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Romance on the Rocks Podcast

Sip, Read, and Get Swept Away in a World of Romance

Season 2 Episode 5: A Bodice Ripping Good Time

March 4, 2025

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Season 2 Episode 5 Episode: A Bodice Ripping Good Time Podcast Cover Art

Episode Description:

Ever 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 added to our Spicy Scoville scale. Nicole and Meghan’s beverage choices (Irish Manor Irish Cream 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 Caitlin O’Malley as she navigates tumultuous times. As we traverse the vibrant landscape of Irish historical fiction, Connor Darcy’s tale unfolds amidst English-Irish tensions and family drama. From the clever tactics of Connor’s father to Caitlin’s fiery rebellion and admiration for the mysterious Dark Horseman, this story is woven with intrigue and depth. We dissect the delicate dance between history and personal growth that Robards achieves. And Meghan questions both the problematic and commendable elements of this 400-plus page saga.

Then turn the page with us as we cross the waters to London, England for another 18th-century read. This time we focus on a Scotswoman transplanted to England after the failed Scottish Uprising. Cecilia MacDonald is a fierce, independent lass on a mission as she crosses paths with Alexander Sloane, an Englishman with a mission of his own. There’s plenty of intrigue and a dash of adventure interwoven with the perfect of amount of mystery for both Meghan & Nicole’s personal preferences.  

Romance aficionados will revel in our exploration of evolving love and relationships as we ponder the significance of emotional and intellectual engagement. We spotlight contrasting portrayals of love and temperaments, while juggling Gaelic pronunciations. Anticipation builds for our next literary journey, promising more spirited drinks, delectable cuisine and new romantic adventures. Join us as we continue to celebrate the enchanting and ever-evolving world of romance novels.

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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!)

Beverages & Books for this Episode:

Meghan: Dark of the Moon by Karen Robards with Irish Manor Irish Cream Liqueur
Nicole: A Scot is Not Enough by Gina Conkle with Highland Brewing Oatmeal Porter

Dark of the Moon by Karen Robards Book Cover
A Scot is Not Enough

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Podcast Credits:

Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

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Romance on the Rocks is a podcast featuring Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle — bookish biddies who imbibe and share their latest romance novel reads.

