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Nicole and Meghan dive headfirst into uncharted territory with their first-ever romance novel exchange. And things get spicy faster than either of them anticipated. After exchanging books based on loose personal connections (Nicole's husband is named Bob), the hosts discover they've accidentally thrust each other into the deep end of the romance pool.

Nicole tackles "B.O.B.'s Fall," a futuristic erotica where B.O.B. stands for "battery-operated boyfriend" -- a sex droid containing the consciousness of a Scottish CEO following an assassination attempt. With what she describes as "90% gratuitous sex and 10% plot," Nicole navigates through multiple-chapter sex scenes while trying to find enough story to keep her engaged. Despite the gratuitous nature, she thankful this was a quick read but questions some concerning consent issues throughout the narrative.

Meanwhile, Meghan approaches "Mine" with trepidation after reading its synopsis suggesting heavy domination themes. To her surprise, she discovers a balanced CIA protection romance with a "50-50 split" between meaningful plot and steamy scenes. The book explores the relationship between two strong-willed characters dealing with past traumas, featuring refreshingly realistic relationship dynamics that acknowledge conflicts without painting them as deal-breakers.

Both hosts rate their selections as "Habanero" on their spicy Scoville scale -- decidedly hot but not reaching their highest heat rating. Their discussion expands beyond the books themselves to examine the curious disconnect between romance marketing and content, questioning why synopses and covers so often misrepresent what readers will find inside.

What makes this episode particularly delightful is the hosts' willingness to step outside their comfort zones while maintaining their trademark humor and honest commentary. Whether you're a seasoned romance reader or curious about the genre's spicier side, you'll appreciate their candid reactions and thoughtful analysis of what makes relationships work both on and off the page.

Join us for this unexpectedly educational journey through sci-fi erotica and CIA protection romance -- and stay tuned for next episode's more conventional book exchange featuring characters in the beauty industry and resale business.

Cocktails/Beverages for the Episode:

Meghan -- Coffee

Nicole -- Glengoyne Scotch (12 year)

Buy the Books (via our Amazon affiliate links):

B.O.B.'s Fall by Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick

Mine by HelenKay Dimon

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Ever wondered what happens when you inherit a bookstore from your murdered grandfather? Or when a city lawyer falls for a struggling resort owner in rural Minnesota? This episode dives deep into two contemporary small-town romances that explore what happens when urban professionals leave behind their city lives for love in communities where everyone knows your business.

Meghan reviews "Closer to You" by Cheryl Lister, following Zara Chandler as she takes over her grandfather's bookstore in tiny Blackmont, California. With her grandfather's murderer still at large, Zara finds herself butting heads with the protective local sheriff, Kendall McKnight. Their verbal sparring gradually transforms into a genuine connection. But Zara's determination to assert her independence often puts her in harm's way. We explore that fine line between being a strong, independent woman and making questionable choices when faced with genuine danger.

Nicole tackles "Say You Mean It" by Megan Reinking, featuring Blair Williams, a personal injury lawyer who helps resort owner Graham Peterson with a lawsuit. The novel stands out for its authentic portrayal of depression, showing how finding "one good thing" each day can help someone struggling with mental health. But we can't help wondering: can Graham's outdated business practices sustain his family's legacy? And will Blair's depression worsen during the isolated northern Minnesota winters?

Both novels paint realistic pictures of small-town life in small communities —where everyone knows your name, restaurant options are limited, and secrets spread like wildfire. Yet they also romanticize aspects that might not reflect the economic realities of rural businesses today.

From relationship development that unfolds over months rather than days to thoughtful gestures that demonstrate real care, these stories offer genuine romantic reminders we can all appreciate. Join us for an exploration of love that blossoms in small towns with big city girls and small town studs!

Meghan's Beverage:  Liquid Death Dr. Death

Nicole Beverage:  Reyka Vodka Soda with a Lime Wedge & Fresh Blackberries

Buy the Books:

Closer to You by Sheryl Lister -- Amazon 

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking -- Amazon or The Ripped Bodice

Support the show

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Summer heat has us craving refreshing drinks and equally refreshing romance novels! We're diving into contemporary romance novels this month, and both our selections had us staying up late turning pages.

