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Christmas in July heats up as the Romance on the Rocks podcast tackles two holiday-themed romances that push boundaries in very different ways. Hosts Meghan and Nicole deliver equal parts humor and literary criticism while enjoying seasonal beverages — a festive "Snowball Old Fashioned" for Nicole and iced coffee for Meghan (who's admirably sticking to her health challenge despite the temptation of a cold beer).

Meghan dives into "Merry Cris Moose" by Delta James, a 2024 release that combines Christmas magic with shifter romance in Alaska. While praising the author's creative world-building and imaginative premise about saving Christmas through toy-making, she can't overlook the jarring tonal shifts between holiday wholesomeness and explicit encounters. Most frustrating is the extreme repetition in the author's writing style. Meghan actually created a chart documenting phrases repeated up to 34 times in just 132 pages!

Nicole bravely tackles "Snowed In with the Cowboy" by Maisey Yates, a novella featuring the taboo romance between step-siblings Chloe and Tanner. Despite her discomfort with the premise, Nicole appreciates the author's strong dialogue writing and the characters' healthy communication skills. She also highlights a standout quote about love being active, not passive, reminding us relationships require continuous investment.

The episode features all the podcast's beloved traditions — tracking when "boobies" first appear (who will win this episode?!), sharing romantic reminders, and previewing exciting upcoming reads.

Whether you're a romance enthusiast or simply enjoy listening to thoughtful, funny discussions about books, this episode delivers both entertainment and surprising insights. Subscribe now and join our community of bookish biddies who appreciate a good story and an honest review!

Nicole's Cocktail & Book for this Episode: Snowed in with the Cowboy and a Snowball Old Fashioned

Meghan's Beverage & Book for this Episode: Merry Cris Moose and an Iced Coffee

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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!

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

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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.

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!)

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