Send us a text

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

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

Ever wondered how a simple holiday theme can transform your reading list? This Thanksgiving, join us for a festive edition of Romance on the Rocks, where Nicole and Meghan sip on mulled wine and Salted Caramel Martinis while uncovering the heartwarming delights of holiday romance novels. With no trigger warnings in sight, we dive straight into the essence of Thanksgiving captured in Jessica Gadziala's "Stuffed: A Thanksgiving Romance" and Margaret Watson's "A Thanksgiving to Remember," complete with apple orchards, fall football and unexpected love stories that will warm your heart.

Nicole can't contain her excitement over "Stuffed," which brings Callie back home after six years to face her brother's best friend, Adam, who she's had a crush on her whole life. Meanwhile, Meghan explores the intrigue of "A Thanksgiving to Remember," where nurse Tina White navigates her tangled feelings for a mysterious amnesiac named Tom Flint. Our discussions highlight how these novels weave realism and respectfulness into their narratives, making condom use in intimate scenes as natural as pie on Thanksgiving.

Listen as we reflect on the colorful world of romance novels, where age gaps, attention in relationships and modern storytelling keep our conversations lively and engaging. Celebrate with us the vibrant community of hopeless romantics and bookish enthusiasts who inspire us each episode. We invite you to share your thoughts, book recommendations and reviews on our favorite platforms -- your support and passion fuel our love for this delightful genre!

Cocktails in this episode:
Meghan -- Mulled Wine (cranberry juice, brandy, spices, mandarin oranges ... from a can)
Nicole -- Salted Caramel Martini (Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, Smirnoff Caramel Kissed Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Simple Syrup, Caramel Sauce, Maldon Sea Salt)

Our other Episodes mentioned in this podcast:
Season 1 Episode 2 -- Playing House
Season 1 Episode 3 -- Southern Romances: Music, Mobsters & Models

Checkout Jessica Gadziala, the author of Stuffed: A Thanksgiving Romance at https://www.facebook.com/JessicaGadziala/ or at http://jessicagadziala.com

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

What makes a Southern-set romance novel irresistible? It might just be the heady mix of ambition, personal struggles and the often messy world of love found within their pages. This episode, we uncork the secrets behind Robert Vaughen's "Heart of Nashville" and Janet Dailey's "Bluegrass King," pairing them with themed cocktails like Ole Smoky Gatlinburg Tennessee Salty Watermelon Whiskey. We explore the chaotic lives of country music stars and horse racing elites, all while tackling the more uncomfortable themes these stories present -- such as infidelity, mob influence and troubling societal norms of the 1970s.

Ever pondered the implications of mobsters in the romance genre or the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in past decades? We unpack these layers with a critical eye, discussing the intense and problematic narratives woven into the storyline of "Heart of Nashville." Our conversation ventures into the murky waters of medical ethics and attitudes around sexuality in 1975, balanced by the lighter moments of camaraderie between various characters.

Romance novels often leave readers with mixed feelings, and "Bluegrass King" is no exception. We dissect the rocky romance between Dani and Barrett, the emotional turmoil catalyzed by a beloved racehorse, and the convoluted transitions in character arcs.

Whether comparing absurd literary descriptions of anatomy or humorously rating the books' spice levels, we promise a candid, thought-provoking and entertaining ride through the world of Southern romance. So, pour yourself a drink and join us as we sift through the complexities of love and ambition in these interesting reads.

Cocktails for this Episode:
Meghan -- Ole Smoky Tennessee Salty Watermelon Whiskey
Nicole -- Dark & Stormy ... Get the recipe here: Essential Southern Cocktail: Dark ’n Stormy – Garden & Gun (gardenandgun.com)

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

Meghan & Nicole talk about their North Carolina romance book hunting experience to several thrifty locations in the southern portion of The Triangle, including Clayton, Garner and Smithfield. Find out what treasures the biddies found from flea market to second hand book store. The ladies also chat about what guides them in choosing the perfect romance novel.

