RED: Daggermouth, Roasted Chickpeas and Red Death

If you’ve ever walked into a bookclub expecting polite chatter and left with a new friend (or a new opinion), you already know: the best stories aren’t always on the page. At RED (Read, Eat, Drink), we like to think of our monthly gatherings as a mash-up of story, flavor, and surprise—where unexpected relationships are just the beginning.

READ: Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe

This week’s pick is Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe. It’s a dark dystopian romance that doesn’t pull its punches. Think ruined cities, razor-wire trust, and two enemies who’d rather kill each other than admit they’re falling in love. H.M. Wolfe takes the classic enemies-to-lovers trope and drags it through the shadows, asking what survives when trust is a luxury and love is the last thing you expect.

If you like your romance with stakes higher than just a broken heart—and you don’t mind the world ending a little along the way—Daggermouth is your book. You can check it out on Amazon.

EAT: Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

What do you eat when civilization collapses, but you still want a snack with a kick? Spicy roasted chickpeas. They’re simple, they’re shelf-stable, and they pack a punch—kind of like our protagonists. Plus, they’re the perfect finger food for a bookclub discussion, whether you’re debating plot twists or just keeping your hands busy while you listen.

The best part? You can use canned chickpeas, which feels right for a dystopian menu. Find the recipe here. Be warned: they’re addictive.

DRINK: Red Death

Nothing says “the world is ending, let’s toast” quite like a Red Death cocktail. It’s bold, a little mysterious, and exactly the kind of drink you’d expect to find at a secret meeting in a ruined city—or at your living room bookclub, if you squint a little. The deep red color is a nod to the passion (and danger) at the heart of Daggermouth.

Mix one up and see why it’s the perfect match for a night of unexpected confessions and maybe a little too much honesty. Find the recipe here.

Book Club Topic Ideas

Looking to spark a conversation that’s as twisty as the book itself? Try these:

• What’s the most surprising relationship you’ve ever read about—or experienced in real life?

• In Daggermouth, trust is almost impossible. What does it take for enemies to become lovers when the world is falling apart?

• Does the dystopian setting make the romance more believable, or less? Why?

• How do food and drink shape the mood of your bookclub? Would you survive on chickpeas and cocktails in a dystopian world?

• If you could ask the author one question about these characters, what would it be?

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Bring your opinions, your appetite, and your curiosity. At RED, the best gatherings are the ones you never saw coming.

Happy Reading, Eating and Drinking!