The Novel:
Santa's Coming (High Five Series #1)

The Author:
Serena Pier

The Guest:
Bree, host of The Categorically Romance podcast

The Synopsis:
I sat on Santa’s lap, and now he wants to see me again.

Single mother Emily is resigned to yet another stressful holiday season alone. That is, until she meets a charismatic man playing Santa in a local bar. Their chance meeting leads to a playful and flirtatious text exchange throughout the holiday season until Santa is on her doorstep, ready to give Emily her Christmas wishes.

Show Notes:
- The 7th annual 12 Days of Boobsmas
- Some recent booktok tea about category romance
- From reading to writing erotica...
- What comes after Tiktok?
- A few brief thoughts on Hot Frosty, because we just can't help ourselves (00:17:59)
- Entering our feral, unhinged era in 2025
- Introducing today's book pick, Santa's Coming (00:22:34)
- A brief synopsis for Santa's Coming (00:24:26)
- Why we love novellas
- Looking ahead to the rest of the High Five series
- #Unhinged2025
- Supplemental Reading suggestions (00:35:45)
- The 9th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin


Supplemental Reading/Watching/Listening Suggestions:
- Kelly's picks: Santa Monica Baby by me, Kelly Reynolds (for more spicy Santa content), Naughty or Nice by Sophie Snow - listen to our 7th Day of Boobsmas episode, the Momcoms series (for more single mother romance)
- Bree's picks: Naughty or Nice: Christmas Erotica (anthology from Cleiss Press), The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
- Best Women's Erotica of the Year: Volume 6 (featuring Naima Simone)
- How to Write Erotica by Rachel Kramer Bussel


Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase my Holidays in L.A. series: Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually, and Santa Monica Baby

Links:
Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website. 

👉 Support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $1/month. 👈

The Novel: 
Gifted to His Dad

The Author:
J. Wilder

The Guest:
Jared Goode, creator of Midnight Musicals

The Synopsis:
When my boyfriend Cole invited me to celebrate Christmas at his step-dad’s cabin. Nothing could have prepared for what would happen next.

Griffin’s nothin g like I pictured. Instead of a typical middle-aged man. I’m faced with broad shoulders, a muscular chest and a jawline sharp enough to kill.

Spine tingling grazes, and heated glances that last too long have me feeling guilty about how my body’s reacting.

That is until my boyfriend asks to share me with his step-dad

After the steamiest Christmas holiday of my life, everything feels perfect.

Show Notes:
- The 7th annual 12 Days of Boobsmas
- The horror musical erotica collaboration nobody asked for, but just wait...
- Introducing today's book pick, Gifted to His Dad (00:11:14)
- We love a new-to-us author
- A brief synopsis for Gifted to His Dad (00:12:39)
- TWO spicy, polyamorous romances this Boobsmas season
- "Step" family romances open up the... possibilities
- Supplemental Reading suggestions (00:28:18)
- The 8th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin

Supplemental Reading/Watching/Listening Suggestions:
- Kelly's picks: Listen to our 6th Day of Boobsmas episode on The Perfect Gift for more spicy, poly love; One Winter's Night by Kiley Dunbar, another previous Boobsmas pick

- Jared's picks: You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince (listen to our previous 2nd Day of Boobsmas episode about it), Ho Ho Homicidal Maniac by K.A. Merikan, the FULL Dolly Parton Christmas experience: "Christmas on the Square", "Smoky Mountain Christmas", and "Dolly & Kenny: a Christmas to Remember"

Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase my Holidays in L.A. series: Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually, and Santa Monica Baby

Links:
Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website. 

👉 Support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $1/month. 👈

Episode Summary: We're kicking off the eighth season of Boobies & Noobies with Kristen Alicia, whose debut romance, You've Been Served, is available now! Along with Kristen's new book, we also discuss the legacy of Legally Blonde, magic eight balls, and dismantling "milestone" expectations for women.

Guest: Kristen Alicia, author of You've Been Served

Book Summary: It’s the Magic 8 Ball’s fault. All of it. One teeny little question, and suddenly Simone Alexander is chucking her whole life out the window. So long, being a chef in California–it’s time for law school. In Michigan. Where there’s actual winter . And law school’s nothing like the romantic comedies said it was.

Simone is tragically underprepared. Hell, she’s already behind before classes have even begun, and her hard-as-nails Contracts professor is giving her no mercy. Then there’s Silas Whitman, her tall and annoyingly cute neighbor. Off campus, Silas is incredible. Kissable, even . In class, he is one thousand percent the obnoxious kiss-ass.

But Simone’s given up everything to be a lawyer. The competition is fierce and she has a hateful professor gunning for her to fail, but she’s not about to let little things like sleep, or love, stop her from kicking law school ass…

Show Notes:
- Welcome to Season 8 of the podcast!
- Legally Blonde... in all its iterations
- Bay Area babes unite!
- Kristen's relationship with romance books (00:10:25)
- First romance reads and airport bookstores
- A quick synopsis for You've Been Served (00:16:24)
- Women in high-powered careers... in romance and in real life
- No shade to the Magic 8 ball
- Writing Black joy without trauma (00:24:26)
- If you can read about monsters, you can read about Black characters falling in love. Period.
- What's up next for Kristen?

Books & Other Media Mentioned:
- Brandy's Cinderella
- Legally Blonde: The Musical

Links:
Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

👉 Support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $1/month. 👈

Summary:
The Charm Offensive (available September 7th, 2021) marks Alison Cochrun's debut romance novel and judging by Kelly's strong emotional response to this book, it's only the beginning for this author. Topics discussed include the best (and worst) of reality TV dating shows, the complexities of labels (are they empowering or limiting?), and unlearning "work as worth" for the sake of our mental health.

