The Dirty Pour

This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Allison tackle Playing the Field by Stacy Travis, a soccer romance featuring forced proximity, brother's best friend, workplace romance, and one very respectful book boyfriend.

While the story delivers lovable characters, sweet moments, and an easy summer read, the hosts admit they were left wanting a little more heat. They break down Hunter and Gracie's relationship, discuss how the book handles mental health, and explain why this romance is perfect for readers looking for something light instead of intensely spicy.

The conversation also takes plenty of detours—from World Cup fever and reading slumps to Bri's move into a new podcast studio and Allison's absolutely unhinged plan to find Bri a boyfriend using custom business cards and a spreadsheet.

If you're looking for a wholesome sports romance, a few laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes Dirty Pour chaos, this episode has you covered.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back & The Last Episode in Bri's Studio
01:14 – Cocktail Pairings Inspired by Playing the Field
03:20 – Book Synopsis: Soccer, Forced Proximity & Brother's Best Friend
05:16 – Our Overall Thoughts: Cute, Sweet & Low Spice
06:26 – Hunter: One of Our Favorite Book Boyfriends
07:17 – Gracie, Data Analytics & Breaking Romance Stereotypes
09:05 – Is This the Perfect Poolside Read?
09:53 – World Cup Fever & Our Sports Romance Expectations
11:03 – Did the Romance Deliver? (Without Spoilers)
11:45 – Reading Slumps & How We Get Out of Them
12:16 – What's Next for Dirty Pour?
13:41 – Books We're Reading Next
17:03 – Final Rating: Who Should Read This Book?
18:18 – Do Romance Books Inspire Real Life? 👀
20:05 – Allison's Wild Dating Plan for Bri
22:35 – Future Episodes Are About to Get Spicier 🌶️

Whether you're a die-hard sports romance fan or just want an easy weekend read, Playing the Field is a charming, low-spice romance with lovable characters, a respectful hero, and enough soccer to keep World Cup fans entertained. Bri and Allison share what worked, what didn't, and why they're already searching for a much spicier read next.

This week on Dirty Pour, Alison and Bri are switching things up with a mix of movie review and bookish hot takes.

First, they dive into Netflix's Voicemails for Isabel, a heartfelt romantic drama about grief, healing, unexpected connections, and finding hope after loss. From emotional sisterly moments to a romance that slowly blossoms in the most unexpected way, the hosts explain why this became one of their favorite movies of the year.

Then, they get into one of their favorite discussions yet—the biggest red flags in books. From frustrating miscommunication and unnecessary love triangles to giant age gaps, confusing timelines, plot holes, rushed endings, and overused tropes, Alison and Bri share everything that instantly takes them out of a story.

If you've ever yelled at a fictional character to just communicate—or abandoned a book halfway through because of a bad trope—this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back & Today's Bookish Hot Takes
01:54 – Voicemails for Isabel: The Story Without Spoilers
05:12 – Grief, Healing & Unexpected Phone Calls
07:33 – Wes, Jill & A Slow-Burn Romance
10:52 – The Emotional Twist That Changes Everything
12:27 – Redemption, Recovery & Finding Joy Again
14:15 – Why This Became One of Our Favorite Rom-Coms
16:44 – Our Biggest Book Red Flags
17:53 – Age Gaps: When Is It Too Much?
18:42 – The "Chosen One" Trope & Constant Complaining
20:37 – Too Many Characters & Plot Confusion
21:14 – Timeline Mistakes, Plot Holes & Math That Doesn't Add Up
24:29 – Rushed Endings & Cliffhangers That Miss the Mark
25:28 – Love Triangles Done Right (and Wrong)
27:02 – Strong Female Characters vs. Helpless Heroines
28:27 – Fantasy Romance, Monster Romance & Where We Draw the Line
32:51 – Miscommunication, Third-Act Breakups & Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for your next movie night recommendation or wondering if your biggest reading pet peeve made the list, this episode is packed with laughs, honest opinions, and plenty of book lover debates.

