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Romance on the Rocks Podcast

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

Season 3 Episode 16: Ship Happens

August 4, 2026

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Episode Description:

Ahoy, romance readers! Arr-gust is officially underway and we’re setting sail with two very different pirate romances.

Nicole reviews Poppy and the Pirate by Elizabeth Cole, a historical romance featuring a spirited wallflower, a charming sea captain who’s more privateer than pirate, and a murder mystery set along the Cornish coast. Between smuggling rings, enemies-to-lovers tension and just the right amount of slow-burn spice, this swashbuckling adventure proved to be a delight.

Meanwhile, Meghan tackles Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin, a dark pirate romance that sparked one of our most passionate discussions yet. We dive into difficult topics including consent, sexual violence and the difference between dark romance that thoughtfully explores trauma versus stories that appear to glorify abuse. If you’re considering this book, you’ll definitely want to hear Meghan’s honest review first.

Of course, no pirate episode would be complete without pirate-inspired drinks! Nicole samples traditional grog for the very first time while Meghan invents her own Angry Ahoy — a cocktail combining apple cider tea and Fireball that turned out far better than expected.

We also chat about Fabio’s legendary pirate novels, the challenges of finding memorable book scents and the books we’ll be reading next as Arr-gust continues.

Books & Beverages for this Episode:

Nicole: Poppy and the Pirate by Elizabeth Cole with Grog

Meghan: Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin with Angry Ahoy

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Welcome in! Romance on the Rocks Podcast is hosted by Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle -- two bookish biddies who imbibe and share their love of romance novels.

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Welcome in! Romance on the Rocks Podcast is hosted by Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle -- two bookish biddies who imbibe and share their love of romance novels.

