Romance on the Rocks

Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle

Romance on the Rocks is hosted by Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle -- two bookish biddies who imbibe and share their latest romance novel reads & the scandalous details.  Cocktails, spicy romance novels & modern love tips await.  Get ready for giggles, gasps & interactive fun.

  1. 1d ago

    Pillaged & Plundered

    Send us Fan Mail Arr-gust continues with our second pirate romance episode and this time we're sailing into very different waters. Meghan reads Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert, a fantasy romance featuring a witch, a vampire, a powerful sea captain and a band of monster-hunting pirates. Nicole tackles Pirate by Fabio, a 1993 historical romance featuring a privateer, a tropical island, kidnappings, questionable decisions and plenty of very 1990s romance. We'll talk about what worked, what absolutely didn't, questionable historical romance tropes, pirate pets, Fabio's ghostwriter, the return of "manroot" and whether Pirate was actually as bad as Nicole expected. And, of course, no pirate episode would be complete without appropriately themed beverages. Meghan goes ocean-y with a blood orange White Claw topped with blue curaçao, while Nicole mixes up an Oceanside with Gray Whale gin, lime, simple syrup, sea salt, mint and soda water. Plus, we'll preview the books coming up for our next theme: Back to School. Grab your drink, climb aboard and join us for Pillaged & Plundered. Books & Beverages: Meghan: Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert with a Blood Orange White Claw with Blue Curaçao Nicole: Pirate by Fabio with an Oceanside Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Pillaged & Plundered
  2. Aug 4

    Ship Happens

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Book & Beverage Pairings 📚 Nicole: Poppy and the Pirate by Elizabeth Cole 🍹 Beverage: Grog 📚 Meghan: Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin 🍎 Beverage: Angry Ahoy Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Ship Happens
  3. Jul 25 ·  Bonus

    Sleigh My Name

    Send us Fan Mail It's Christmas in July, and we're embracing the holiday spirit ... even if we're sweating through our Santa hats. In this bonus episode, Meghan reviews It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer, a sapphic retelling of It's a Wonderful Life featuring a trio of drag queens instead of Clarence, a charming small-town holiday festival and a sweet second-chance romance. Nicole then reviews White Wedding by Carla Luna, a contemporary romance set in the Blackwood Cellars series. A disastrous blackmail scheme, a surprise reunion and one unforgettable chef make this emotional holiday romance an easy five-star read. Nicole also gives a shoutout to audiobook narrator Vanessa Vasquez for bringing every character to life. Of course, we also sip some festive cocktails. Meghan puts her own spin on an It's a Wonderful Life martini with Rumple Minze, Irish cream, coffee tequila liqueur and fresh coffee, while Nicole keeps things simple with a glass of wine inspired by her heroine's winery roots. Plus, we chat about surviving Christmas books during a summer heat wave,  our excitement about becoming LoveLit Cruise representatives and a preview of our upcoming Arr-gust pirate romance month. Book & Beverage Pairings 📚 Meghan: It's a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer 🍸 Beverage: Meghan's "It's a Fabulous Life" Martini 📚 Nicole: White Wedding by Carla Luna 🍷 Beverage: Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Sleigh My Name
  4. Jul 21

    Naughty by Nemesis

    Send us Fan Mail Summer Lovin' month continues with an episode full of beach towns, Wisconsin traditions and romances where first impressions are anything but accurate. In Season 3 Episode 15: Naughty by Nemesis, Nicole and Meghan review two summer romances featuring grief, ghosts, fake enemies and a whole lot of unexpected chemistry. First up, Nicole reviews Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters, a contemporary romance novella that proves love can appear when you least expect it. After the recent loss of her mother, Luna rents a beachside condo hoping a change of scenery will help her heal. Instead, she finds herself at odds with her landlord, Parker, after one loud night with friends leads to an emotional confrontation. What begins as an awkward misunderstanding slowly turns into something much deeper when Luna discovers Parker unknowingly painted a portrait of her late mother years earlier. Nicole loved the balance of emotion and spice, the realistic dialogue and the beachy atmosphere, making this one of her favorite quick reads of the summer. Then Meghan heads to the Wisconsin Dells with The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert. Sabrina returns home after losing her journalism job and takes a seasonal position driving the famous Wisconsin duck boats. Unfortunately, her new employer is owned by the family of her high school nemesis, Erica, while the town's newest supper club owner, Ray, is trying to save his late uncle's beloved restaurant. Add fake dating, ghosts, family secrets and plenty of authentic Wisconsin history, food and cocktails, and you've got a romance that blends heart, humor and a touch of the supernatural. Along the way, Nicole and Meghan swap stories about Wisconsin tourism, water parks, supper clubs, old-fashioneds, bachelorette parties and why "woo girls" have apparently invaded every vacation destination in Wisconsin. Book & Beverage Pairings 📖 Sun-Kissed Nemesis by Willow Winters 🍷 Whispering Angel Rosé 📖 The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert 🥃 Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned Sour (with cinnamon-infused simple syrup) The Ripped Bodice Shop for your next romance read using our affiliate link!Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Naughty by Nemesis
  5. Jul 7