This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Allison set sail with Love Overboard by Candy Steiner—and it officially earns the title of their favorite book they've covered so far.

Set aboard a luxury superyacht in the Mediterranean, this second-chance romance blends reality TV drama, forced proximity, unforgettable characters, and emotional storytelling into one addictive summer read. The hosts dive into Ember and Finn's complicated history, the cast of unforgettable crew members, shocking betrayals, and why this book pulled them out of a reading slump.

They also rave about the audiobook's incredible duet narration, discuss how Below Deck fans will feel right at home, and explain why Candy Steiner's writing had them laughing, crying, and cheering from beginning to end.

If you're looking for the perfect beach read filled with romance, tension, heart, and just the right amount of drama, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Aboard Love Overboard
00:38 – Why This Became Our Favorite Book So Far
02:42 – A Story That Broke Our Reading Slump
03:20 – Below Deck Meets Second-Chance Romance
04:01 – The Audiobook That Completely Won Us Over
07:23 – Meet Ember, Finn & the Yacht Crew
09:20 – A Heartbreaking Reunion at Sea
11:23 – Captain Gary, Bernard & the Standout Characters
14:03 – Crew Drama, Secrets & Relationships
18:26 – Forced Proximity and Rekindled Feelings
22:57 – Everything Falls Apart Onboard
25:04 – The Overboard Rescue That Changed Everything
28:56 – The Reunion Episode & Long-Awaited Truths
31:54 – Happily Ever After in Fort Lauderdale
33:45 – Final Rating: A Perfect Summer Romance
35:07 – Cocktail Pairings & What We're Reading Next

Whether you're a longtime romance reader or just looking for your next vacation read, Love Overboard delivers unforgettable characters, emotional depth, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Bri and Allison break down everything they loved about Candy Steiner's standout novel—and why it's the first Dirty Pour book to earn a unanimous 10 out of 10.

 This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Alison trade the books for the screen as they dive into Off Campus, Amazon Prime's adaptation of the bestselling series by Elle Kennedy.

With Bri coming in as the resident book expert and Alison experiencing the story through the show alone, the duo compares what changed, what stayed true, and why this adaptation completely exceeded expectations. From Garrett and Hannah's chemistry to the hilarious hockey house dynamics, the girls break down their favorite moments, biggest surprises, and the casting choices that made the series feel fresh and authentic.

They also look ahead to Season 2, discuss the fan-favorite Allie and Dean storyline, and share why they think Amazon absolutely nailed this adaptation.

Whether you've read every book or you're discovering Off Campus for the first time, this episode is packed with laughs, hot takes, and plenty of hockey romance obsession.

Chapters

00:00 – Introducing Off Campus & Book vs. Show Perspectives
00:26 – Bri's Love for the Books & First Impressions
01:00 – The Casting Changes That Actually Worked
02:39 – Garrett, Hannah & The Emotional Finale
05:00 – The Biggest Differences Between the Book and the Show
06:10 – The Hockey House Friendship Dynamic
06:57 – John Logan & Why He's So Divisive
08:10 – Favorite Romantic Moments & Chemistry
08:46 – Why Season One Worked So Well
09:39 – Looking Ahead to Allie & Dean's Story
11:16 – Dean's Casting & A Real-Life Love Story
12:25 – Representation, Casting & Fan Reactions
13:42 – The Funniest Moments of the Season
14:46 – Overall Ratings & Season Two Excitement
15:33 – Fashion, Costumes & Character Style
17:33 – Favorite Romance Tropes & Standout Scenes
18:46 – Final Score: Tens Across the Board
20:02 – Why You Need to Watch (and Read) Off Campus

This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Alison tackle Saps and Secrets, a small-town firefighter romance that promised surprise babies, mystery, and sizzling chemistry—but somehow ended up with cheese wars, maple festivals, murder investigations, and a whole lot of frustration.

The girls break down the unexpected pregnancy storyline, Jasper's golden retriever energy, Evie's endless self-doubt, and why this might be the first book they almost didn't finish. Along the way, they discuss bizarre subplots, confusing character choices, and whether too many storylines can sink an otherwise promising romance.