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romanceontherockspodcast

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

Looking for a cocktail worthy of Pirate Month? For Looking for a cocktail worthy of Pirate Month?
For our Arr-gust kickoff, Meghan created the Angry Ahoy. This cocktail combines apple cider tea with Fireball for a drink that's equal parts warm spice and pirate attitude.
Whether you're reading a pirate romance or just looking for a new sip, the Angry Ahoy is worth adding to your cocktail list.
Gonna try it? Let us know what you think!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #CocktailRecipe #PirateMonth #BookInspiredCocktails #Fireball #Bookstagram
๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ Nicole is finally reading ... Fabio. Yes, tha ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ Nicole is finally reading ... Fabio.
Yes, that Fabio.
Thanks to one of our amazing listeners, Meri, Nicole is diving into her very first Fabio pirate romance just in time for Arr-gust, our month celebrating pirate romances!
Will it live up to the legendary cover model's reputation?
You'll have to tune in to find out ...
โš“ Episode 17 drops August 18!
Who's read a Fabio romance before? Tell Nicole what she's in for!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #Arrgust #Fabio #PirateRomance #RomanceBooks
๐Ÿฅต Summer recording sessions in North Carolina and ๐Ÿฅต Summer recording sessions in North Carolina and Wisconsin... are both brutal.
Between overheated computers, melting podcasters and discussions about naked gardening (don't worry ... it never happened ๐Ÿ˜‚), this behind-the-scenes moment perfectly captures what recording in July is really like.
Catch this hilarious outtake from our Christmas in July Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name.
๐ŸŽง Listen here:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
What's the hottest weather you've ever tried to work through?
#RomanceOnTheRocks #PodcastLife #SummerHeat #BehindTheScenes #BookPodcast
Nicole was completely oblivious ... While introduc Nicole was completely oblivious ...
While introducing White Wedding, Nicole had her show notes pulled up on her laptop and was laser-focused on the discussion.
Meanwhile ...
Meghan quietly swapped in a creepy vintage baby doll and waited ... and waited ... and waited ... for Nicole to notice.
Spoiler alert: She didn't. ๐Ÿคฃ
Sometimes the best moments never make the podast.
Watch this hilarious behind-the-scenes moment from our Christmas in July Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name, then catch the full episode!
๐ŸŽง https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
What's the longest you've committed to a joke before someone finally noticed?
#RomanceOnTheRocks #PodcastLife #BehindTheScenes #ChristmasInJuly #BookPodcast
Let's talk about Rafael ... He can cook. He's kind Let's talk about Rafael ...
He can cook.
He's kind.
He's ambitious.
He's family oriented.
Oh ... and did Nicole mention he can cook? ๐Ÿ˜‚
Watch Nicole explain why Rafael quickly became one of her favorite romance heroes while reviewing White Wedding by Carla Luna in our Christmas in July Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name.
๐ŸŽง Listen here:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
๐Ÿ“š @carlalunabooks
Who's your favorite MMC?
#RomanceOnTheRocks #WhiteWedding #CarlaLuna #BookBoyfriend #RomanceBooks
๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ“š Still in the mood for Christmas... even though ๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿ“š Still in the mood for Christmas... even though it's July?
We've just refreshed one of our favorite seasonal blog posts with even more festive romance recommendations!
Whether you're craving cozy small towns, holiday weddings, snow-covered meet-cutes or a little Christmas magic in the middle of summer, we've rounded up some of our favorite Christmas romances to add to your TBR.
Because honestly ... who says Christmas books are only for December?
Read the updated list here:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/christmas-in-july-romance-reads/
What's your favorite Christmas romance? We'd love more recommendations!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #ChristmasInJuly #ChristmasRomance #RomanceBooks #BookRecommendations
๐Ÿ“š Book Review: White Wedding by Carla Luna Christm ๐Ÿ“š Book Review: White Wedding by Carla Luna
Christmas romance in the middle of summer? Absolutely.
White Wedding gave Nicole everything she loves in a romance: a swoon-worthy chef, family drama, incredible food, delicious wine and a couple worth rooting for from beginning to end.
Rafael quickly became one of Nicole's favorite book boyfriends and the audiobook narration by Vanessa Vasquez made the story even more enjoyable.
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Spice Level: Jalapeรฑo
โญโญโญโญโญ Nicole's Rating: 5/5 Stars
If you're looking for a heartfelt holiday romance with plenty of emotional depth and just the right amount of spice, this one's worth adding to your TBR.
Read Nicole's full review:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/white-wedding/
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BookReview #ChristmasRomance #HolidayBooks #CarlaLuna
๐Ÿšข๐Ÿ“š We have some exciting news! Nicole and Meghan a ๐Ÿšข๐Ÿ“š We have some exciting news!
Nicole and Meghan are officially LoveLit Cruise Reps! 
If you've been looking for an unforgettable event filled with romance authors, fellow readers, amazing swag and one seriously welcoming community, this is it.
Nicole attended earlier this year and can't stop talking about the incredible experience โ€” from traveling solo to meeting readers and authors, making new friends and bringing home what may have been the best swag bag ever.
We're so excited to be part of the LoveLit Cruise family and can't wait to share more as next year's sailing gets closer!
Learn more:
๐ŸŒŠ https://lovelitcruise.com
Follow along:
๐Ÿ“š @lovelitcruise
And don't miss our Christmas in July Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name, streaming now!
๐ŸŽง https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
#LoveLitCruise #RomanceReaders #RomanceOnTheRocks #BookPodcast #BookCommunity
