Shows
Romance on the RocksPergola WorthySend a textIt’s tequila. It’s pergolas. It’s slow burns and snark.On this episode of Romance on the Rocks, Nicole Danielle and Meghan Leigh dive into two contemporary romantic comedies while attempting to keep their cocktails (and themselves) upright.Meghan read is It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey. It's a grumpy-sunshine, small-town romance where an LA party girl lands in a Washington fishing town and collides with a stoic boat captain who proves love is shown, not just said. We discuss bar makeovers, sister loyalty, the deeply...
2026-02-1744 min
Romance on the RocksBillionaires & BoundariesSend us a textIf a book hooks the world but fumbles consent, can it still be called a great romance? We pour a drink and dive straight into the tension between cultural phenomena and reader well-being, starting with Fifty Shades of Grey and its legacy of billionaire control dressed up as care. We unpack why rules about sleep and snacks aren’t romantic, how a contract can miss the point of informed consent, and where stories conflate kink with trauma rather than negotiated desire. Expect clear lines: safe, sane, consensual kink belongs to partners who talk, lis...
2026-02-0333 min
Romance on the RocksNacho Average Season FinaleSend us a textStreet corn nachos, a cucumber margarita the size of a goldfish bowl, and enough romance novels to take us from cozy bookshops to briny underwater kingdoms. Season two wrapped up with everything we love: the reads that made us swoon, the ones that shocked us, and the moments that had us snort-laughing into our drinks.We talk about the couples that stayed with us, from board-game tenderness to a demon who adored a heroine’s pocket snacks. Heat levels became a running character: one of us is a jalapeño-level, closed-door loyal...
2026-01-2029 min
Romance on the RocksStill Reading SmutSend us a textPop the cork with us as we open season three and get real about how a half-joking idea turned into a ritual that changed our reading lives. We trace our path from sneaking dog-eared paperbacks to championing today’s expansive romance universe, and we talk about what happened when we let romance back in — more joy at home, a revived writing habit, and a community that feels like a warm, rowdy book club.We swap origin stories and gateway reads, then dive into tastes that reveal who we are: forced proximity for...
2026-01-0650 min
Romance on the RocksA Spirited ChristmasSend us a textCandy Cane Cocktails in hand, we dive into two very different holiday romances and come up for air with laughter, side-eye and a few hard truths. First up: Good Spirits by B.K. Borison, a contemporary paranormal charmer where a Ghost of Christmas Past lands in a modern woman’s living room and promptly breaks every rule — starting with her heart. We dig into the banter that actually crackles, the clever sensory limits on ghosts (Hot Tamales, anyone?), and the soft-boy off-season where knitting and stray cats reign. Then we pick at the seam...
2025-12-2339 min
Romance on the RocksMeet the Romance Author: A.C. WonderlandSend us a textA hockey crush in 8th grade and a lifelong love of the game set A.C. Wonderland on an unexpected path: slow-burn romances that feel as tense and electric as a tied third period. We pull up a chair with A.C. to talk about her books One Shot and Summer Shot, why golden retriever male leads deserve their flowers, and how to write intimacy that actually moves the story forward. If your heart wants authentic hockey details with just-right spice, you’re in the right locker room.A.C. opens up...
2025-11-2534 min
Romance on the RocksDouble ShotSend us a textThe ice is cold but these love stories are blazin'. We’re pouring drinks, pulling on jerseys and diving into two hockey romances that deliver big feelings, bigger chemistry and the kind of character growth that lingers after the final buzzer. First up: One Shot by A.C. Wonderland. It's a slow-burn college romance where a PR hopeful and the youngest team captain in program history find more than spark — they find a way to hold space for grief, ambition and healing. We unpack how trauma is handled with care, why scent and senso...
2025-11-1138 min
Romance on the RocksThat Time We Got Drunk and Did a PodcastSend us a textLet’s end spooky season with a clink: a neon-blue zombie cocktail meets a cozy Oktoberfest beer as we close our creature feature month and dig into two wildly different monster romances. First up, Zombie Moon by Lori Devoti drops us into "Brain Alley", Wisconsin, where a werewolf zombie-hunter and a mystery woman collide over brain bait and secrets. We unpack the moral gray zones, the alleyway action, and the sticky question of how zombies can roam for decades without going public. The romance lands as serviceable heat but the undead conspiracy hooks us...
2025-10-2849 min
Romance on the RocksGot Minotaur Milk?Send us a textWhat happens when a debt-crushed millennial takes a job at a "milking farm" and a runaway stumbles into the arms of a golden-sapped tree man who can sew, garden and cook? We pour a drink (okay, a few), roll up our sleeves, and unpack two monster romances that are equal parts spicy, sweet and unexpectedly practical. From fictional Cambric Creek to a swamp sanctuary outside Cypress Landing, this creature-feature doubleheader puts consent at the center and asks BIG questions ... if you know what we mean.We start with Morning Glory Milking...
2025-10-2150 min
Romance on the RocksLove SpellsSend us a textDo monsters make the perfect mate? We kick off with our signature cocktails — Buttersquatch whiskey for a Sasquatch fling and a citrus-spiked Werewolf’s Call — then dive into two paranormal romances that couldn’t be more different in pace, tone, and payoff. First up: a 97-page sprint where a half-banshee heroine bolts from an arranged marriage straight into the path of a half-Sasquatch protector. It’s fast, filthy, and full of audacious choices: scenting as safety and a world that nods a little too hard at Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. We talk about what w...
2025-10-1447 min
Romance on the RocksI'm Also in Love with MothmanSend us a textA forgotten summer, a hungry garden, and a winged legend with a soft spot for small kindnesses. Our creature-feature month kicks off with two romances that trade jump scares for emotional stakes. We start in Yarrow, Kentucky, where three generations of Haywood witches tend a shadow garden that grows on sorrow and fuels a rival distillery’s enchanted bourbon. When the town collectively erases the summer of 1997 from their minds; old feuds flare, magic falters, and a tangle of mysteries — Addison’s messy gifts, Kaden’s fractured past, a garden on the brink...
2025-10-0743 min
Romance on the RocksLove in the Stacks: One Year of Romance on the RocksSend us a textSomething remarkable is happening in Milwaukee — a renaissance of dedicated romance bookstores creating vital community spaces where readers connect over shared literary passions. As we celebrate our one-year podcast anniversary, we're thrilled to spotlight two visionary women transforming the local literary landscape.Meet Natasha Meyer from The Well Red Damsel, who transitioned from pop-up to permanent space after seeing hundreds line up at her very first event. "I look around at our events and see people talking like they've been friends for years when they actually met at one of our ev...
2025-09-3045 min
Romance on the RocksIt’s a Hot Time in HootertownSend us a textFall 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...
2025-09-1631 min
Romance on the RocksHot SwapSend us a textNicole 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...
2025-09-0241 min
Oprah Winfrey Audio BiographyOprah's Whirlwind Week: From Hospital to Spotlight, an Unstoppable Icon ShinesOprah Winfrey BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Oprah Winfrey has experienced a tumultuous and high-profile week, with her health unexpectedly making headlines across the globe. It started when Gayle King stunned viewers of CBS Mornings by revealing that Oprah had been rushed to the hospital, cancelling a scheduled TV appearance meant to promote David Wroblewski’s novel Familiaris for her book club. King described Oprah as being hooked up to IVs with a gastrointestinal illness severe enough to warrant missing a rare media engagement. Although the details Gayle shared were blunt—she called it “coming out of both ends”—...
2025-08-2303 min
Romance on the RocksBig City Girls, Small Town StudsSend us a textEver 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...
2025-08-1952 min
Romance on the RocksRomance at the Roller RinkSend us a textSummer heat has us craving refreshing drinks and equally refreshing romance novels! We're diving into contemporary romance novels this month, and both our selections had us staying up late turning pages.Nicole sips a piña colada (perfectly matching her book) while discussing "Mixed Signals" by B.K. Borison. This slow-burn romance features Caleb, a Spanish-teaching ex-firefighter who's been crushing on bakery owner Layla for years. When they agree to a month of "practice dating" to help each other figure out their romantic struggles, sparks inevitably fly. The book delivers laugh-out-loud m...
2025-08-0531 min
Romance on the RocksChristmas "Comes" EarlySend us a textChristmas 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 im...
2025-07-2239 min
Romance on the RocksUff da! It's Christmas in July!Send us a textWhat 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...
2025-07-0848 min
Romance on the RocksWe Were Promised Fairy SmutSend us a textFantasy 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 r...
2025-06-2453 min
Romance on the RocksA Midsummer NightmareSend us a textPrepare 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, exce...
2025-06-1058 min
Romance on the RocksDiving Into Underwater RomanceSend us a textDive 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...
2025-05-2737 min
Romance on the RocksLove in the DeepSend us a textDive 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...
2025-05-1348 min
Romance on the RocksMeet the Romance Writer: Heatherly BellSend us a textHeatherly 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 re...
2025-04-2952 min
Romance on the RocksSlow Burnin' LoveSend us a textTwo 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...
2025-04-1545 min
Romance on the RocksFools in LoveSend us a textTwo 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...
2025-04-0144 min
Romance on the RocksTit-ular Time TravelSend us a textThe perils of consent, agency, and "apple boobs" take center stage as Meghan Leigh and Nicole Danielle continue their Scottish/Irish reading theme with two wildly different romance novels.We kick things off with a slew of trigger warnings as Nicole delves into Bertrice Small's The Border Lord's Bride, a historical romance that doesn't shy away from graphic content. Ellen MacArthur faces tragedy when her grandfather and fiancé are murdered, only to be forced into marriage with Duncan Armstrong, a border lord twice her age. What begins as a potentially promising r...
2025-03-181h 01
Romance on the RocksFull Moon FridaySend us a textThe full moon and lunar eclipse bring out the wild side in our bookish biddies as Meghan Leigh and Nicole Danielle venture into the world of werewolf smut for a howling good time.Meghan delves into "The Wolf Wore Plaid" by Terry Spear, where Scottish clan werewolves provide security for a Hollywood film production at their ancestral castle. Heather McNeil, a successful baker and alleged "wild card," finds herself drawn to clan second-in-command Enric McQuarrie while sabotage threatens the production. What starts as reluctant attraction develops into a thoughtful courtship filled...