Meet Wren Lockley, one of the three romance audiob Meet Wren Lockley, one of the three romance audiobook narrators joining us for Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me.
Wren brings a love of romance, a particular appreciation for enemies-to-lovers and a willingness to entertain some truly ridiculous book premises.
During the episode, she tells us what trope she wishes authors would write more often, takes on some questionable romance blurbs and reveals just how deep her former Twilight obsession really went.
You'll also get to hear Wren put her narration skills to work in some decidedly unusual situations.
Talk Dirty to Me drops Sept. 29.
Find Wren at wrenlockleyvo.com and @wrenlockleyvo.
#RomanceOnTheRocks #AudiobookNarrators #RomanceAudiobooks #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
A dragon-shifter romance. Fake dating. A coffee sh A dragon-shifter romance. Fake dating. A coffee shop. A Fortune 500 dragon family. An inheritance.
And somehow, Lauren the Narrator had to turn all of it into a 30-second romance pitch.
She did. And it was awesome.
This is Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me, where Nicole and Meghan are joined by Lauren, Wren Lockley and Max Davidson for games, narration talk, weird romance books and plenty of chaos.
Coming Sept. 29.
@lauren.the.narrator @wrenlockleyvo @maxdavidsonva
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceAudiobooks #AudiobookNarrators #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
Apparently, naming chickens after Star Wars charac Apparently, naming chickens after Star Wars characters is a thing.
Nicole had a whole flock of them in Wisconsin, including Chewbawka, Princess Lay-a Hen Solo, Kylo Hen, The Hendolorian, aka Hendo, and Jar Jar Beaks.
Then she discovered Trixie has Star Wars-inspired chicken names in The C🍆ck Down the Block by Amy Award.
And then came Luke Skycocker.
Honestly, we respect it.
Hear the full chicken-name discussion in Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms at https://romanceontherockpodcast.com/season3-episode19 or wherever you get your podcasts. 
@amyawardbooks 
#RomanceOnTheRocks #StarWars #ChickenNames #RomanceBooks #BookTok
What do you get when you give a romance audiobook What do you get when you give a romance audiobook narrator an occupation, a trope, an accent, a pet and a setting — then tell him to build a hero?
Apparently, you get Seymour, a morally gray race car driver with a Transatlantic accent, a Labrador and a coastal-city setting.
And, yes, Max Davidson had to deliver the line: “I can't live without you.”
This is just one of the games Nicole and Meghan cooked up for Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me, featuring Max, Wren Lockley and Lauren the Narrator.
Coming Sept. 29.
@maxdavidsonva @wrenlockleyvo @lauren.the.narrator
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceAudiobooks #AudiobookNarrators #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
What happens when you ask a romance audiobook narr What happens when you ask a romance audiobook narrator if she'd narrate a book about priests who magically transform into a tomato and a cucumber?
Wren Lockley has thoughts.
And this is only one of the completely unhinged moments coming up on Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me.
Nicole and Meghan sit down with Wren, Max Davidson and Lauren the Narrator for a very special episode all about romance audiobook narration, weird romance premises, favorite tropes and the wonderfully strange things narrators encounter behind the microphone.
And, yes, we absolutely ask: Would You Narrate It?
Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me
Coming Sept. 29.
Featuring @wrenlockleyvo, @maxdavidsonva and @lauren.the.narrator
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceAudiobooks #AudiobookNarrators #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
It’s finally here! The Love Hypothesis is now a mo It’s finally here!
The Love Hypothesis is now a movie on Amazon Prime today, so if you’re planning to watch the movie, now is a pretty good time to revisit our discussion of the book.
Meghan read The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood for Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms, where we talked fake dating, academia, grumpy sunshine, one bed tropes and all the things which made this book fun.
Listen to the episode at https://romanceontherockpodcast.com/season3-episode19 or watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TeOZNjje5sQ
Then settle in for the movie and let us know what you thought!
#TheLoveHypothesis #AliHazelwood #RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceBooks #PrimeVideo
Book people know exactly which scene everyone is w Book people know exactly which scene everyone is waiting for.
With The Love Hypothesis coming to Amazon Prime on September 23, Meghan and Nicole had some thoughts about the spicy scenes people are already anticipating. (Case and point: "the scene" from Lights Out by Navessa Allen.)
And apparently, sometimes a book has one very specific scene which becomes THE scene.
Listen to Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms at https://romanceontherockpodcast.com/season3-episode19 or wherever you stream your podcasts.
#TheLoveHypothesis #AliHazelwood #RomanceOnTheRocks #BookToMovie #RomanceBooks
When an audiobook narrator is asked to read a roma When an audiobook narrator is asked to read a romance line in the voice of an evil witch, you really have no idea where things are going.
Lauren the Narrator was given one line.
The instructions: evil witch.
The result? Spot on.
Catch Lauren, Wren Lockley and Max Davidson in Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me, coming Sept. 29 to Romance on the Rocks.
@lauren.the.narrator @wrenlockleyvo @maxdavidsonva
#RomanceOnTheRocks #AudiobookNarrators #RomanceAudiobooks #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
Remember the giant pile of romance books Nicole br Remember the giant pile of romance books Nicole brought home from Milwaukee last year?
Well, it’s been a year, so shewent back and updated her original book haul post with a very important question:
What did she actually read?
Some of those books made it onto the Romance on the Rocks podcast. Some have been reviewed. And, naturally, some are still sitting in her TBR tote box.
From historical romance and fantasy romance to holiday books, dark romance, sports romance and a little fae smut, there was a lot of potential in this stack.
So where are we now, one year later?
Read the updated post and see which Milwaukee purchases actually made it from her TBR to my bookshelf-to-read list to the podcast: https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/my-book-haul-from-milwaukee/
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceBooks #BookHaul #TBR #Bookish
Remember when Meghan came home from Milwaukee with Remember when Meghan came home from Milwaukee with a huge romance book haul?
Well … it’s been a year. So naturally, we had to check in.
Which books from that giant stack has she actually read? Which ones made it onto the Romance on the Rocks podcast? And which ones are still sitting there patiently waiting their turn?
We've updated her original Milwaukee book haul post with the books she’s read and reviewed since bringing them home.
So, where are we now with those 16 books?
Read the updated post: https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/romance-book-haul/
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceBooks #BookHaul #MilwaukeeBooks #Bookish
Can you identify a famous romance from its one-sta Can you identify a famous romance from its one-star Goodreads review?
Audiobook Narrator Wren Lockley only needs a few seconds to figure out which famous romance Meghan is describing — and she nails it.
Two points for Wren.
See how the rest of the game goes in Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me, dropping Sept. 29 on Romance on the Rocks.
Featuring @wrenlockleyvo, @maxdavidsonva and @lauren.the.narrator.
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceAudiobooks #AudiobookNarrators #RomancePodcast #RomanceReaders
Two years of Romance on the Rocks. September 17 ma Two years of Romance on the Rocks.
September 17 marks our second podcast anniversary and, somehow, we’re still here. Still reading romance and still drinking our way through the books.
Since we started in 2024, we’ve read a lot of books, tried a lot of beverages, laughed at a lot of questionable plot choices and somehow made it all the way into our third season.
Thank you to everyone who has listened, followed, rated, shared an episode or simply hung out with us while we talked books.
Here’s to year three.
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomancePodcast #RomanceBooks #BookPodcast #PodcastAnniversary
Prefer to watch your romance podcast? The full vi Prefer to watch your romance podcast?

The full video version of Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms is now on YouTube.

Meghan and Nicole are talking *The Love Hypothesis* by Ali Hazelwood and *The C🍆ck Down the Block* by Amy Award, along with fake dating, academia, football, high school reunions, spice and all the other things which came up along the way.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TeOZNjje5sQ

And if you’d rather listen, the audio episode is available at https://romanceontherockpodcast.com/season3-episode19 or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Sometimes a book has a ridiculous title and turns Sometimes a book has a ridiculous title and turns out to be ridiculously fun.
Nicole’s review of The C🍆ck Down the Block by Amy Award is up on the Romance on the Rocks website.
It’s got childhood friends, next-door neighbors, fake dating, football, a high school reunion, plenty of comedy and a hero who has been secretly in love with the heroine since they were kids.
And the audiobook? Christian Fox and Stella Hunter absolutely nailed it.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read the full review at https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/the-cock-down-the-block/
@amyawardbooks @stellahunternarrator @readbythefox 
#TheCockDownTheBlock #AmyAward #RomanceBooks #RomanceAudiobooks #RomanceOnTheRocks
It’s time for another trip back to school. Season It’s time for another trip back to school.
Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms is here.
Meghan read The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, while Nicole read The C🍆ck Down the Block by Amy Award.
We’ve got fake dating, grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers, academia, football, high school reunions and plenty of questionable decisions.
Plus, of course, the books, beverages and boobie prize.
Listen to the latest episode at https://romanceontherockpodcast.com/season3-episode19 or wherever you stream your podcasts.
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BackToSchool #RomanceBooks #TheLoveHypothesis #AliHazelwood
September is back to school month at Romance on th September is back to school month at Romance on the Rocks and we’ve got three episodes coming your way.
September 1 — Season 3 Episode 18: School Is in Session
Heartless Game by Jo Brenner + Take the Lead by Johnny Diaz
September 15 — Season 3 Episode 19: Love Hypotheses and Locker Rooms
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood + The C🍆ck Down the Block by Amy Award
September 29 — Season 3 Episode 20: Talk Dirty to Me
We’re talking romance audiobooks and interviewing three audiobook narrators.
Catch every episode wherever you stream your podcasts, or listen at https://romanceontherockspodcast.com.
Which September episode are you most excited for?
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BackToSchool #RomanceBooks #RomancePodcast #Audiobooks
Our September back to school theme isn’t over yet. Our September back to school theme isn’t over yet.
Season 3 Episode 19: Love & Learning airs September 15 and we’ve got two very different romances.
Meghan is reading The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, while Nicole is reading The C🍆ck Down the Block by Amy Award.
Tune in September 15 wherever you stream your podcasts for the discussion, drama and, of course, the books & beverages.
What are you reading for back-to-school season?
#BackToSchool #TheLoveHypothesis #AliHazelwood #TheCockDownTheBlock #AmyAward
Back to school means it’s time to talk college rom Back to school means it’s time to talk college romance.
Nicole's book review is up for Heartless Game by Jo Brenner, the second book in the Kings of Reina University series.
Star hockey player. Journalism student. Enemies who absolutely should not be attracted to each other. Add organized crime, questionable decisions and a Carolina Reaper spice rating, and things get messy fast.
Read the full review at Romance on the Rocks at https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/heartless-game/
#HeartlessGame #CollegeRomance #HockeyRomance #DarkRomance #RomanceBookReview
"Back to school" is this month's theme. Season 3 E "Back to school" is this month's theme.
Season 3 Episode 18: School Is in Session is out now!
Nicole read Heartless Game by Jo Brenner, featuring college hockey, organized crime, journalism and a whole lot of questionable decisions.
Meghan read Take the Lead by Johnny Diaz, a college professor romance also involving journalism, an age gap romance and a dance instructor.
Grab your drink, press play and join us for "class."
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or visit our website for our in-house podcast player:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode18/
It's a full moon tonight so we thought it'd be a g It's a full moon tonight so we thought it'd be a great time to showcase a throwback to our Full Moon Friday bonus episode of the podcast from Season 2.
Cause who doesn't love werewolves? It's an "oldie but goodie."
Listen to the episode wherever you stream your podcasts or visit https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-full-moon-friday/
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