๐ŸŽ‰ If you've ever survived a bachelorette party des ๐ŸŽ‰ If you've ever survived a bachelorette party destination ... this one's for you.
From the Wisconsin Dells to Door County, Nicole and Meghan discuss the evolution of Wisconsin's favorite girls' getaway spots and why "woo girls" may be the unofficial soundtrack of summer.
The conversation started because of a scene in Sun-Kissed Nemesis ... and quickly turned into a trip down memory lane.
Watch the clip, then listen to Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Nemesis for the full conversation.
๐ŸŽง https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode15/
Have you ever been part of a bachelorette weekend in Wisconsin? Tell us where!
@willowwintersshouldbewriting 
#RomanceOnTheRocks #Wisconsin #DoorCounty #WisconsinDells #SummerTravel
๐ŸŽ„โ˜€๏ธ Merry Christmas ... in July! โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽ„ Our festive b ๐ŸŽ„โ˜€๏ธ Merry Christmas ... in July! โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽ„
Our festive bonus episode has arrived!
This week, we're trading beach reads for holiday romances as we celebrate Christmas in July with our Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name.
๐ŸŽ Nicole reviews White Wedding by Carla Luna.
๐ŸŽ Meghan reviews It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer.
Along the way, we're sipping festive drinks, talking holiday tropes, sharing plenty of laughs and deciding whether Christmas stories are just as magical when it's 90 degrees outside.
๐Ÿธ Beverage Pairings:
โœจ Meghan's "It's a Fabulous Life" Martini
๐Ÿท Nicole's Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc
Whether you're counting down to December or just looking for a little holiday cheer in the middle of summer, we've got your next romance reads covered.
๐ŸŽง Listen now:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
Do you love reading Christmas romances all year long or do you save them for the holidays? Let us know!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #ChristmasInJuly #HolidayRomance #BookPodcast #RomanceBooks
๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿธ Christmas in July starts with a cocktail! Befor ๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿธ Christmas in July starts with a cocktail!
Before we unwrap tomorrow's Bonus Episode: Sleigh My Name, Meghan is mixing up an It's a Fabulous Life Martini inspired by It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer.
Made with Rumple Minze, Irish cream, coffee tequila liqueur and fresh coffee, it's the perfect way to add a little holiday cheer ... even if it's 90 degrees outside.
Tomorrow, Nicole and Meghan will pair festive cocktails with two Christmas romances as they celebrate Christmas in July on Romance on the Rocks!
๐ŸŽง Bonus Episode drops tomorrow:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/bonus-episode-sleigh-my-name/
Would you sip this martini in the middle of summer? ๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿธ
#RomanceOnTheRocks #ChristmasInJuly #HolidayCocktails #BookPodcast #ChristmasRomance
๐Ÿธ Give gin a chance! Think you don't like gin? Nic ๐Ÿธ Give gin a chance!
Think you don't like gin?
Nicole and Meghan think it might be because you've never had a good one.
In this clip from Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Nemesis, the conversation turns to the joy of gin.
Who knows ... "Give Gin a Chance" might just need to become a T-shirt. ๐Ÿ˜‚
Watch the clip, then catch the full episode here:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode15/
Are you Team Gin or Team Nope?
#RomanceOnTheRocks #GinLover #Cocktails #BookPodcast #RomanceBooks
โ˜ ๏ธ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ AHOY, ROMANCE READERS! ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธโ˜ ๏ธ August is alm โ˜ ๏ธ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ AHOY, ROMANCE READERS! ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธโ˜ ๏ธ
August is almost here, and we're setting sail for Arr-gust, our month dedicated to pirates, high seas adventure and swoony romance!
Want to read along before the episode drops on August 4? Here's what's on deck:
โš“ Meghan is reading Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin
โš“ Nicole is reading Poppy and the Pirate by Elizabeth Cole
Grab one book or both, then join us as we dive into pirate adventures, dangerous rogues, unforgettable heroines and all the romance the high seas have to offer.
Who's ready to swab the deck, hoist the sails and add a few pirates to their TBR? ๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ
Tell us which book you're planning to read first!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #Arrgust #PirateRomance #RomanceBooks #ReadAlong
Book Review: Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters Book Review: Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters
Looking for the perfect beach read?
Nicole's latest review features a quick, heartfelt romance with just the right balance of emotion, spice and seaside charm.
When Luna escapes to the beach after losing her mom, the last thing she expects is to clash with her landlord... or discover a connection neither of them saw coming.
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Spice Level: Jalapeรฑo
โญโญโญโญโญ Nicole's Rating: 5/5 Stars
If you're packing for vacation or simply want a romance you can devour in a morning, this one's worth adding to your TBR.
Read Nicole's full review:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/sun-kissed-nemesis/
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BookReview #WillowWinters #BeachReads #RomanceBooks
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ NEW EPISODE! Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Ne ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ NEW EPISODE!
Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Nemesis, is now streaming everywhere you listen to podcasts!
This week, Nicole and Meghan continue our Summer Lovin' theme with two romances.
๐Ÿ“– Nicole reviews Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters
๐Ÿ“– Meghan reviews The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Expect beach romance, ghosts, fake dating, grief, authentic Wisconsin summer traditions and plenty of laughs along the way.