Special shout outs going to Pauper’s Books & More in Clayton, North Carolina. We think you’ll love them just as much as we do. Check them out at https://www.paupersbooks.com. They are not a paid sponsor. We just REALLY loved them on this book hunting adventure.

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

Ever wonder what happens when an arrogant princess and a dashing U.S. Navy officer find themselves stranded near the Florida Keys? This episode of Romance on the Rocks uncovers the whimsical and unexpected twists in Jude Devereaux's "The Princess." Join us as we humorously critique key plot points — from Aria’s endeavors of becoming a 1940s housewife to the intriguing inclusion of the chemical element vanadium.

As we sip on our delightful drinks — Meghan with her nutty pecan shot and coconut-citrus concoction, and Nicole with her martini including homemade lemon basil ice cubes — we also take a nostalgic trip back to Kathleen Norris's 1968 novel "Younger Sister." We discuss a “sweeter time” with age-gap romances and love triangles involving a man and his son. Our conversation highlights the jealousy, betrayal, and miscommunications that mark young Bee’s newlywed life as she tries to create a home and family.

We also award the “Boobie Prize” of the episode and give each of our romantic reads a Spicy Scoville Scale rating as well as offer a romantic reminder to our listeners. Whether you're a fan of classic romance novels or just love a good story, this episode promises to entertain and enlighten.

Please note this episode contains adult content, a trigger warning and book spoilers. (Meghan LOVES to spoil books.)

Meghan's Drinks in this Episode:
"Pecan Delight" Shot -- Foggy Dog Pecan Pie from Whiskey Thief Distilling Company
"Citrusy Concoction" -- lemon juice, La Croix Coconut Sparkling Water, New Amsterdam Coconut Flavored Vodka, Nicole's homemade Lemon Basil ice cubes

Nicole's Drinks in this Episode:
Lemon Basil Coconut Martini -- 1/2 oz. lemon juice, 2 oz. New Amsterdam Coconut Flavored Vodka, splash of lime juice, La Croix Coconut Sparkling Water, Nicole's homemade Lemon Basil ice cubes

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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

Send us a text

Meghan & Nicole dive into their first official books of the podcast: Beauty Contest Nurse by Diana Douglas and The Viking’s Chosen by Quinn Loftis. Both feature women who have the skills and talents to heal but each story has a very different romantic direction.

The biddies kick off the episode with a toast of shots before diving right in to Meghan's book and its zany plot surrounding nurse Maria's romantic adventures in Acapulco with dashing Dick Trevor and two charming doctors. From peculiar dental obsessions to bizarre medical conditions, prepare for giggles as we dissect the character dynamics and medical inaccuracies that had us both perplexed and amused. We explore the white savior trope, laugh at the odd phrasing, and even critique some eyebrow-raising tranquilizer prescriptions.

And just when you think it couldn't get any better, we turn the page to Nicole's read for the episode, The Viking's Chosen. Get ready for a bad betrothal and magical disguises as destiny draws a Viking warrior and English Princess closer. We wrap things up with a lighthearted discussion on book cover discrepancies and award our hilarious 'Boobie Prize' of the podcast. Don't miss our romantical reminders about consent and tender gestures—because every romance aficionado knows, it's the little things that matter. Tune in for a fun, insightful, and utterly engaging episode!

Please Note: This episode contains adult content, a trigger warning and book spoilers.

Meghan's Drinks in this Episode:
Ratafia Shot -- Montserrat Ratafia
"Scurvy Fighting" Cocktail -- lots of lemon juice & booze

Nicole's Drinks in this Episode:
Limoncello Shot -- Limoncello Cream
Paloma -- lime juice, grapefruit juice, Teremana Tequila Blanco, La Croix Pamplemousse Sparkling Water

Support the show

Follow us on our socials:
Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast
Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast

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