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Fall in love with small-town romance as Nicole and Meghan exchange books perfectly tailored to each other's interests in this delightful end-of-summer reading episode. Their thoughtful book exchange showcases the power of friendship through literature, with Nicole receiving a hairstylist-centered romance and Meghan diving into a story featuring baseball and thrifting.

Nicole explores "Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots" by LuAnn McLane, set in the funnily-named Hootertown, Kentucky, where hairstylist Jamie Lee finds herself caught between Hollywood producer Parker and her longtime crush, Griff. The novel resonates particularly well with Nicole's professional background, featuring authentic salon details from perms to salon laundry. She praises the realistic portrayal of cosmetology work while assigning it a "poblano bordering on jalapeño" spice rating.

Meanwhile, Meghan takes readers through "Kissing Bandit" by Margaret Rose, where protagonist Francesca Bloomfield embarks on a summer of self-discovery after heartbreak. With a strict "no dating, only fun kisses" rule, Francesca's carefully constructed plans unravel when she meets former baseball player John Boggs during her first estate sale job. The slow-burn romance challenges her commitment to remaining emotionally detached, creating a compelling journey of healing and connection.

Both hosts extract meaningful "romantic reminders" from their reading experiences – Nicole encourages embracing small-town date opportunities like country line dancing and local celebrations, while Meghan highlights the importance of maintaining playfulness and silliness in relationships. Their genuine enthusiasm for these stories reflects why romance novels continue to capture readers' hearts, offering both escape and relatable emotional truths.

As they approach their one-year podcast anniversary, Nicole and Meghan tease expanded content for their upcoming "Creature Feature October," promising paranormal romance reviews that will delight listeners seeking supernatural tales. Join these bookish biddies as they continue their journey through the diverse and heartwarming world of romance fiction.

Meghan's Cocktail & Book: Liquid Death Dr. Death and "The Kissing Bandit" (get it from Amazon or The Ripped Bodice with our affiliate links and support the podcast)

Nicole's Cocktail & Book: Aperol Spritz and "Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots"

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