๐Ÿท Beverage Pairings:
Whispering Angel The Beach Rosรฉ
Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sour with cinnamon-infused simple syrup
Whether you're relaxing at the beach or planning a Wisconsin getaway, grab your favorite drink and join us!

๐ŸŽง Listen now:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode15/
Have you read either of these books? Let us know what you thought!

#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceBooks #BookPodcast #SummerReading #romancereaders 
@willowwintersshouldbewriting @aereichert
Meg & Nicole love getting together in person and r Meg & Nicole love getting together in person and recently spent a day in Wausau, WI booking shopping, rummage saling, hanging out, and discussing their current reads and upcoming books for our July bonus episode, "Sleigh My Name". What can we say? We love Christmas in July! 
Meghan is reading It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer
Nicole is reading White Wedding by Carla Luna 
The episode airs July 25th.
๐Ÿด Nicole attempted a Scottish accent ... Let's jus ๐Ÿด Nicole attempted a Scottish accent ...
Let's just say the jury's still out. ๐Ÿ˜‚
While reviewing One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle, Nicole committed to reading "the first breast reference" in her best Scottish accent. The results? We'll let you be the judge.
Catch this hilarious moment from Season 3 Episode 14: Gettin' Hot in Here, now streaming everywhere you get your podcasts.
๐ŸŽง Listen to the full episode:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode14/
Have an accent you absolutely cannot pull off? Tell us in the comments!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BookPodcast #ScottishAccent #RomanceBooks #BookishHumor @nikstephensnarrates
๐Ÿ“šREAD ALONG WITH US! ๐Ÿ“š July's theme of "Summer Lov ๐Ÿ“šREAD ALONG WITH US! ๐Ÿ“š
July's theme of "Summer Lovin'" continues with our Season 3 EPisode 15 books. 
๐Ÿ“– Meghan is reading The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
๐Ÿ“– Nicole is reading Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters
Grab a copy, settle into your favorite reading spot and join us before the episode drops. Whether you're reading one book or both, we'd love to hear your thoughts!
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Nemesis airs July 21.
Have you read either of these novels? Let us know in the comments!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #RomanceBooks #BookPodcast #Bookstagram #ReadAlong
Book Review: One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Hall Book Review: One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle
Nicole's latest review explores a forced proximity romance filled with Tuscan scenery, incredible food and Aperol spritzes. While the setting stole Nicole's heart, a few plot points kept this one from becoming a favorite.
๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ Spice Level: Jalapeรฑo
โญโญ Rating: 2/5 Stars
Read the full review:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/one-hot-italian-summer/
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BookReview #KarinaHalle #SummerRomance #RomanceBooks
๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿฅƒ Meghan understood the assignment. For our Summe ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿฅƒ Meghan understood the assignment.
For our Summer Lovin' kickoff, Meghan didn't just pair her book with a drink ... she recreated The Bernie, a real tequila shot made famous in Sister Bay, Wisconsin.
Then she chased it with a Door County Sunset Tropical Sour from Peach Barn Farm & Brewery to fully embrace the setting of The Other Room by Katherine Hastings.
Now that's commitment.
Watch Meghan put her beverage pairing to the test, then catch the full conversation in Season 3 Episode 14: Gettin' Hot in Here, streaming now wherever you listen to podcasts.
๐ŸŽง Listen here:
https://romanceontherockspodcast.com/season3-episode14/
Have you ever tried The Bernie? Or do you have a favorite vacation cocktail? Tell us below!
#RomanceOnTheRocks #BookPodcast #DoorCounty #SummerReading #Cocktails
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