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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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Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

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Nicole and Meghan dive headfirst into uncharted territory with their first-ever romance novel exchange. And things get spicy faster than either of them anticipated. After exchanging books based on loose personal connections (Nicole's husband is named Bob), the hosts discover they've accidentally thrust each other into the deep end of the romance pool.

Nicole tackles "B.O.B.'s Fall," a futuristic erotica where B.O.B. stands for "battery-operated boyfriend" -- a sex droid containing the consciousness of a Scottish CEO following an assassination attempt. With what she describes as "90% gratuitous sex and 10% plot," Nicole navigates through multiple-chapter sex scenes while trying to find enough story to keep her engaged. Despite the gratuitous nature, she thankful this was a quick read but questions some concerning consent issues throughout the narrative.

Meanwhile, Meghan approaches "Mine" with trepidation after reading its synopsis suggesting heavy domination themes. To her surprise, she discovers a balanced CIA protection romance with a "50-50 split" between meaningful plot and steamy scenes. The book explores the relationship between two strong-willed characters dealing with past traumas, featuring refreshingly realistic relationship dynamics that acknowledge conflicts without painting them as deal-breakers.

Both hosts rate their selections as "Habanero" on their spicy Scoville scale -- decidedly hot but not reaching their highest heat rating. Their discussion expands beyond the books themselves to examine the curious disconnect between romance marketing and content, questioning why synopses and covers so often misrepresent what readers will find inside.

What makes this episode particularly delightful is the hosts' willingness to step outside their comfort zones while maintaining their trademark humor and honest commentary. Whether you're a seasoned romance reader or curious about the genre's spicier side, you'll appreciate their candid reactions and thoughtful analysis of what makes relationships work both on and off the page.

Join us for this unexpectedly educational journey through sci-fi erotica and CIA protection romance -- and stay tuned for next episode's more conventional book exchange featuring characters in the beauty industry and resale business.

Cocktails/Beverages for the Episode:

Meghan -- Coffee

Nicole -- Glengoyne Scotch (12 year)

Buy the Books (via our Amazon affiliate links):

B.O.B.'s Fall by Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick

Mine by HelenKay Dimon

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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Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast
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Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

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Ever wondered what happens when you inherit a bookstore from your murdered grandfather? Or when a city lawyer falls for a struggling resort owner in rural Minnesota? This episode dives deep into two contemporary small-town romances that explore what happens when urban professionals leave behind their city lives for love in communities where everyone knows your business.

Meghan reviews "Closer to You" by Cheryl Lister, following Zara Chandler as she takes over her grandfather's bookstore in tiny Blackmont, California. With her grandfather's murderer still at large, Zara finds herself butting heads with the protective local sheriff, Kendall McKnight. Their verbal sparring gradually transforms into a genuine connection. But Zara's determination to assert her independence often puts her in harm's way. We explore that fine line between being a strong, independent woman and making questionable choices when faced with genuine danger.

Nicole tackles "Say You Mean It" by Megan Reinking, featuring Blair Williams, a personal injury lawyer who helps resort owner Graham Peterson with a lawsuit. The novel stands out for its authentic portrayal of depression, showing how finding "one good thing" each day can help someone struggling with mental health. But we can't help wondering: can Graham's outdated business practices sustain his family's legacy? And will Blair's depression worsen during the isolated northern Minnesota winters?

Both novels paint realistic pictures of small-town life in small communities —where everyone knows your name, restaurant options are limited, and secrets spread like wildfire. Yet they also romanticize aspects that might not reflect the economic realities of rural businesses today.

From relationship development that unfolds over months rather than days to thoughtful gestures that demonstrate real care, these stories offer genuine romantic reminders we can all appreciate. Join us for an exploration of love that blossoms in small towns with big city girls and small town studs!

Meghan's Beverage: Liquid Death Dr. Death

Nicole Beverage: Reyka Vodka Soda with a Lime Wedge & Fresh Blackberries

Buy the Books:

Closer to You by Sheryl Lister -- Amazon

Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking -- Amazon or The Ripped Bodice

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