Nicole sips a piña colada (perfectly matching her book) while discussing "Mixed Signals" by B.K. Borison. This slow-burn romance features Caleb, a Spanish-teaching ex-firefighter who's been crushing on bakery owner Layla for years. When they agree to a month of "practice dating" to help each other figure out their romantic struggles, sparks inevitably fly. The book delivers laugh-out-loud moments, realistic dialogue, and a genuinely nice male lead who puts thought into creating meaningful dates – proving nice guys don't finish last, especially when they look like sexy firefighters!

Meghan enjoys a Tangerine LaCroix while exploring "Delilah Green Doesn't Care" by Ashley Herring Blake. This emotionally rich story follows photographer Delilah returning to her hometown to shoot her estranged stepsister's wedding. She plans to create chaos and flirt with her stepsister's best friend, Claire – but genuine feelings complicate her revenge plans. The novel stands out for its complex characters with layered motivations, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth that avoids one-dimensional stereotypes.

Both books feature roller rink dates (coincidence?), jalapeno-level spice, and characters who feel authentic rather than like romance novel cutouts. We share favorite passages, debate the appearance of romance novel clichés (nose bridge pinching makes multiple appearances in one book!), and discuss the boobie prize for earliest mention of breasts (page 10 vs. page 140).

Join us September 7th in Milwaukee for an exclusive Romance on the Rocks Bookish Biddie Brunch. We're looking forward to bottomless mimosas, book swaps, and plenty of romance discussion. Details coming soon!

Nicole's Cocktail: Pina Colada

Meghan's Beverage: Tangerine LaCroix

What more cocktail options to match the books?  Click here! Want to buy the books? Shopping links are below.

Mixed Signals by B. K. Borison: Amazon or The Ripped Bodice

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake: Amazon or The Ripped Bodice

Support the show

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Christmas in July heats up as the Romance on the Rocks podcast tackles two holiday-themed romances that push boundaries in very different ways. Hosts Meghan and Nicole deliver equal parts humor and literary criticism while enjoying seasonal beverages — a festive "Snowball Old Fashioned" for Nicole and iced coffee for Meghan (who's admirably sticking to her health challenge despite the temptation of a cold beer).

Meghan dives into "Merry Cris Moose" by Delta James, a 2024 release that combines Christmas magic with shifter romance in Alaska. While praising the author's creative world-building and imaginative premise about saving Christmas through toy-making, she can't overlook the jarring tonal shifts between holiday wholesomeness and explicit encounters. Most frustrating is the extreme repetition in the author's writing style. Meghan actually created a chart documenting phrases repeated up to 34 times in just 132 pages!

Nicole bravely tackles "Snowed In with the Cowboy" by Maisey Yates, a novella featuring the taboo romance between step-siblings Chloe and Tanner. Despite her discomfort with the premise, Nicole appreciates the author's strong dialogue writing and the characters' healthy communication skills. She also highlights a standout quote about love being active, not passive, reminding us relationships require continuous investment.

The episode features all the podcast's beloved traditions — tracking when "boobies" first appear (who will win this episode?!), sharing romantic reminders, and previewing exciting upcoming reads. 

Whether you're a romance enthusiast or simply enjoy listening to thoughtful, funny discussions about books, this episode delivers both entertainment and surprising insights. Subscribe now and join our community of bookish biddies who appreciate a good story and an honest review!

Nicole's Cocktail & Book for this Episode:  Snowed in with the Cowboy and a Snowball Old Fashioned

Meghan's Beverage & Book for this Episode:  Merry Cris Moose and an Iced Coffee

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
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What happens when you mix Christmas romance novels with scorching July temperatures? Pure magic, as it turns out! We're kicking off our "Christmas in July" theme with two delightfully different holiday romances that prove festive love stories work beautifully year-round.

