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In the latest episode of Romance on the Rocks, hosts Nicole Danielle and Meghan Leigh dive into another delightful book exchange, featuring two summer romances set in small towns. The bookish biddies decided to do book trades for the month of September and may just make it a tradition for the podcast. (You can listen to Season 2 Episode 19: It’s a Hot Time in Hooterville wherever you catch your podcasts or visit this page for our in-house podcast player.)
Nicole Danielle’s Book: Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Nicole reviews “Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots” by LuAnn McLane, a romance set in the fictional Hootertown, Kentucky. The novel follows Jamie Lee Carter, a hairstylist who unexpectedly meets Hollywood producer Parker Carrington when he arrives to scout the town as a potential movie location. While Jamie Lee initially pursues Parker, the story evolves into a classic “falling for brother’s best friend” trope when her childhood crush on Griff Sheldon reignites. Nicole particularly appreciated the realistic portrayal of life as a hairstylist, noting how the author accurately depicted salon life from laundry and capes to specific hair techniques like perming. For anyone working in cosmetology, this attention to detail makes the story especially relatable and authentic.
Meghan Leigh’s Book: Kissing Bandit by Margaret Rose
Meghan shares her experience with “Kissing Bandit” by Margaret Rose, which follows Francesca Bloomfield, a thrifter starting her own estate sale business after a difficult breakup. Francesca creates a summer plan that includes a “no dating, only fun kisses” rule, and keeps a list of her kissing encounters without letting things develop further. This plan gets complicated when she meets John Boggs. He’s a former professional baseball player dealing with his own family issues while trying to revitalize his late father’s pub. The novel expertly weaves together themes of self-discovery, healing from past relationships, and finding unexpected connections.
Spice Levels & Romantic Reminders for the Books
Both books showcase the charm of small-town settings while exploring how characters navigate personal and professional transitions. Nicole assigns “Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots” a spice level of “poblano bordering on jalapeño,” while Meghan rates “Kissing Bandit” firmly in the “jalapeño” category. These ratings indicate moderate heat with some explicit scenes but nothing overly graphic or extensive.
The hosts also shared their “romantic reminders” gleaned from each book. Nicole encourages listeners to enjoy small-town moments and dates, finding romance in simple activities like country line dancing or local celebrations. Meghan emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to be silly with your partner to strengthen your connection.
Highlights & Teasers (pun intended)
The episode highlights how romance novels set in small towns can offer rich storytelling despite — or perhaps because of — their intimate settings. Both books demonstrate that romantic connections can flourish anywhere, whether in a small Kentucky salon or during an estate sale at Spirit Lake. The characters in these novels find themselves wrestling with personal growth while navigating new relationships, creating stories that feel both escapist and grounded in relatable experiences.
As Romance on the Rocks approaches its one-year anniversary, Nicole and Meghan are planning special content for fall, including their “Creature Feature October” focusing on paranormal romance. Their enthusiasm for the genre and their genuine friendship continue to make the podcast a delightful listen for romance readers of all preferences.
Have you read either of these contemporary romance novels? What did you think of them? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you. Interested in reading these books for yourself? You can purchase Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots here and Kissing Bandit via Amazon or The Ripped Bodice. To learn more about author LuAnn McLane who writes romantic comedy with a southern kick, click here. And to learn more about author Margaret Rose, 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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