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Episode Description:
Wine in a paper cup. A break-in “just to pee.” And somehow … a dead body in a closet. Welcome to this episode’s chaos.
Meghan kicks things off with Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews — a Southern, antique-filled, mystery-heavy read that may or may not qualify as a romance (jury’s still out). We dive into estate sale strategy, messy divorces, rich people behaving badly, and how one very questionable bathroom decision turns our girl into a prime murder suspect. Bonus points for how deeply we relate to the thrifting, reselling and “cooler packed for the day” lifestyle.
Then Nicole brings us A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins, a historical romance set in 1865 London featuring a newspaper-writing widow and a Scotland Yard detective chasing a serial killer. We get into enemies-to-lovers tension, predictable plot twists as well as the eternal desire for more gowns, more atmosphere and more drama in our historical reads.
Along the way, we keep the important traditions alive:
✨ The Spicy Scoville Scale (because spice must be measured)
✨ The ongoing debate of “does this even count as romance?”
✨ Boob math — including a serious discussion on whether décolletage qualifies
✨ And those oddly specific sensory moments that stick with you (looking at you, lavender and soap quilts)
We also pull our final Pick-a-Number reads for the month — including a traveling book surprise — and Nicole shares highlights from the LoveLit Cruise, from incredible author connections to the very real struggle of trying to spend a $650 bar tab in five days (a challenge she did not take lightly).
If you love romance-adjacent chaos, murder mystery detours, historical intrigue and unfiltered bookish banter; hit follow, share with your favorite bookish biddy and leave us a review.
Because sometimes it’s chaste kisses … and sometimes it’s quiet banging. 🍷
Books & Beverages for this Episode:
Meghan’s Book & Beverage:
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews with Wine (in a paper cup, obviously)
Nicole’s Book & Beverage:
A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins with The Improper Lady
Support the Podcast:
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!)
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Podcast Credits:
Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski
Main Art by PersonalisePortrait
Drink Along with Us:
Want to drink along with us? We’ve got our special episode drinking game posted above. But we also have our all-episode Romance on the Rocks Podcast Drinking Game. It’s yours free when you subscribe to our email list! Just fill out this form and we’ll email you the PDF!