Nicole takes us through "Cowboy, It's Christmas" by Heatherly Bell, where auto mechanic Daisy Carver proposes a fake relationship to former rodeo star Wade Cruz to help him avoid becoming the next reality TV bachelor. Their pretend romance quickly heats up amid family complications, ranch struggles, and the cozy backdrop of small-town Texas during the holidays. With realistic dialogue and well-developed characters, this contemporary cowboy romance delivers a heartwarming story without being overwhelmingly Christmas-focused.

Meanwhile, Meghan explores "All I Want Is You" by Falon Ballard, featuring struggling romance author Jessica Carrington who must present an award to her ex-boyfriend Nick Matthews at their publisher's Christmas party. When they get snowed in together and forced to collaborate on a novel, old wounds and unresolved feelings come to light. Written by an actual romance author/podcaster, this book offers fascinating insights into the writing process that had us nodding in agreement.

We dive into everything from writing styles (first-person vs. third-person narration) to spice levels (poblano vs. jalapeño) and even discuss the prevalence of nose-pinching and coffee consumption in romance novels. The episode wraps with previews of our next Christmas reads, including a moose shifter romance that had us in stitches just describing it.

Whether you're a year-round Christmas enthusiast or just looking for your next great romance read, this episode offers recommendations that work beautifully regardless of the season. Subscribe, leave a review, and join us for more bookish fun as we continue our summer celebration of holiday romance!

Meghan's Beverage: Coffee

Nicole's Cocktail: Cowboy Coffee

Want to read the books? You can purchase "Cowboy, It's Christmas" from The Ripped Bodice here and Amazon here. For All I Want is You, click here for Amazon and here for The Ripped Bodice.

And be sure to check out Falon Ballard's podcast, Happy to Meet Cute!

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
(the best way to get your smut while supporting a fabulous women-owned business and our podcast!)

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Fantasy worlds should sizzle with magic and romance, but what happens when the promised heat fizzles out like a damp sparkler? We tumble headfirst into two Fae romance novels that left us wanting more in the spice department, though they certainly delivered on world-building and character development.

Meghan explores "A Dance with the Fae Prince" by Elise Kova, following Catria through an arranged marriage with mysterious Lord Fenwood. Their unconventional relationship begins with bizarre rules:  she can't look at him, they don't share a bedroom, and she must never leave her rooms at night. As Catria discovers the magical truth behind her husband's strange behavior, she finds herself caught up in a political struggle in the fairy realm, where she might hold unexpected power.

Nicole ventures into "Fae King's Temptation" by Layla Harper, where 21-year-old college student Kyra is mysteriously transported to the magical realm of Alfhemir. There she meets Rogar, a half-orc, half-elf king who recognizes her as his fated mate but respects her desire to return home. Together they embark on a journey filled with vampires, witches and magical mists — all building to a cliffhanger that leaves readers wanting the next installment.

Both hosts discover "Fae" encompasses all magical creatures — not just fairies but elves, orcs, vampires and more. They also bond over their shared disappointment at the lack of steaminess in these supposedly spicy reads while appreciating the thoughtful character development and world-building.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy romance or just curious about what the Fae realm has to offer, join us for drinks, laughs, and honest takes on these magical tales. And don't miss our preview of next month's Christmas in July theme featuring cowboys and rival romance authors trapped in a snowstorm!

Meghan Leigh's Beverage:  Synergy Mystic Mango Kombucha

Nicole Danielle's Cocktail:  Fairy Belle

Want to read the books? You can purchase A Dance with the Fae Prince from Amazon here and The Ripped Bodice here. And you can purchase Fae King's Tempation here.

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
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Prepare for a brutally honest journey through the enchanted — and sometimes disturbing — world of fairy romance as Nicole and Meghan tackle two wildly different novels that left them questioning everything they thought they knew about the genre.