Guest:
Alison Cochrun
IG: @alisoncochrun

*Content Warnings* Within The Charm Offensive, you will find on-page anxiety, panic attacks, and experiences with depression as well as conversations about mental health stigmas and workplace discrimination. During this episode, we discuss some of these topics (beginning at 00:20:00)

Show Notes:
- Introducing Alison Cochrun and her debut romance that had Kelly bawling
- Reading The Charm Offensive coupled with watching "Inside" by Bo Burnham
- Alison's relationship with writing and romance (00:03:25)
- A few favorite tropes
- Reality TV talk and how these shows inspired The Charm Offensive (00:09:23)
- "The Bachelor"... but make it gay!
- A brief synopsis for The Charm Offensive (00:19:54)
- Unlearning productivity/work as your worth
- Romance as a forum for discussing heavier topics like mental health (00:24:17)
- Can you have a full-fledged escape in a contemporary romance?
- A complex relationship with labels - empowering or limiting?
- A therapeutic writing experience
- Alison's next book: Kiss Her Once for Me, a second-chance, Sapphic Christmas romcom (Fall 2022) - #TheHoligays in 2022
- Taking LGBTQ+ romances mainstream
- A 12 Days of Boobsmas fave: A Very Witchy Yuletide by D. Lieber
- The story you're dying to tell... (00:48:43)
- Grab your copy of The Charm Offensive today!

Books Mentioned:
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky (Coming May 2022)
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
The One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
A Very Witchy Yuletide by D. Lieber

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
Baking with a Rockstar (Mitchell Brothers #1)

The Author:
Jasmin Miller

The Noobies:
Chris Sturdy
Laurie Hahn Ganser

The Synopsis:
When a rockstar and a single mom become roommates, delicious sparks are bound to fly.

Rockstar Hudson Mitchell is over the glitz and spotlight of the music industry. Desperate for a break from the fast-paced life of fame, he retreats to the one place that has always been home.

Brooksville, California.

It's the same place where Charlie has taken refuge, trying to build a life for herself and her young daughter. The quiet, small-town atmosphere and her new bakery venture are exactly what she needs to pick up the pieces of her shattered past.

As they spend more time together, neither of them is prepared for the effect Charlie has on Hudson, and how important she would become for his career.

Show Notes:
- Introducing Chris (the romance-convert) and Laurie (the romance-enabler)
- Listen to Chris in our previous review of The Ones Who Got Away
- Discussing and incorporating romance into a literature curriculum (00:06:23)
- Finding your place in romance novels
- Read Chris' published work in Emerge Literary Journal and Press Pause Press and look out for Laurie's podcast, #TheoryBabes (coming soon)
- Education is sexy. Period.
- Introducing today's small town, rockstar romance, Baking with a Rockstar (00:19:26)
- A brief synopsis for the book
- Overall impressions: a hero with top-notch emotional intellect, the "all-knowing" granny, and a cast of character to love
- Being a mother vs. the act of mothering
- Not enough baking, not enough rocking (00:35:14)
- Lyrics or no?
- Specific character descriptions: helpful or hindering? (00:39:58)
- Introducing the "penis funnel"
- Her "salty gumbo" and other non-sexy, food-related euphemisms
- Intimacy vs. sex (00:56:53)
- A few steamy sexcerpts + some missed opportunities (01:00:10)
- Spontaneous combustion... and cardigan sweaters
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:11:57)
- The next book in the series...
- One more penis funnel

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
Built to Fall

The Author:
Julia Wolf

The Not-so-Noobie:
Liz, Co-host of Nerdy Bitches Podcast
IG: @nerdybitches
Twitter: @nerdybitchespod

The Synopsis:
“You’re perfect for this job, Claire. He won’t want to sleep with you. You’re not his...type.”
Dominic Cantrell has been famous almost as long as I’ve been alive, but he remains a dark, volatile mystery. I know why I was hired to handle Dominic’s PR while he’s on tour. It’s not because of my experience—I have next to none. It’s because I’m safe. Plain, quiet, shy, with more-than-ample curves, I won’t distract him.
What I didn’t count on was Dominic distracting me instead. I shouldn’t be so drawn to him. He’s too old for me, too closed-off, and definitely too angry, but I’ve been a good girl for far too long. Why can’t I be just a little bit bad, especially when my rock star fantasy is so willing to corrupt me?
Our fling has an expiration date at the end of the tour. No strings, no feelings, no heartbreak when it’s over.
I tell myself I won’t fall. But I don’t know if I’m built that way.

*Content Warnings* One scene of physical abuse, memories of off-the-page physical and emotional abuse, drug and alcohol use.

Show Notes:
** Patreon Updates!
- Introducing Liz Serna, author and co-host of Nerdy Bitches
- Redefining "nerds" and looking at when "nerds" become "gatekeepers"
- An aside about narcissistic personalities (that isn't really an aside)
- Healing through humor and how that relates to today's reading, Built to Fall (00:17:01)
- Check out the Romance Happy Hour Book Box
- 26 year age gap or 400 years?
- Put a pin in the biting... A brief synopsis first (00:26:33)
- Finding inspiration on TikTok during 2020
- And now, back to the biting
- A few cringeworthy (and slightly cannibalistic) excerpts
- Books Mentioned: Anything by Melissa Foster, the Soul Serenade series by Kaylee Ryan
- The questionable power dynamic within boss/employee romance
- Some differences from the "typical" rock star romance (00:51:37)
- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:55:22)
- Good vs. Bad
- Remembering our previous Julia Wolf review, Eight Cozy Books (from the 12 Days of Boobsmas)
- Heat, Humor, & Heat Ratings
- A possible redemption story and series?
- Romance written by men
- Coming Soon to Nerdy Bitches: Gutember (Steve Gutenberg September)


Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

*This episode is brought to you by Kensington’s newest title from Minerva Spencer, Outrageous.

The Novel:
Shot Through the Heart (North Star #2)

The Author:
Nicole Helm

The Not-so-Noobie:
Becky, Co-host of Buzzing About Romance
IG: @buzzingaboutromance

The Synopsis:
She’s spent her life concealing her identity. Now she must trust an undercover agent to survive.

Willa Zimmerman grew up as the daughter of spies, so she’s always known her life could be in danger. That’s why, when North Star undercover operative Holden Parker follows her to her home, seeking a lead on a hit man, she captures him. But soon they learn they’re actually on the same side—and they’re being pursued by the same relentless foe. Together, can they stop a deadly hunter before they end up as the next victims?

Show Notes:
*Sponsored ad for Outrageous by Minerva Spencer (00:00:05 - 00:01:36)
- Introducing Becky, co-host of Buzzing About Romance and lifelong reader of romance
- Growing up on historical romance from Jude Deveraux to Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught to Fern Michaels
- Some connections between romance and teachers/professors (including Jennifer Crusie)
- Shoutout to Olivia Dade and Jennifer Crusie, for their "real" bodied, sassy heroines
- Books Mentioned: Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade, Faking It, Welcome to Temptation, and Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
- Reliving our childhood library experiences with the Buzzing About Romance Summer Reading Challenge (00:11:12)
- A few (less talked about) hockey romance recs: Gina Azzi's Boston Hawks series, Kate Meader's Chicago Rebels series, and Lorelei James' Need You series
- Happy 1st Anniversary to Buzzing About Romance AND 3rd Anniversary to Boobies & Noobies
- Reading outside of our comfort zones with Shot Through the Heart (00:25:46)
- Procedural suspense with a hint of romance (plus, some dangerous cosmetics)
- Creating intimacy without explicit sex (see our Accidentally Engaged episode)
- A network of badass women
- Holden, Hunter, Hudson: an atypical suspense hero (00:53:22)
- Cinnadoms and Stern brunch Daddies
- A few words on book rating systems - check out Kelly on Buzzing About Romance for more (01:03:20)
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings
- Wrapping up with Becky - don't forget to listen to Kelly on Buzzing About Romance

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
You've Got Plaid (Prince Charlie's Angels #3)

The Author:
Eliza Knight

The Not-so-Noobie:
Liz Donatelli, Host of Reader Seeks Romance
IG: @readerseeksromance
Twitter: @romancebookshow

The Synopsis:
This Highlander is determined to return the daughter of his enemy to the safety of her home, even if it means helping her...

Brogan Grant, a Jacobite soldier and bastard son of the Chief, fought savagely on the battlefield, and barely escaped capture. On the run for his life, Brogan comes across what he thinks is a spy—a very bonny lass disguised as a lad, who happens to be the daughter of his clan's enemy. He admires her bravery, but he knows what can happen to a woman alone in a war-ravaged land.

Lady Fiona MacBean is determined to do her part to ensure there is a Scottish king. Disguised as a healer, she delivers coded messages to rebels throughout the Highlands. There's only one thing impeding her mission—a striking Highlander who's determined to send her home.

Unfortunately, Fiona will not be deterred. Left with little choice, Brogan agrees to join her mission if she agrees to return home after. Now the two must work together and risk everything to save the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. If only their hearts weren't at risk as well...

Show Notes:
- Introducing Liz and schooling Kelly on "The Boogie Down"
- Reader Seeks Romance: a romance novel YouTube show (*watch my episode with Liz and author, Suzanne Park now)
- Shoutout to Robin Bielman and Leonie Mack for putting us in their books!!
- Ode to Robin Bielman's American Royalty series - listen to us review all three books on Boobies & Noobies (Heartthrob is Book #1)
- Bring Hotmail back
- Thank you Casablanca Books for the advanced copy!
- Historical romance talk plus a few Victorian romance recommendations: A Lady's Formula for Love (*as reviewed on the podcast) and The Duke Undone
- A brief synopsis for You've got Plaid... and a few words about the Scottish accents (00:20:00)
- A super unsexy book, full of war and grit... and probably UTIs
- A romance novel for fans of history, ready to dip their toes in the romance pond
- A tough ending to swallow, but considering the source...
- The pressure of including popular tropes and "staying in your lane" (00:42:29)
- A historical heroine with sexual agency
- How long have women really been rolling their eyes?
- A few new terms to add to your dictionary
- A few "key" search words and a few more Steamy Sexcerpts (00:56:48)
- "No folds, just pussy" swag coming soon
- Cave talk (see our Hot Fudge & a Heartthrob) & potential cavemen erotica
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:06:35)
- Check out our Patreon for lots of bonus content from this episode!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

Summary:
New York Times bestselling author of romantic fiction, Lauren Layne, joins Kelly to discuss her recent release, To Sir with Love, everything we love about Nora Ephron, the almighty queen of romcom writing, and the magnetic appeal of a "high school kinda love". *Please note, this episode was recorded back in May 2021, well before the release of To Sir with Love. Hopefully, by this point, Lauren has fully-binged both "The Circle" and "Love is Blind"...

Guest:
Lauren Layne
IG: @laurenlaynewriter (she's back on Instagram now!)

Show Notes:
- Introducing Lauren Layne, author of To Sir with Love
- Take a shot every time you hear the word "boobies"
- Worshipping at the heels of Nora Ephron, the romcom queen
- The many nuances of "You've Got Mail" and redefining the concept of "the one"
- A story about hope, not technology (00:09:33)
- You call it a "high school kinda love", I call it the "zsa zsa zsu" - the universality of personal connection
- Lauren's relationship with romance reading and writing (00:15:03)
- Some early influences: Nora Roberts (The Bride Quartet, The Reef), Julia Quinn (The Duke and I), and Judith McNaught
- A brief synopsis of To Sir with Love (00:21:27)
- Writing a love triangle/square between two characters... and their online personas
- A round up of reality shows, from "The Circle" to "Love is Blind"
- "Researching" champagne and wine (00:35:16)
- Creating characters as "shadows" so the reader can insert themselves into the story
- A New Yorker vs. someone who lives in New York (00:45:34)
- City talk - the best and worst places to set a romance novel (*cough* not LA *cough*)
- What's up next for Lauren: Made in Manhattan (00:53:00)
- Lauren's writing idea bucket list and another book to read by Lauren: Runaway Groom

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

*This episode is brought to you by Kensington’s newest title from Minerva Spencer, OUTRAGEOUS*

Summary:
Julia Jarrett, author of the recently released Always and Forever, joins Kelly to discuss the best fictional small towns, dogs with human names, and of course, her romance writing career that began as a dare. Grab your copy of Always and Forever before the second book in the Dogwood Cove series, Rumours and Romance, drops in September.

Guest:
Julia Jarrett
IG: @juliajarrettauthor
Julia's Linktree

*Content Warnings* Family abandonment and estrangement, the aftermath of the death of a parent.

Show Notes:
- Sponsored ad for OUTRAGEOUS, by Minerva Spencer
- Introducing Julia Jarrett, author of Always and Forever (Dogwood Cover #1)
- The best fictional small towns: Stars Hollow and Cabot Cove
- A few "Gilmore Girls" celeb anecdotes (00:02:54)
- Animals with human names
- Julia's romance reading & writing journey (00:07:34)
- Books recommended: Claire Kingsley & Lucy Score's Bootleg Springs and Chelle Bliss' Men of Inked series
- Shoutout to Zoe York (who also writes as Ainsley Booth) for pushing for Canadian romance
- "Like a Hallmark movie... but with sex."
- A brief summary of Always and Forever (00:14:24)
- Dogwood Cove: a fictional fave (inspired by real locales)
- A romance novel title generator?
- Shoutout to Claire Hastings for naming The Nutty Muffin
- Axe-throwing for the win!!
- Having conversations about romance within romance novels
- More differently-abled and disabled characters (00:32:01)
- Up next in the Dogwood Cove series
- Grab your FREE copy of the Hot As F*cK Romance Club's anthology, Free Sultry Summer Nights Collection for a Dogwood Cove novella
- Single Dad romance, Hot Dudes Reading, and DILFs of Disneyland

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
Pink Slip (The Spies Who Loved Her #1)

The Author:
Katrina Jackson

The Not-so-Noobie:
Julie Moody-Freeman, Host of the Black Romance Podcast
IG: @blk_romance
Twitter: @blk_romance

Show Notes:
- Introducing Julie Moody-Freeman, professor and podcaster
- Teaching Black Romance, Black Love, and Romance & Race: a few of Julie's courses
- Black Romance from Brenda Jackson to Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole to Maureen Smith
- Podcasts as a digital archive and resource material
- Launching the Black Romance Podcast as an oral history for Black Romance (00:11:05)
- The Routledge Research Companion to Popular Romance Fiction
- The commonalities amongst Julie's interviews/research
- Love as a universal theme
- Introducing Pink Slip, a polyamorous spy romance (00:26:21)
- Previously reviewed Katrina Jackson books on Boobies & Noobies (listen now): Grand Theft N.Y.E. and Office Hours
- Julie's interview with Katrina Jackson on the Black Romance Podcast
- Synopsis for today's book: Pink Slip
- If James Bond and his wife wanted to f*ck their receptionist...
- Normalizing "diverse" characters within romance
- Challenging stereotypes and gender roles within a queer relationship
- Exploring a "lived-in", established relationship - a marriage NOT in trouble (00:45:57)
- Referencing Bell Hooks' All About Love
- Expecting EVERYTHING from one partner
- A few steamy sexcerpts (01:00:32)
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings for Pink Slip (01:04:45)
- Don't forget some oil...
- Bringing the "fun" into spy romance
- A little James Bond talk: Idris Elba vs. Regé-Jean Page (01:12:46)
- #KatrinaJacksonSummer

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

Summary: Writer and performer, Georgia Clark, joins Kelly to discuss her latest release, It Had to Be You, an Elin Hilderbrand Entertainment Weekly Summer Reading Pick. Other discussion topics include Georgia’s work with Generation Women, a storytelling event where women of all ages can come together and share their stories, the danger of comparing yourself (and your art) to others, and of course, cheese. There might also be a bird story… or two.

Guest: Georgia Clark
IG: @georgialouclark

Show Notes:
- Sponsored ad for Undercover Duke, the fourth installment in Sabrina Jeffries' Duke Dynasty quartet. (00:00:06 – 00:01:41)
- Introducing Georgia Clark, author, screenwriter, and cheese connoisseur
- The wandering Australian
- “Compare and despair will destroy you.”
- Improv talk
- An affinity for cheese… and a new dating app idea? (00:16:18)
- From reader to writer (00:19:57)
- Falling too hard, too quickly in romance vs. in reality
- A brief spoiler-free synopsis for It Had to Be You (00:27:43)
- A wedding IRL inspires a romance about wedding planning
- Writing multi-generational stories
- Seeing ourselves reflected and represented in art
- It Had to Be You as a Book Club pick (00:55:00)
- What’s up next for Georgia
- Shoutout to the Casual Birder Podcast… plus a quick bird story
- The story you're dying to write? (01:05:08)
- Find & Follow Georgia

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: 
A Lowcountry Bride

The Author:
Preslaysa Williams

The Noobie:
Marchae Miller

The Synopsis:

A heartwarming Avon debut of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings set in the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry.

Maya Jackson has worked for Laura Whitcomb, Inc, a renowned New York City bridal gown brand, for years and dreams of becoming Head Designer. She has the talent; she just needs a chance to showcase her unique style. Due to an illness, she’s always prioritized her career over her personal life until her father fractures his hip and Maya returns to Charleston, South Carolina. While home for only a few months, she’s thrilled to find an opportunity at the local bridal gown boutique, never expecting sparks to fly with its owner...

