Audrey Goldberg Ruoff joins My Perfect Romance to talk about her new book Vengefully Matched, a witchy enemies-to-lovers romance novel built on revenge, forced proximity, prank wars, and emotional growth. The conversation explores why vengeance can be honest, how messy characters can still be lovable, and why communication and consent matter just as much as chemistry. They also discuss the witchy Hallowcross world, memorable side characters, dream casting, and what Audrey hopes readers take away from a romance that starts in chaos and grows into trust.

In this episode

• Why revenge can be a compelling and honest force in romance
• How to write messy, vengeful characters readers still root for
• The enemies-to-lovers tension between Agatha and Priscilla
• How pranks and close observation bring the characters together
• Communication, consent, boundaries, and emotional growth
• The inspiration behind Audrey’s Hallowcross world
• Writing vulnerable scenes during a difficult time
• Possible casting choices for a screen adaptation
• Audrey’s upcoming young adult novel, Personal Space Issues

Mentioned in the episode

• Vengefully Matched by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff
• Personal Space Issues, Audrey’s upcoming young adult novel
• Practical Magic, Pushing Daisies, and The Addams Family

Notable quotes

“I want to support women’s rights and also women’s wrongs.”

“You don’t have to settle for anything less than electric.”

“We get to believe in love even when we mess up.”

About the guest

Audrey Goldberg Ruoff is the author of Vengefully Matched and teaches high school English. She discusses her books and updates on Instagram as Audrey Goldberg Ruoff.

• Audrey's Website
• Audrey's Instagram
• Audrey's TikTok
• Audrey's X

Connect With Us

If you have a romantic movie or a must-read book suggestion, a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for us, or you've published your own romance, we are also eager to hear from you! Go to our website, and send us a quick message or fill out the query form if you'd like to interview with us.

• My Perfect Romance Website
• MPR on Instagram
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• MPR on YouTube

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Coming Up:

• The Bride written by Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley
• Lights Out by Navessa Allen

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Welcome to Audrey Goldberg Ruach
• (00:01:28) - First Impressions of Vengefully Matched
• (00:03:02) - Vengeance as a Theme and Women's Anger
• (00:05:10) - Enemies to Lovers: The Chainsaw Scene
• (00:07:46) - Plotting Revenge and Character Growth
• (00:10:01) - Priscilla's Wedding Abandonment and Real-Life Parallels
• (00:13:32) - Three Words for Romantic Tension
• (00:15:17) - Pranking as Foreplay and Real-Life Pranks
• (00:19:41) - Dick Pics, Consent, and Funny Tangents
• (00:22:34) - Communication, Consent, and Good Sex
• (00:25:23) - Trust and Vulnerability After Chaotic Beginnings
• (00:28:12) - Building the Hollowcross Universe and Magic System
• (00:30:44) - Favorite Side Characters and Writing Challenges
• (00:31:44) - Writing Vulnerable Scenes and Personal Struggles
• (00:35:26) - Casting the Movie Version
• (00:40:30) - Main Takeaway and Believing in Love
• (00:41:21) - Relationship Longevity Game
• (00:43:45) - Spice Level Rating and Deleted Scenes
• (00:46:49) - Where to Find Audrey and Upcoming Projects
• (00:49:02) - Closing Remarks and Show Info

Discover the emotional rollercoaster of You, Me, and Tuscany, a film that explores impulsive decisions, deception, and the possibility of love in a picturesque Italian setting. Val, Courtney, and Lisa will help analyze whether this romantic comedy lives up to its scenic romance or falls into fantasy land.

Resources & Links:

• You, Me and Tuscany Trailor

Final note:

This film is pure scenery fluff, offering a visually stunning escape but scant on character growth or realistic relationships. Perfect for a light watch, but not for those craving depth or authenticity. Happy romancing, everyone!

Let’s Chat!

Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview!

Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.

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Legal Disclaimer:

My Perfect Romance is hosted by friends sharing personal opinions and entertainment. We are not licensed relationship experts, counselors, or therapists. For professional advice, please consult a licensed relationship specialist or mental health professional.

Coming Up:

• Girls Like Girls starring Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy
• Apparently, I'm a Bitch with Demi Blaze
• One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune

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• (00:00:58) - Yumi and Tuscany
• (00:02:21) - Silence of the Lambs: Fun Facts
• (00:04:58) - How To Be Discovered
• (00:07:00) - The Cast Of 'Romance'
• (00:08:11) - Anna On The Run Gets Caught
• (00:12:45) - "Wear Someone's Clothes"
• (00:13:25) - The Other Person In 'Love Actually'
• (00:17:00) - Anna Stealing Her Lover's Money In Italy
• (00:21:01) - How To Steal A Wedding Ring From An Empty House
• (00:24:08) - In The Elevator With Michael
• (00:27:20) - She Almost Kisses His Brother's fiance in
• (00:29:21) - Anna Tells Mateo About Her Engagement
• (00:32:56) - The Stages Of Grieving Anna
• (00:35:41) - Anna in 'The Help'
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• (00:43:00) - How Long Will The Hot Crazy Family Last?
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