When Nicole's chamomile-infused bourbon meets Meghan's aptly named "Bitter End" cocktail, you know you're in for a revealing discussion. Meghan doesn't hold back as she tears into Bertrice Small's "Lara," a 524-page saga following a 14-year-old protagonist sold into servitude. What unfolds is a deep dive into problematic storytelling complete with questionable age dynamics, excessive bathing scenes, and the unforgettable term "man root" that might be the only redeeming feature of the entire book.

Meanwhile, Nicole explores "Her Dark Enchantments" by Rosalyn Briar, a beautifully written reimagining of classic fairy tales including Sleeping Beauty and Rumpelstiltskin. Despite gorgeous prose and creative worldbuilding, the novel's ambiguous ending left her desperately craving the closure that never came — a storytelling sin even beautiful writing couldn't overcome.

Beyond the plot reviews, the hosts examine broader questions about author legacies, changing social standards in romance fiction, and what makes for healthy relationship dynamics in fantasy settings. They discuss how Bertrice Small, once considered a boundary-pushing pioneer in romance, now reads as problematic and outdated — raising questions about how we evaluate older works through contemporary lenses.

Whether you're a fan of fairy romance looking for your next great read (or books to avoid), or simply enjoy candid literary discussions fueled by themed cocktails; this episode delivers equal parts entertainment and insight. Listen for the romantic reminders at the end, highlighting the importance of supporting your partner and addressing jealousy in healthy ways — perhaps the most valuable takeaways from these fairy tales gone wrong.

Want to purchase the books from this episode? You can buy Bertrice Small's Lara using our Amazon affiliate link here. To purchase a copy of Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar, click here for Amazon and here for The Ripped Bodice.

Meghan's Cocktail: Bitter End Cocktail made with Leinenkugel's Grapefruit Shandy

Nicole's Cocktail: Myravelle's Elixir

Trigger Warnings: Nicole's Book contains masochism and death, Meghan's entire book is a trigger warning

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
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Dive beneath the waves as we explore two captivating underwater romances in our Mermaid Month special! Our oceanic journey takes us through magical underwater kingdoms, body-positive representation, and the universal challenges of communication in relationships.

The first stop on our underwater adventure is "Call of the Sea" by Emily B. Rose, featuring Princess Makenna. Makenna is a full-figured, neurodivergent royal with ADHD who's been fascinated by mermaids since childhood. What sets this book apart is its refreshing portrayal of a plus-size heroine finding love without changing who she is. The story thoughtfully addresses fat-shaming and body acceptance while weaving them into a romance filled with unexpected plot twists. Though the pacing starts slow, the character development and beautiful moments of consent and body affirmation make it well worth the journey.

We then plunge deeper with "Whispers of the Deep" by Emma Hamm, set in a world where humans live in a domed underwater city constantly threatened by sea creatures called Undines. The slow-burn romance between Mira (a human engineer) and Arges (the Undine leader) faces not just the obstacle of different worlds but a complete language barrier. This unique challenge creates authentic relationship development as they find ways to connect beyond words, showing how love can transcend conventional communication.

Both books brilliantly use their fantastical underwater settings to explore very real relationship dynamics – establishing boundaries, learning to trust after heartbreak, and finding ways to understand each other despite differences. Whether you're drawn to body-positive representation, inventive world-building, or slow-burn romances with meaningful themes, these mermaid tales offer a refreshing dive into fantasy romance.

Join us next month as we continue our journey through fantastical romance with fairy-themed stories! Like, subscribe and share your thoughts on these underwater love stories – we'd love to hear which magical creatures you'd like us to explore next.

Want to purchase the books from this episode? You can buy Emma Hamm's Whispers of the Deep using our affiliate links for Amazon here and The Ripped Bodice here. To purchase a copy of Call of the Sea from Amazon, click here or click here to get it from The Ripped Bodice.

Meghan Leigh's Cocktail:  Ocean Breeze Cocktail

Nicole Danielle's Cocktail:  Seaswept Wine by Josh Cellars

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
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Dive beneath the waves with us as we explore two vastly different underwater romance novels featuring magical sea creatures seeking human connection. Our special "Siren" cocktail (which might taste suspiciously like brackish seawater) sets the mood for a deep dive into mythological maritime love stories.