    Gettin' Hot in Here

    Send us Fan Mail July's Summer Lovin' theme kicks off with two forced proximity romances that transport Nicole and Meghan from the shores of Door County, Wisconsin, to the rolling hills of Tuscany. First up, Meghan reviews The Other Room by Katherine Hastings. Jo has spent years avoiding her former best friend, Matt, after he broke her trust. But when Matt suddenly finds himself without a place to live, Jo reluctantly agrees to let him move into her tiny beachfront cabin in Door County. Sharing close quarters with old wounds, unresolved feelings and one particularly nasty cat proves far more complicated than either of them expected. Meghan also shares how accurately Katherine Hastings captures life in Door County, from the housing shortage and bar dice to familiar local landmarks. Then Nicole reviews One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle. Scottish author Grace Harper is struggling to write her first solo novel without her late best friend and co-author when her new literary agent offers her a month at an Italian villa to help overcome writer's block. The plan goes sideways when the villa's owner unexpectedly returns home with his 10-year-old son. The owner just happens to be Grace's agent's ex-husband, Claudio Romano. As the three share the villa in Tuscany, Grace begins to heal, rediscover her creativity and question whether falling for Claudio is worth the risk. Along the way, Nicole and Meghan debate forced proximity romances and enjoy their typical witty banter. Book & Beverage Pairings The Other Room by Katherine Hastings The Bernie Shot (tequila with orange and cinnamon sugar) and Peach Barn Brewery The Door County Sunset  One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle Limoncello Kisses Whether you're craving a Wisconsin beach vacation or an Italian escape, grab your favorite beverage and join us for another romance-filled adventure. The Ripped Bodice Shop for your next romance read using our affiliate link!Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Gettin' Hot in Here
  6. Jun 23

    Gettin' Wood in the Great Outdoors

    Send us Fan Mail Lumberjacks, lobster fishermen and dirty wood jokes take center stage as Nicole and Meghan continue June's Great Outdoors theme with two romances proving love can flourish in even the most remote corners of the map. First up, Nicole reviews The Catch by Amy Lea. What begins as a disastrous work trip to Nova Scotia quickly spirals into a fake engagement with a local fisherman after an accident leaves the hero injured. Nicole shares why this small-town romance won her over, from the believable communication between the main characters to a family Settlers of Catan showdown that earned major bonus points. The ladies also discuss character growth, redemption arcs and whether readers should leave reviews for books they never finished. Then Meghan reviews Wood You Marry Me? by Daphne Elliot, a marriage-of-convenience romance set in the small town of Lovewell, Maine. Between lumberjack competitions, family drama, health challenges and a surprisingly sweet slow-burn romance, this one offered unexpected depth. Plus, no discussion would be complete without mentioning Clive the moose, who may have become one of the most memorable side characters of the season. Along the way, Nicole learns about erotic blueprints, Meghan weighs in on DNF culture and both hosts discuss the fabulous opportunities for wood-related jokes in romance novels. Book & Beverage Pairings Nicole: The Catch by Amy Lea with a Dark & Dirty Screech Cocktail Meghan: Wood You Marry Me? by Daphne Elliot with The Moscow Moose Whether you're team fake engagement, team marriage of convenience or just here for the moose content, grab your favorite beverage and join the bookish biddies for another adventure in the great outdoors. The Ripped Bodice Shop for your next romance read using our affiliate link!Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Gettin' Wood in the Great Outdoors
  7. Jun 9