Of course, no Dirty Pour episode would be complete without cocktails, sarcasm, and plenty of laughs while dissecting a book that simply didn't hit the mark.

Sometimes the best conversations come from the books you don't love.

Chapters

00:00 – Cheers to Books We Love… and Books We Don't
02:01 – Surprise Baby Meets Firefighter Romance
03:38 – Family Drama & Unexplained Secrets
05:21 – Labor at the Pizza Shop & Meeting Jasper
06:43 – The World's Most Patient Firefighter
08:12 – Cheese Wars, Festivals & Small-Town Chaos
09:20 – Evie, Her Friends & One-Dimensional Characters
11:28 – The Book They Almost Didn't Finish
12:52 – Waiting Way Too Long for the Romance
13:04 – Awkward Intimacy & Strange Character Choices
15:22 – The Murder Mystery That Almost Didn't Matter
18:23 – Why Everyone in Town Hates Everyone Else
21:35 – Could This Story Have Been Better?
22:15 – Why the Sequel Actually Looks Promising
23:23 – Next Week: Off Campus & Love Overboard Preview

This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Alison tackle Saps and Secrets, a small-town firefighter romance that promised surprise babies, mystery, and sizzling chemistry—but somehow ended up with cheese wars, maple festivals, murder investigations, and a whole lot of frustration.

The girls break down the unexpected pregnancy storyline, Jasper's golden retriever energy, Evie's endless self-doubt, and why this might be the first book they almost didn't finish. Along the way, they discuss bizarre subplots, confusing character choices, and whether too many storylines can sink an otherwise promising romance.

Of course, no Dirty Pour episode would be complete without cocktails, sarcasm, and plenty of laughs while dissecting a book that simply didn't hit the mark.

Sometimes the best conversations come from the books you don't love.

Chapters

00:00 – Cheers to Books We Love… and Books We Don't
02:01 – Surprise Baby Meets Firefighter Romance
03:38 – Family Drama & Unexplained Secrets
05:21 – Labor at the Pizza Shop & Meeting Jasper
06:43 – The World's Most Patient Firefighter
08:12 – Cheese Wars, Festivals & Small-Town Chaos
09:20 – Evie, Her Friends & One-Dimensional Characters
11:28 – The Book They Almost Didn't Finish
12:52 – Waiting Way Too Long for the Romance
13:04 – Awkward Intimacy & Strange Character Choices
15:22 – The Murder Mystery That Almost Didn't Matter
18:23 – Why Everyone in Town Hates Everyone Else
21:35 – Could This Story Have Been Better?
22:15 – Why the Sequel Actually Looks Promising
23:23 – Next Week: Off Campus & Love Overboard Preview

Before the mead, turkey legs, and questionable Renaissance Faire decisions, there was the getting-ready process.

In this special Dirty Pour bonus episode, Bri takes you behind the scenes as she attempts to transform herself into a fairy for her very first Renaissance Faire. With zero makeup expertise, plenty of sarcasm, and a Celtic-themed weekend inspired by Wicked Altar, things go exactly as you'd expect.

Join Bri as she talks through fairy makeup disasters, costume planning, Renaissance Faire excitement, and why confidence is sometimes more important than knowing what you're doing. Plus, hear how Wicked Altar influenced their Celtic Weekend theme, what Allison is wearing, and why sparkles are always the answer.

If you've ever watched a makeup tutorial and thought, "I have no idea what I'm doing either," this episode is for you.