Meghan takes us through "The Kraken's Sacrifice" by Katee Robert, where a woman named Catalina signs a surprisingly ethical contract with a demon and finds herself matched with Thane, the widowed Kraken King. What follows is a progressive, consent-focused romance featuring tentacle intimacy and emotional healing that earned it a "habanero" on our Spicy Scoville Scale. The book's surprising depth explores trauma recovery, self-worth, and the intimate connection that can develop through shared activities like board games.

Meanwhile, Nicole introduces "The Selkie" by Melanie Jackson, set in 1920s Scotland. When American secretary Hexy Garrow accidentally summons Selkie prince Rory by crying into the ocean (it was just allergies!) and mistakenly takes his seal skin, they're tied together until his fur can be returned. Their whirlwind romance spans mere days yet includes instant twin pregnancy detection and revelations about Hexy's mixed Fae and Selkie heritage. This slower-paced story, sprinkled with advanced vocabulary and vague intimacy scenes, earned a more modest "poblano" spice rating.

Both books feature otherworldly beings seeking human genetic diversity to strengthen their dwindling populations, yet approach this premise from completely different angles. From prehensile appendages (say whaaat?) to silver salt sweat, these unconventional romances demonstrate how the fantasy genre creates unique opportunities to explore connection, consent, and healing.

Join us next time as we continue our underwater romance theme with "Whispers of the Deep" by Emma Hamm and "Call of the Sea" by Emily B. Rose. We'd love to hear your thoughts on kraken versus Selkie romance. Which mythological creature would capture your heart?

Our Cocktail for the Episode -- Sirens: Sea Foam Cocktail with Gray Whale Gin

Buy The Books with our Amazon or The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Links:

Meghan's Book -- The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert

https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867/book/9781951329518

https://amzn.to/450gxfq

Nicole's Book -- The Selkie by Melanie Jackson

https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867/book/9798437859605

https://amzn.to/4jLomKr

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
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Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

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Heatherly Bell transforms everyday love into extraordinary storytelling. In this revealing conversation, she takes us behind the curtain of her creative process as a romance novelist who expertly balances humor with genuine emotional depth.

Beginning as a reader who was always drawn to the romantic subplots in novels across genres, Bell has crafted her own distinctive voice in the romance world since 2010. She shares how she develops characters who feel like people "you'd meet on the street" – pilots, firefighters, cowboys, and other blue-collar professionals who populate her small towns and capture readers' hearts with their authenticity.

What makes Bell's approach to romance so compelling is her commitment to emotional realism. "I'm more about the emotional connection between two people," she explains, detailing how she creates slow-burn relationships where characters genuinely fall in love before falling into bed. Her writing balances life's challenges with moments of humor, creating stories where readers can see themselves reflected in characters' struggles and triumphs.

The interview offers fascinating insights into Bell's creative journey – from researching professional backgrounds to naming characters. She also shares her path from starting with Harlequin to her self-published works. She even reveals her surprising former aspiration to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a singer! For writers, she shares valuable advice about silencing your inner critic and letting your subconscious creativity flow.

Discover Bell's latest works, including her Charming Texas series with "The Ex Next Door" coming in July and a Christmas book later this year. Follow her on social media or meet her at Book Lovers Con in Las Vegas this May to connect with this thoughtful, engaging storyteller who brings warmth and authenticity to every romance she crafts.

To pre-order Heatherly's upcoming "The Ex Next Door," click here.

You can learn more about Heatherly at her website, just click here.

And you can find out about Book Lovers Con in May in Vegas here and Romance Con in Milwaukee in September here.

Support the show

Our The Ripped Bodice Affiliate Link: https://www.therippedbodice.com/aff/romanceontherockspodcast_26867
(the best way to get your smut while supporting a fabulous women-owned business and our podcast!)

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Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait