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In this episode of Romance on the Rocks, co-hosts Nicole Danielle and Meghan Leigh embark on a rousing discussion about two bodice ripper romance novels. The books contain gripping historical narratives that intertwine themes of love, conflict, and personal identity. They dive into the delightful context of their chosen books, Dark of the Moon by Karen Robards and A Scot is Not Enough by Gina Conkle. With their thematic focus on Scottish and Irish romance for March, the hosts choose drinks that embody the flavor of their literary topics, enhancing the atmosphere of their literary discussions. Meghan sips on an Irish Cream Liqueur by Irish Manor while Nicole knocks back an Oatmeal Porter from Highland Brewing.
Meghan Leigh’s Book: Dark of the Moon by Karen Robards
One of the bodice ripper titles discussed is Karen Robards’ “Dark of the Moon.” This book revolves around the complex character of Caitlin O’Malley, who embodies both the struggle of survival as a young woman in 18th-century Ireland and the emotional turmoil stemming from her traumatic past. Meghan shares her candid opinions of the book which she originally read at the tender age of 13. From stereotypes regarding “Irish temper” to infusions of an Irish “Robin Hood,” Meghan delves into what she enjoyed as well as what she was challenged by in revisiting the book as an adult.
Nicole Danielle’s Book: A Scot is Not Enough by Gina Conkle
Nicole’s bodice ripper was a bit more light hearted and she thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter of verbal flirtations of the two main characters in A Scot is Not Enough. The novel by Gina Conkle features independent Scotswoman Cecilia MacDonald and Englishman Alexander Sloan. We follow the two in a delightful cat and mouse game filled with fun flirtations and a battle of wits. There’s plenty of intrigue and a dash of adventure interwoven with the perfect of amount of mystery for Nicole’s personal preference. She also found Conkle’s unique writing style to be a refreshing change from her previous romantic rease.
Listeners will appreciate the engaging banter as Nicole & Meghan dissect various moments, offering their personal reactions and highlighting key quotes that capture the humor and depth of their romance novel assignments. The episode also touches upon fun sections that the hosts include in their podcast. They award a ‘booby prize’ for the first mention of breasts in a book — a light-hearted way to engage listeners — and hit a new record on page 3 of one of the bodice rippers.
As they transition to discussing their next reading selections, the excitement builds for listeners anticipating further explorations into the genre. They highlight their commitment to bring updated content, engaging recommendations, and unfiltered conversations about the complexities of love and identity through the lens of romance. The hosts’ sense of community extends to active listener interaction, with Nicole and Meghan openly encouraging talk about romantic themes and upcoming events like Romance Con in Milwaukee. (To learn more about Romance Con, click here.)
Ultimately, the episode leaves listeners appreciating the intricate world of romance novels not just as mere escapism, but as fertile ground for discussions surrounding human experiences and societal norms. The hosts exemplify the idea that even within romance, there is space to engage critically with narratives that demand reflection, widening the scope beyond mere entertainment.
Have you read either of these bodice rippers? What did you think of them? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you. Interested in reading these Irish- and Scottish-themed, historical romance novels yourself? You can purchase A Scot is Not Enough here and Dark of the Moon here. To learn more about NY Times bestselling author Karen Robards, click here. And to learn more about USA Today Bestselling author Gina Conkle, click here. Want to listen to the podcast episode? We’re available on pretty much all your favorite podcast streaming services. Or you can visit our podcast player page here.
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