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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!

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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.

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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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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

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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

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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.

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Two cocktails, two small towns, and two heartfelt love stories by Heatherly Bell have us swooning on this episode of Romance on the Rocks. Grab your Topo Chico Ranch Water or Fireman's Sour and settle in as we explore what makes Bell's romance novels so addictively relatable.

First stop: Stone Ridge, Texas, where elementary teacher/EMT Sadie Stephens returns to her hometown and reconnects with Lincoln Carver, her teenage crush turned rodeo-ropin' rancher. Their chemistry sizzles against a backdrop of small-town dynamics and lingering family drama. What sets this story, Lucky Cowboy, apart is Bell's gift for creating characters who feel genuinely human. Sadie isn't a flawless bombshell but rather a naturally klutzy "girl next door" with real dreams and insecurities.

Then we travel to coastal Miracle Bay, California, where best friends Charlie Young and firefighter Dylan Reyes navigate their complicated feelings for each other. Both carrying childhood abandonment issues, they face unique challenges in trusting love. The town's legendary "sunset kiss" myth adds a touch of magic to their evolving relationship, raising questions about timing, fate, and whether friendship can truly transform into lasting romance. It's all in Meghan Leigh's book, The Accidental Kiss.

What makes Bell's writing special is her commitment to authentic dialogue, realistic reactions, and healthy relationship dynamics. Her characters communicate honestly, respect boundaries, and grow together in ways that feel earned rather than manufactured. Unlike many romance novels that require trigger warnings, Bell creates safe reading experiences without sacrificing emotional depth or chemistry.

We're thrilled to announce that Bell herself will be joining us for our next episode! In the meantime, check out these jalapeno-spiced stories that prove the most captivating romance heroes aren't billionaires or dukes — they're the hardworking guy next door.

Meghan's Cocktail: Fireman's Sour

Meghan's Book: The Accidental Kiss by Heatherly Bell

Nicole's Cocktail: Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer

Nicole's Book: Lucky Cowboy by Heatherly Bell

Learn more about Heatherly Bell here.

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Two vastly different romance novels reveal the same profound truth: recognizing genuine love often comes after experiencing relationships that fall short. In this lively discussion, Nicole and Meghan explore what happens when characters mistake manipulation for affection before finding their perfect match.

Meghan dives into "Tricks of the Trade," an LGBTQ romance set in early 2000s Hollywood, where publicist Bart Kane initially falls for Rod, a narcissistic hustler using him for industry connections. The story takes a redemptive turn when Bart meets Rusty, a dog trainer whose emotional maturity and genuine communication create a stark contrast to his previous relationship. As Meghan notes, "Without Rusty, this book would not have made me happy at all." Through Rusty's character, we see what healthy partnership looks like — trust without jealousy, support without conditions, and acceptance without demands.

Meanwhile, Nicole explores "Lord Rupert's Foolish Bride," a historical romance where two gentle souls from abusive families find refuge in a marriage of convenience. Lord Rupert and the delightfully quirky Jenny (who insists her beloved donkey must be part of the package deal) develop an authentic connection based on mutual respect and appreciation for each other's unique qualities. Their relationship evolves through challenges spanning two years, demonstrating how partnership strengthens when we embrace our loved ones' passions without expecting them to change.

Both stories highlight a universal truth about relationships: supporting your partner's interests — whether it's screenwriting ambitions or an unusual attachment to a flower-crowned donkey — creates the foundation for lasting love. The hosts' "romantical reminders" offer wisdom applicable beyond fiction: your partner's past shaped who they are today, and embracing their authentic self fosters genuine connection.

Get ready for our special upcoming episodes celebrating romance author Heatherly Bell, including book reviews and an exclusive interview with this talented writer whose work continues to capture our hearts!

Meghan's Cocktail: Espresso Martini

Nicole's Cocktail: The Farmer's Daughter (but with gin)

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