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Ever found yourself torn between a holiday romance novel and a festive cocktail? We’ve got the perfect blend for you. Grab your favorite yuletide drink — a bourbon and Cheerwine mix or maybe a chilled apple cider sangria — and join us as we unravel the romance in Lisa Kleypas' "A Wallflower Christmas." Despite what the cover suggests, it’s not Lady Natalie but her cousin Hannah Appleton who steals the limelight and Rafe Bowman's heart. With a mild trigger warning, we ensure our listeners are prepared for all twists and turns this delightful story brings.

But the romance doesn’t stop there. We draw a lively comparison between the enthralling Wallflower series and the less engaging Cedar Cove series, sharing our thoughts on the intensity of the Wallflower tales. We also chuckle over "A Charming Christmas Arrangement" by Heatherly Bell, where self-awareness and humor highlight the critical role of communication in romance. Through these discussions, we celebrate the joy of discovering well-developed characters and narratives that connect deeply, with a “habanero” rating for the Wallflower series for its spicy engagement.

As the year wraps up, we reflect on our favorite literary moments and invite our listeners to share their thoughts and suggestions for 2025. And, of course, we enjoy cherished moments like the "Boobie Prize" and "Romantic Reminders." We extend heartfelt gratitude to our community for their support, sending warm wishes for Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year. Join us in this joyous celebration of romance stories and stay tuned for more enchanting episodes in the future.

Meghan's Cocktail: Chilled Apple Cider Sangria
Nicole's Cocktail: Bluegrass Distillers Toasted Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Cheerwine

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Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
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What if your holiday season could be spiced up with a touch of mystery and a dash of romance? This episode promises to take you on a whimsical journey through the world of holiday-inspired romance novels paired with festive cocktails. We explore the heat levels of our featured reads using our Spicy Scoville scale while Meghan Leigh sips on cozy hot chocolate spiked with brandy and Nicole Danielle indulges in a unique Christmas margarita with cranberry juice. Our main spotlight falls on Caroline Burnes' "A Familiar Christmas," where a mystery-solving cat named Familiar adds charm to a tale filled with humor, mystery, and the unlikely invention of antibacterial dolls.

Join us as Sylvie West's toy store escapades unravel in unexpected ways, featuring a Santa-disguised hero and a talking detective cat who brings an extra layer of hilarity to the plot. We dive into a critical analysis of romantic elements in this tale as well as the "Parent Trap"-inspired 1225 Christmas Tree Lane by Debbie Macomber. Cliche characters and unrealistic rekindling of relationships abound as the bookish biddies share their seasonal romantic reads. And no regular episode of Romance on the Rocks is complete without our special Boobie Prize award. Do these books sizzle with holiday heat ... or are they just milk and cookies?

As we cozy up with our wintry cocktails, we encourage listeners to share their own bookish adventures and drink preferences, fostering a community of romance lovers savoring the seasonal spirit. We preview upcoming reads like "A Charming Christmas Arrangement" and "A Wallflower Christmas," promising more holiday romance reviews in our next episode. Don't miss out on joining our festive conversation, where love stories unfold in the most unconventional ways amidst the holiday cheer.

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Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
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Ever wondered how a literary giant could fall from grace, only to rise again and captivate readers? Join us as we unravel the scandalous story of Janet Dailey, whose admitted plagiarism in 1997 created shockwaves in the romance novel world. Despite the controversy, Dailey's ability to retain her fan base and continue her career raises intriguing questions about originality and inspiration in writing. This episode gives you a front-row seat to a conversation about the fine line between creativity and copying, and how an author’s past can shape the perceptions of their work.

Our deep dive into Dailey's personal struggles -- including family trauma and financial burdens -- offers a nuanced perspective on her controversial choices. We ponder the space for forgiveness and redemption, considering how these factors might sway an author's creative journey.

And our heartfelt thanks go out to listeners like Melissa, whose support fuels our enthusiasm. As we round off the episode, we tease our upcoming Christmas episode which features holiday romance novels involving sexy Santas, detective cats and more. Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of a real life romance novel scandal and the complexities of the literary world.

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