A military veteran and widowed father, Derek Sullivan hopes to save Always a Bride from bankruptcy in order to preserve the legacy of his mother. He also wants to reconnect with his estranged, twelve-year-old daughter, who is still recovering from the loss of her mother. The last thing he needs is a relationship with a beautiful, smart, complicated woman who will be leaving soon.

When Derek begins to fall for the lovely Maya, he knows there’s no future. But destiny has its own plans, and these two lonely people with big hearts discover that coming home to love is the best gift life can give. 

Trigger Warnings: Loss of a partner, discussions of a mass shooting, hospital scenes, the main character suffers from sickle cell anemia. Note, there is NO death on the page and this book does have an HEA. 

Show Notes:
- Meet Marchae, writer, reader, and romance skeptic
- House hunting apps and restaurant lists
- Coffee shop audio porn 
- From Jackie Collins to James Patterson (00:05:30)
- "Beach reads" 
- Drawing universal themes and ideas from romance novels
- Black authors mentioned: Terry McMillan, Zane, and Eric Jerome Dickey
- The "contract" between romance readers and writers 
- Introducing today's reading, A Lowcountry Bride (00:18:14)
- A few potential triggers...
- Synopsis for A Lowcountry Bride (00:24:08)
- Bring on the A Lowcountry Bride sketches
- The modern day millennial Miranda Priestly 
- Sweet, but not sickly
- Stop complaining, find a solution
- A few minor complaints... including the lack of sexual content (00:54:46)
- "F*ck her in the garden!"
- All the Heart, no Humor or Heat (01:01:40)
- Where's the adult coloring book?!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: Secret Heir for Christmas

The Author: LaQuette

The Guest: Bree, co-host of The Categorically Romance Podcast

The Synopsis:
This holiday, will the man next door tempt him with a second chance?

Actor Carter Jiménez lived a glamorous life until he lost his wife to the dark side of fame. Now he’ll protect his young daughter by avoiding celebrity at all costs. Then his seemingly understated neighbor, Stephan Devereaux-Smith, tempts his still-wounded heart. Is this Carter’s second chance at love?

But Stephan isn’t an average man caring for a sick relative. He’s part of a billionaire family and the ritzy world Carter left behind. Torn between new love and old demons, can Carter trust Stephan with his family—and his heart?

Show Notes:
- The 12th (and final) Day of Boobsmas
- A bit on the history of category romance, plus the upcoming Harlequin imprint, Afterglow, coming in 2024
- Book Sale Finder - find the next library sale near you!
- Introducing today's read - one of the final titles in the Harlequin Desire line (00:13:52)
- If you've watched "Dynasty"...
- Picture this... Monsters + Category
- Romance books ahead of their time: Jennifer Crusie's backlist, early 2010s Harlequin Kiss that mentions abortion, etc.
- A brief (but very dramatic) synopsis for Secret Heir for Christmas (00:24:17)
- Celebrating the memories, rather than mourning
- These are a few of my favorite things... and excerpts (00:41:32)
- A few spicy sexcerpts
- A few holiday category recs from Bree (00:50:20)
Christmas in River's Edge by Nan Reinhardt
Boston Christmas Miracles by Various Authors (Bree's medical romance series rec)
- The 12th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin... you're going to want to listen to this one!

Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase MY holiday novellas, Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually now!!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

The Novel: 
With this Cake (Meet Me at the Altar #2)

The Author:
Samantha Chase 

The Noobie:
Amy, Founder and Editor of Words & Kisses
IG: @wordsandkissesclub
Twitter: @words_kisses


The Synopsis:

Cheery baker dreams of finding Mr. Right…

When your last name is Baker, it’s really only a matter of time before it also becomes your job title. Some might see it as a self-fulfilling prophecy, but for Leanna, being the go-to baker for Meet Me at the Altar is a dream come true. There’s nothing she loves more than to create the perfect desserts to help couples celebrate their big days. But despite what they say about the way to a man’s heart being through his stomach, Leanna has yet to lure her perfect man with her sweet treats.

Uptight workaholic dreams of being left alone…

If Brody King is going to take time off, he would much rather it be to train for his triathlon and not his brother’s engagement party. It would be one thing if it was just a regular party, but no, his brother and his bride-to-be had to go over the top and plan a full week of family togetherness and ridiculous wedding games. There’s no way he’s going to survive it.

When Brody crashes into Leanna and a hundred cupcakes are ruined, he does the only thing he can–he offers to help her make more. All it takes is a few cups of sugar and a dash of vanilla before Brody is craving not just Leanna’s sweet treats, but the baker herself. 

Show Notes:
- All month long: "Wedding Season" 
- Introducing Amy, founder of Words & Kisses 
- Tearing up the dance floor at weddings
- Amy's romance reading journey and Words & Kisses (00:06:15)
- Finding romance through podcasts, subscriptions, and the library
- Amy's romance rec for our "noobies" - anything Talia Hibbert (00:14:21)
- Pushing historical romance forward with Courtney Milan, Tessa Dare, and Sarah MacLean
- Ushering in new readers via film/TV adaptations
- Today's reading: With this Cake (00:21:50)
- An unexplained aversion to sugar?
- We've got some questions... 
- The super self-conscious heroine that needs to be retired
- Billionaires and their burritos (00:45:37)
- Rating foreplay without penetrative sex...
- Something kind of like a steamy sexcerpt (00:54:28)
- Blueberries in the puss? 
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:01:15)
- Up next on both of our lists: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
- Everybody's "jammy"!
- Another yummy pick coming soon: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is sponsored by An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler, the latest book in Vanessa Riley's Rogues and Remarkable Women series.