2025-03-1551 min
Romance on the RocksA Bodice Ripping Good TimeSend a textEver wondered how a simple listener suggestion could spice up our entire podcast? This month, we're embracing a Scottish and Irish theme on Romance on the Rocks -- complete with fiery Scotch bonnet peppers add to our Scoville scale. Nicole and Meghan's beverage choices -- an Irish Manor liqueur and an oatmeal porter from Highland Brewing -- set the stage for a robust discussion about Karen Robards' historical novel, "Dark of the Moon," and Gina Conkle's "A Scot is Not Enough." Journey with us into 18th-century Ireland, where we follow the spirited C...
2025-03-0455 min
Romance on the RocksPepper Spray & PoliticsSend us a textCan a Sauvignon Blanc truly capture the essence of a political romance novel, or does scotch pair better with Scottish intrigue? Nicole Danielle and Meghan Leigh put their drink-pairing skills to the test in this lively episode as they embark on an amusing journey through romance novels and beverages. With Nicole feeling like Dorothy from the Golden Girls and Meghan bravely opting for some Clan McGregor scotch, they set the stage for a discussion filled with laughter and unexpected insights.As the episode unfolds, they turn their attention to the contentious...
2025-02-181h 04
Romance on the RocksLove CampaignSend us a textThis episode of Romance on the Rocks Podcast dives into the intertwining worlds of romance and politics, exploring how authors present love stories against political backdrops. The hosts, Meghan Leigh and Nicole Danielle, discuss two books, “A Vote of Confidence” by Robin Lee Hatcher and “Till I Kissed You” by Laura Trentham, examining themes of ambition, communication, and the challenges of blending personal and political lives.• Exploring the political theme in romance literature • Discussion of “A Vote of Confidence” by Robin Lee Hatcher and its religious undertones • Character dynamics and their romantic t...
2025-02-0443 min
Romance on the RocksHighlights & More from 2024Send us a textCan a beverage really set the tone for an entire podcast episode? While Meghan finds solace in a cozy coffee mug adorned with Jane Austen's charm, Nicole takes a bold leap with the pizzatini, crafted by her innovative husband, Bob. This whimsical drink, with its Parmesan cheese rim and pizza-themed garnishes, serves as the perfect companion while we reminisce about our favorite romance novels of season one. From the mild poblano-rated "60s Beauty" to the fiery habanero-rated "Heart of Nashville," we explore the spice levels of our 2024 romance novels and ponder on what...
2025-01-2133 min
Romance on the RocksOur 2025 Podcast GoalsSend us a textSeason Two of Romance on the Rocks begins with a heartfelt reflection on the previous season's highs and lows, alongside a discussion of new goals, upcoming themes, and community engagement. We delve into memorable reads and our plans to explore various facets of romance, all while embracing our quirky, fun-driven approach to romance novel reviews. • Reflecting on Season One's standout moments • Setting goals and desires for 2025 • Highlighting memorable books and genres • Emphasizing the role of food in romance novels • Encouraging listener involvement and suggestions • Previewing upcoming themes and guest authors
2025-01-0726 min
Romance on the RocksCheers to Christmas Romance ReadsSend us a textEver found yourself torn between a holiday romance novel and a festive cocktail? We’ve got the perfect blend for you. Grab your favorite yuletide drink — a bourbon and Cheerwine mix or maybe a chilled apple cider sangria — and join us as we unravel the romance in Lisa Kleypas' "A Wallflower Christmas." Despite what the cover suggests, it’s not Lady Natalie but her cousin Hannah Appleton who steals the limelight and Rafe Bowman's heart. With a mild trigger warning, we ensure our listeners are prepared for all twists and turns this delightful story br...
2024-12-2444 min
Romance on the RocksA Christmas for the DogsSend us a textWhat if your holiday season could be spiced up with a touch of mystery and a dash of romance? This episode promises to take you on a whimsical journey through the world of holiday-inspired romance novels paired with festive cocktails. We explore the heat levels of our featured reads using our Spicy Scoville scale while Meghan Leigh sips on cozy hot chocolate spiked with brandy and Nicole Danielle indulges in a unique Christmas margarita with cranberry juice. Our main spotlight falls on Caroline Burnes' "A Familiar Christmas," where a mystery-solving cat named Familiar...
2024-12-1056 min
Romance on the RocksReal Scandals in Romance: A Story of Plagiarism and PassionSend us a textEver wondered how a literary giant could fall from grace, only to rise again and captivate readers? Join us as we unravel the scandalous story of Janet Dailey, whose admitted plagiarism in 1997 created shockwaves in the romance novel world. Despite the controversy, Dailey's ability to retain her fan base and continue her career raises intriguing questions about originality and inspiration in writing. This episode gives you a front-row seat to a conversation about the fine line between creativity and copying, and how an author’s past can shape the perceptions of their work.
2024-12-0325 min