    Ain't No Mountain High Enough

    Send us Fan Mail June's "Great Outdoors" theme is officially underway and the bookish biddies are heading into the mountains with two romances delivering adventure, emotional depth and some surprisingly thoughtful conversations about mental health. Meghan reviews Highest Point by Kels and Denise Stone, a grumpy sunshine romance set in Alaska featuring a struggling ballet dancer, a traumatized mountain climber and a wilderness competition with a $20,000 prize. Between Clementine's debt spiral, Alec's climbing trauma and one unforgettable grandma who deserves her own book, this one was exactly the palate cleanser Meghan needed after a rough month of reading.  Meanwhile, Nicole heads to the Blue Ridge Mountains with Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson. This friends-to-lovers romance follows retired NFL linebacker "Beau" Beauregard and his college best friend, Annabel, as they navigate postpartum depression, possible CTE concerns and years of unresolved feelings. The result is a romance full of heart, healing and some very relatable conversations about motherhood, anxiety and learning the difference between feeling full and feeling whole.  Along the way, the ladies discuss Daddy Montgomery CPR moments, Prince Albert piercings, an $8 million pirate porno, postpartum realities and why grandmothers continue to be some of the best side characters in romance. Book & Beverage Pairings Highest Point by Kels and Denise Stone with a K2 Cocktail Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson with Daycation Gold by Highland Brewing Company So grab a drink, hit the trail and join the bookish biddies for the first stop on this summer's Great Outdoors adventure. The Ripped Bodice Shop for your next romance read using our affiliate link!Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Ain't No Mountain High Enough
  8. May 26

    Meg's Got a Mother of a Book

    Send us Fan Mail In Season 3 Episode 11: Meg’s Got a Mother of a Book, the bookish biddies wrap up their “Mothers of Romance” month with two wildly different historical romances — one delightful Scottish murder mystery romance and one rage-inducing classic that sparks one of the most passionate discussions in Romance on the Rocks history.  Nicole reviews The Bride by Julie Garwood, a 1989 historical Scottish romance featuring enemies-to-lovers tension, marriage of convenience, witty banter and a murder mystery woven through the Highlands. Jamie Jamison may have a terrible sense of direction, but she quickly becomes one of Nicole’s favorite historical romance heroines thanks to her intelligence, strength and dagger-throwing abilities. Meanwhile, Meghan tackles The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss — sometimes considered the novel that launched modern romance publishing as we know it. What follows is less a review and more a full-scale reckoning with outdated romance tropes, sexual violence in vintage romance novels, and the way generations of readers were taught to mistake manipulation and abuse for love. Along the way, Nicole and Meghan discuss: The evolution of romance novels from the 1970s to todayWhy modern readers expect communication and consentGorgeous historical world-building versus harmful contentWhy decolletage suddenly appears in every bookThe episode also previews June’s theme, “The Great Outdoors,” featuring: Highest Point by Kels and Denise Stone Southern Seducer by Jessica Peterson Grab a drink, avoid the rapey historical dukes, and join the bookish biddies for one of their most unfiltered episodes yet. Meghan's Book & Beverage: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss with Sangria Nicole's Book & Beverage: The Bride by Julie Garwood with The Highland Vow The Ripped Bodice Shop for your next romance read using our affiliate link!Libro.fmLibro.fm is an audiobook platform that lets you support local bookstores & businesses.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show 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!) Follow us on our socials: Facebook ... https://www.facebook.com/romanceontherockspodcast Instagram ... https:/www.instagram.com/romanceontherockspodcast Pinterest ... https:/www.pinterest.com/romanceontherockspodcast Credits: Theme Music Created by Adam Wroblewski Main Art by PersonalisePortrait

    Meg's Got a Mother of a Book
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Romance on the Rocks is hosted by Meghan Leigh & Nicole Danielle -- two bookish biddies who imbibe and share their latest romance novel reads & the scandalous details.  Cocktails, spicy romance novels & modern love tips await.  Get ready for giggles, gasps & interactive fun.