress.
Gyms in small towns can be safe, supportive communities where romance blooms through shared vulnerability.
The 'grumpy sunshine' dynamic works because it mirrors real relationships: opposites balance each other, not just in charm but in emotional healing.
Intimacy in romance should be explicit but not gratuitous—focus on character experience, consent, and emotional safety.
Nonhuman anatomy in monster romance isn’t about spectacle—it’s a narrative device to explore new forms of connection and self-discovery.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome Back: Ashley Bennett Returns
Host Jen welcomes back Ashley Bennett, author of monster romance, for a discussion on her new book *Tentacles and Triathlons*, setting the stage for a deep dive into romance, world-building, and character dynamics.
The Gym as a Safe Space for Connection
“I really wanted the gym in the town to be like that because I think that that's kind of the ideal atmosphere.”
Revisiting Past Work: Pride, Embarrassment, and Growth
“There is that embarrassment factor, but then to see how much I've grown as an author, that's always nice to kind of get that reminder.”
Romance and Humor: The Dance of Laughter and Vulnerability
“The key to a long lasting and healthy relationship, you need to be able to laugh together.”
The Grumpy Sunshine Dynamic: Opposites That Heal
“They know the real you. Yes. They're bringing out something in you that like no one else has and that can be like great, but it can also be like, no, don't do that.”
“So, you know, finding love at any age is a beautiful thing. And, you know, I think that everyone is deserving of that.”
“They know the real you. Yes. Yeah. They're bringing out something in you that like no one else has and that can be like great, but it can also be like, no, don't do that.”
“I think the key to a long lasting and healthy relationship, you need to be able to laugh together.”
Host
Guest
Ashley Bennett
person
Tentacles and Triathlons
book
Muscles and Monsters
book
Mantras and Minotaurs
book
ashleybennettauthor.com
product
Syosset Public Library
organization
other
Penguin Random House
organization
Turn The Page – Episode 405D – Anna-Laura Sullivan
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Turn The Page – Episode 406C – Krista & Becca Ritchie
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Turn The Page – Episode 406E – C.J. Leede
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Turn the Page – SPECIAL EPISODE 38 – Adam Mansbach
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309: 11/22/63 and Widow's Bay with Stephen Root
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Turn The Page – Episode 405B – Linda Hamilton
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Turn The Page – Episode 405C – Rachel Moore
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Turn The Page – Episode 406A – Eliza Knight
24m • 6/11/2026
Turn The Page – Episode 406B – Jaleigh Johnson
12m • 6/11/2026
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