The Novel:
Tied Score (Slices of Pi #2)

The Author:
Elia Winters

The Noobie:
Ellie Mae MacGregor
IG: @bisexual_booknerd Buy Ellie's book: The Naughty List

The Synopsis:
Iris Parker never planned on ending up in HR because, let’s face it: HR isn’t the most glamorous position in the world. She took a comfortable job and always planned on leaving when something better came along, but before she knows it, she’s thirty and the HR director for PI Games. Even though she likes her coworkers, there’s no excitement in the job for her, and Iris is worried that she’ll lose her spark. Luckily, Iris’s romantic life provides some thrills—living the confirmed bachelor life, when she wants her bed warm, she can find company, and in her sights at the moment is the cute pastry chef at her favorite bakery.

Owen Hobbs has noticed the gorgeous businesswoman making eyes at him when she comes in for coffee and sweets, but he’s not the type of guy who dates much anymore. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t take long in his sporadic dating history to learn that most women aren’t interested in taking charge in bed, which is what he really craves. Working early mornings at the bakery keeps him from the nightlife where he might meet someone who can fulfill his needs, so he’s resigned himself to fantasies and pretty much given up on the dating scene altogether. But when Iris’s advances become too much to resist, Owen finds himself revealing his desire to be sexually dominated… the only question is, is she the right woman for the job?

Show Notes:
- Sponsored Ad for An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler (00:00:05 - 00:01:55)
- Fancy cakes and fetishes to cap of our month of "Yummy Love"
- June's reading theme is "Wedding Season"
- Introducing Ellie, author and bookstagrammer, and fellow fan of Netflix's "The Circle"
- Would you catfish on "The Circle"?
- Writing Santa erotica (00:12:31)
- Up next for Ellie... a werewolf ménage novella
- Today's book pick, Tied Score (00:19:53)
- Ellie's introduction to the wonderful world of romance via Hot & Bothered
- UPDATE: Hot & Bothered will cover Jane Eyre in their third season.
- A "thorough synopsis of Tied Score (00:28:37)
- Bring on the pegging!
- Other pegging picks previously reviewed on the podcast: Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon and Their Discovery by Rebecca Grace Allen
- A healthy look at a couple exploring kink... with a secondary romance
- Adding to our vocabulary/knowledge while reading
- Redefining what's "normal" in the bedroom, thanks to romance novels (00:48:07)
- A look at the rest of the Slices of Pi series
- Plenty of steamy sexcerpts (00:53:56)
- Diversifying the male characters in romance (01:01:42)
- Fuck, Marry, Kill: Eric, Flynn Rider, and Aladdin
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:08:26)
- When you measure the heat level of everything you read against Katee Robert (Ellie) and Nikki Sloane (Kelly)
- Wrap-up and Kelly's plea for Easter Bunny erotica

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is sponsored by Lone Wolf, the latest anthology series from Kensington, which features stories from Diana Palmer, Rebecca Zanetti and Kate Pearce. 

The Novel: 
Accidentally Engaged

The Author:
Farah Heron

The Noobie:
Justin & Quita, Co-Hosts of Cooking for Reels 
IG: @cookingforreelspod
Facebook: Cooking for Reels
Twitter: @cookingforreels


The Synopsis:
Reena Manji doesn’t love her career, her single status, and most of all, her family inserting themselves into every detail of her life. But when caring for her precious sourdough starters, Reena can drown it all out. At least until her father moves his newest employee across the hall--with hopes that Reena will marry him.

But Nadim’s not like the other Muslim bachelors-du-jour that her parents have dug up. If the Captain America body and the British accent weren’t enough, the man appears to love eating her bread creations as much as she loves making them. She sure as hell would never marry a man who works for her father, but friendship with a neighbor is okay, right? And when Reena’s career takes a nosedive, Nadim happily agrees to fake an engagement so they can enter a couples video cooking contest to win the artisan bread course of her dreams.

As cooking at home together brings them closer, things turn physical, but Reena isn’t worried. She knows Nadim is keeping secrets, but it’s fine— secrets are always on the menu where her family is concerned. And her heart is protected… she’s not marrying the man. But even secrets kept for self preservation have a way of getting out, especially when meddling parents and gossiping families are involved.


Show Notes:
- Sponsored Ad for Lone Wolf (00:00:05 - 00:02:04)
- Introducing Justin & Quita, co-hosts of the upcoming podcast, Cooking for Reels
- Listen to Justin in our previous review of Irresistible You
- "Door ajar with a chain attached" - not an open door romance, not a closed door, either...
- Cooking for Reels: a podcast for film fans and foodies (Coming Soon)
- Accidentally Engaged: fake dating and food porn (00:15:33)
- A quick synopsis for the book
- Accidentally Engaged inspired dishes
- Food competitions in romance (00:23:06)
- An episode of Gilmore Girls?
- Kink positivity and foot fetishes (00:27:48)
- Squishy love and men with extra cushion
- Drama, open relationships, and familial obligations
- Searching for the red flags in every relationship (even when they're not there)
- Let's talk sourdough starters... (00:52:45)
- Somebody finally acknowledged UTI's in romance (plus, head lice)
- Some less-than-steamy sexcerpts (01:05:55)
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings - sexier than usual... (01:11:30)
- A refreshing immigrant story
- Some insight into our heat scales
- A hockey romance rec: Kate Meader's Chicago Rebels series
- "How do I judge the heat level in a romance before I read it?" (01:21:45)
- Farah knows her bread

Books Mentioned: 
- The Sanctuary Sound series by Jamie
- The Chicago Rebels series by Kate Meader
- The Chai Factor by Farah Heron
- All things Melissa Foster


Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.


*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
The Sweetest Fix

The Author: 
Tessa Bailey 

The Noobie:
Ashley Greenwald
Food & Product Photographer, That's Ashley's Kitchen
IG: @thatsashleyskitchen
YouTube: That's Ashley's Kitchen

The Synopsis: 
Reese dreams of seeing her name in lights on Broadway, but so far she has only graced the used car parking lots of rural Wisconsin. With her window of opportunity shrinking fast, a miracle happens. She wins an audition with Bernard Bexley, Broadway’s most respected dance choreographer. When disaster strikes and Reese misses the audition, she has to find another way in front of Bernard, otherwise face the disappointment back home.

