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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 They discuss how Bertrice Small, once considered a boundary-pushing pioneer in romance, now reads as problematic and outdated — raising questions about how we evaluate older works through contemporary lenses.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

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Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
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