Check out the final costumes and Renaissance Faire photos on the Dirty Pour Instagram.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Renaissance Faire Day
00:42 – Fairy vs. Assassin: Choosing the Costumes
01:58 – A Very Unqualified Makeup Tutorial Begins
04:08 – Why Celtic Weekend Inspired This Adventure
04:44 – How Wicked Altar Inspired the Theme
06:00 – Green Eyeshadow & Trusting the Process
06:41 – Makeup Mishaps, Sparkles & Fairy Logic
08:22 – Eyeliner Anxiety & Dark Fairy Energy
09:10 – Contour, Foundation & Controlled Chaos
09:46 – Falling Asleep to YouTube Explained
10:31 – The Science of "Learning by Osmosis"
12:18 – Blush, Sparkles & Mystical Land Rules
13:52 – Final Touches Before the Faire
14:46 – The Final Reveal & Where to See the Costumes

Bonus Episode

Join Bri for a behind-the-scenes Dirty Pour bonus as she gets ready for her first Renaissance Faire, embraces her inner fairy, and proves that sometimes the best adventures start with a little creativity, a lot of sparkles, and absolutely no clue what you're doing.

This week on Dirty Pour, Bri and Allison dive into Wicked Altar by Jane Henry — a dark mafia romance packed with arranged marriages, family loyalty, emotional tension, underground secrets, and plenty of chaos.

The girls break down the relationship between Cavin and Aaron, discuss the book’s strongest twists, and debate what worked (and what definitely needed more explanation). From Irish mafia politics and protective antiheroes to hidden clubs and unexpected emotional moments, this episode covers everything that made Wicked Altar a standout read.

They also share hilarious real-life stories involving Medieval Times, Renaissance Faire plans, traffic cones, and questionable decision-making after cocktails.

If you love dark romance, BookTok recommendations, mafia family drama, forced proximity, and sarcastic commentary, this episode is for you.

Chapters

00:00:00 – Wicked Altar First Impressions
00:00:44 – Why the Opening Immediately Worked
00:03:16 – Meet Cavin, Aaron & The Mafia Families
00:06:42 – Arranged Marriage & Family Pressure
00:10:38 – Hidden Clubs, Secrets & Late-Night Adventures
00:12:46 – The First Kiss Scene Breakdown
00:14:30 – Character Trauma & Unanswered Questions
00:15:05 – High School Embarrassment Stories
00:17:48 – Protective vs Controlling Relationships
00:18:24 – Family Betrayals & Plot Twists
00:21:35 – Fight Rings, Loyalty & Chaos
00:25:37 – Medieval Times & Renaissance Faire Stories
00:29:38 – The Traffic Cone Incident
00:33:25 – Planning Renaissance Faire Costumes
00:38:23 – Final Ratings & Next Week’s Read

Welcome to your new favorite morally questionable book club.

In this debut episode of Dirty Pour, Allison and Bri are pouring up cocktails and spilling everything about their not-so-guilty pleasure: smutty romance books. From enemies-to-lovers chaos to reverse harem delusion (we said what we said), this episode is basically a BookTok comment section… but louder, drunker, and way more honest.

They break down the tropes they’re obsessed with, the ones they’re absolutely done with, and the ones that will have them downloading a book at 2am with zero regrets. Oh—and yes, if there’s no spice by page 100… it’s getting DNF’d immediately.

💅 Expect:

Unhinged trope debates
Bartender-level cocktails to match your reads
Book recs that will ruin your sleep schedule
And a little judgment (lovingly… kinda)

📖 First up: Wicked Altar by Jane Henry— paired with Irish-themed cocktails because we love a festive, slightly chaotic vibe.

Get your Copy Here: https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Altar-Arranged-Marriage-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B0FP34LSR6

So grab your drink, your Kindle, and your dignity (optional)…
Welcome to Dirty Pour.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Dirty Pour (aka your toxic new book club)
02:58 – Let’s Talk Tropes: What We Love vs. What Needs to Be Retired
09:02 – Reverse Harem, Daddy Energy & Other Life Choices
12:46 – The Fine Line Between Hot and “Girl, Stand Up”
15:33 – Surprise Pregnancy? Be So Serious.
17:13 – Things We Probably Shouldn’t Google (But Did Anyway)
18:04 – Bully Romance, Fantasy Worlds & Mafia Men
24:37 – If There’s No Spice by Page 100… It’s Over
26:37 – Next Read: Wicked Altar + Irish Cocktails 🍀