Following the sage advice of a Times Square Pikachu—Reese seeks out Bernard’s son, prepared to beg for his aid, never expecting mega sparks to fly between her and the gentle giant baker. With Reese’s heart now involved, she refuses to use Leo to her advantage and tries to walk away before her ulterior motives are exposed, but gravity continues to draw them back together…until it’s impossible to stay apart.

But Reese’s lie of omission can only stay buried for so long. When Leo finds out how their relationship started, will Reese keep her ultimate role as Leo’s leading lady? Or will the curtain fall on their real-life fairytale?

Show Notes:
- Introducing food and product photographer, Ashley
- The behind-the-scenes look at photographing food
- Our obsession with food... and toy food, in Ashley's case (00:09:34)
- More food-styling secrets 
- No shiny hamburgers?
- The difficulties of podcasting and TikTok-ing
- We're bringing "boobies" back
- The book selection process (00:21:01)
- Today's read: The Sweetest Fix (00:23:28)
- Ashley's romance reading journey
- Referencing the "raunch-com" - see our review of Rosie Danan's The Intimacy Experiment
- A brief synopsis for The Sweetest Fix (00:30:07)
- Overall impressions
- Why are we hiding behind the language when it comes to our plus-size hero? (00:35:10)
- Color conscious vs. color blind
- Stop white-washing romance (especially in NYC)
- Bring on the shower and nap dates
- Some steamy sexcerpts PLUS a few "sex notes" (00:48:02)
- The unglamorized version of sex (00:56:32)
- "You're my tight little fuck."
- The fear of failure  
- What's your "perfect bite"? (01:11:01)
- The woes of chocolate covered bacon
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:17:31)
- Wrap up with Ashley 

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
Hot Fudge & a Heartthrob (Lovebird Café #3)

The Author: 
Dylann Crush 

The Noobie:
Heidi Busche 
IG: @heidibcoaching
Podcast: Relationship Ready Podcast

The Synopsis: 
We only have one thing in common...we're both excellent liars.

A little white lie. That's what started it. How was I to know that a tiny slip of the tongue would result in the adventure of a lifetime?

When Theo Wilder stops in at the Lovebird Café, looking for an experienced guide to show him around the deserted caves surrounding Swallow Springs, I seize the opportunity to get down and dirty with the heartthrob scientist. Rumor has it there's hidden treasure on our homestead and I've been itching for a way to claim it.

But when Mother Nature fails to cooperate, Theo and I find ourselves short on luck and running out of time. We'll need to come clean with each other if we want to survive. And when we go deep? We might find more than buried treasure.

Show Notes:
- May's reading theme: "Yummy Love"
- Patreon Shoutout 
- Introducing relationship coach, author, and podcast host, Heidi B.
- Heidi's book: Relationship Ready: How I Stopped Fucking Randos and Started Cupcaking My Soulmate 
- The influence of romcoms on relationships 
- Paint those red flags, green
- "I moved to Denver and all I got was breakfast and a husband."
- Connections and coaching during a pandemic 
- Heidi's friendship with author, Diana Biller
- Embrace the HEA; enjoy the journey (00:21:02)
- Ideals vs. unrealistic expectations
- Understanding the "Linear Social Script" (00:26:48)
- Moving from Science is Sexy to Yummy Love with Hot Fudge & a Heartthrob (00:29:57)
- Dylann Crush's Romance Happy Hour Book Box
- Reading a book about bats during the pandemic... caused by bats
- Erotica-Light? 
- A brief synopsis for Hot Fudge & a Heartthrob (00:37:02)
- Joan Wilder meets Theo 
- Seeing a man "do the work" 
- Bonding over romance novels and musicals 
- LAYERS upon LAYERS
- "They better be getting down" (00:52:36)
- Sexpectations for erotica vs. romance 
- Do your research...
- A few steamy (and somewhat awkward) sexcerpts (01:02:57)
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:05:09)
- Wrap-up 

Books Mentioned: 
- The Widow of Rose House and The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:
A Lady's Formula for Love (The Secret Scientists of London #1)

The Author: 
Elizabeth Everett 

The Noobies:
Feminists Without Mystique 
IG: @feministswithoutmystique
Twitter: @fwmpodcast

The Synopsis: 
What is a Victorian lady's formula for love? Mix one brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic protection officer. Add in a measure of danger and attraction. Heat over the warmth of humor and friendship, and the result is more than simple chemistry—it's elemental.

Lady Violet Hughes is keeping secrets. First, she founded a clandestine sanctuary for England's most brilliant female scientists. Second, she is using her genius on a confidential mission for the Crown. But the biggest secret of all? Her feelings for protection officer Arthur Kneland.

Solitary and reserved, Arthur learned the hard way to put duty first. But the more time he spends in the company of Violet and the eccentric club members, the more his best intentions go up in flames. Literally.

When a shadowy threat infiltrates Violet's laboratories, endangering her life and her work, scientist and bodyguard will find all their theories put to the test—and learn that the most important discoveries are those of the heart.

Show Notes:
- Welcome Erin and Maria, co-hosts of Feminists Without Mystique podcast
- Some brief Oscars chat: #TeamPromisingYoungWoman
- About Feminists Without Mystique (00:05:02)
- A little bit of hope...
- Introducing A Lady's Formula for Love (00:14:51)
- Erin & Maria's experience to romance novels
- Remembering Borders Bookstore (RIP)
- A brief synopsis for A Lady's Formula for Love (00:19:59)
- Men who get out of the way...
- Tear gas, hairspray, and other "feminine" things
- Bucking with traditional archetypes 
- A "protection officer" named Arthur (00:32:55)
- Real characters and themes... but in fiction
- Erotic hypotheses
- A questionable ending... or another beginning? (00:38:40)
- Redemption and forgiveness in romance
- Good ol' Greta Green (Shoutout to the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas)
- A few steamy sexcerpts… and some not-so-sexy euphemisms (00:52:15)
- Sponges, French letters, and other contraceptive talk
- The future of the series?
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:06:45)
- Romance writing reference book mentioned (I forgot the title at the time): Naughty Words for Nice Writers: A Romance Novel Thesaurus
- DTRRN (Down to Read Romance Novels)
- Falling for the online romance community

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is sponsored by The Most Eligible Viscount in London, the latest from bestselling author, Ella Quinn.

The Novel:
The Intimacy Experiment

The Author:
Rosie Danan

The Noobie:
Kini Allen
Twitter: @kinilei1

The Synopsis:
Naomi Grant has built her life around going against the grain. After the sex-positive start-up she cofounded becomes an international sensation, she wants to extend her educational platform to live lecturing. Unfortunately, despite her long list of qualifications, higher ed won't hire her.

Ethan Cohen has recently received two honors: LA Mag named him one of the city's hottest bachelors and he became rabbi of his own synagogue. Taking a gamble in an effort to attract more millennials to the faith, the executive board hired Ethan because of his nontraditional background. Unfortunately, his shul is low on both funds and congregants. The board gives him three months to turn things around or else they'll close the doors of his synagogue for good.

Naomi and Ethan join forces to host a buzzy seminar series on Modern Intimacy, the perfect solution to their problems--until they discover a new one--their growing attraction to each other. They've built the syllabus for love's latest experiment, but neither of them expected they'd be the ones putting it to the test.

Show Notes:
- Sponsored Ad for The Most Eligible Viscount in London (00:00:05 - 00:01:25)
- A few quick announcements: #ThirtyFlirtyAndReading, Reviews, and Patreon updates
- Introducing blogger and podcaster, Kini Allen
- The fear of self-promotion
- Check out Kini's podcast, Romance Romp
- Hidden romance reads
- Shoutout to Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
- Romance readers helping other romance readers (and podcasters)
- "Love Between the Covers" Documentary
- "There's room for everybody here"
- Shoutout to author, Beverly Jenkins
- Kini's 2021 Romance Picks (00:19:48)

- A brief synopsis for The Intimacy Experiment (00:23:31)
- Overall impressions
- Modern Intimacy vs. Modern Dating
- More talk on modern intimacy and post-pandemic dating in my Steamy Spotlight interview with Rosie Danan
- Falling for Naomi Grant (00:34:06)
- Exploring faith in romance novels
- Everything to love about Ethan (00:41:50)
- Friendships between men and women in romance novels
- Finding real themes in fiction
- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:57:55)
- "Tab B" and other vulva euphemisms
- Heart, Heat, & Humor Ratings (01:06:04)
- Finding and creating community

Books Mentioned:
- Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
- You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
- Hot Copy by Ruby Barrett
- Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
- The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
- How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
- Come As You Are... by Emily Nagoski
- Craving Flight by Tamsen Parker

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

Summary:
Let's talk female masturbation, mental health awareness, and of course, food! Authors Skye McDonald (The Anti-Belle series) and Sarah Smith (Faker, Simmer Down) join Kelly to discuss their platonic love story, mental health awareness in romance novels, and of course, female masturbation.

Together, they host the Quick & Dirty Romance Podcast (also part of the Frolic Podcast Network), and now, they’ve joined forces to write their first romance together, Sips & Strokes under the nom de plume, Sarah Skye. 

Guests: 
Skye McDonald
IG: @writerskyemcd
Twitter: @writerskyemcd

Sarah Smith
IG: @authorsarahs
Twitter: @AuthorSarahS

Sarah Skye
IG: @quickndirtyromance
Twitter: @quickndirtyrom

Show Notes: 
- Introducing Sarah Smith and Skye McDonald, aka Sarah Skye.
- Sips & Strokes - Available April 20th, 2021
- What We're Reading 
- Romance Origin Stories (00:07:28)
- "It all boils down to the happily ever after"
- Talking author "trademarks" and styles (00:14:39)
- Masturbation & Therapy
- The platonic love story-turned-writing partnership (00:20:36)
- "You make it shine for me" (The new "I burn for you"?)
- The best (and worst) kind of feedback
- How to maintain a well-balanced writing partnership (00:26:45)
- Fake Dating & Wedding Hijinks 
- A quick synopsis for Sips & Strokes
- Splitting a dual POV between two authors (00:33:40)
- Female friendships for the win!
- Allowing ourselves (and our characters) to be wrong during the time of "Cancel Culture"
- More books to come...?
- What's up next for Skye & Sarah (00:45:08)
- The stories we're dying to write
- Pre-order Sips & Strokes now (or win a copy during the #ThirtyFlirtyAndReading giveaway on our Instagram)

Sarah Smith's Books:
Faker
Simmer Down
If You Never Come Back
On Location (Coming Soon)

Skye McDonald's Books:
Not Suitable For Work
Off the Record
Nemesis

Other Books Recommended/Discussed:
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Falling Like Stars (All in Series #1) by Eve Kasey
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

Summary:
Rosie Danan's debut novel, The Roommate was named a "Best Book of the Year" by such publications as NPR, Buzzfeed, Bustle, and Refinery 29. And now, she's back with The Intimacy Experiment, a book about human connection, destigmatizing sex work, and what intimacy looks like in the 21st century.

Guest: 
Rosie Danan
IG: @RosieDanan
Twitter: @RosieDanan

Show Notes: 
- Introducing Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate and The Intimacy Experiment (Available April 6th, 2021)
- The best and worst of movie sequels 
- "Recreating the magic" vs. flexing different writing muscles
- Rosie's relationship with romance and pink covers (00:10:17)
- The "back room at the video store" genre (00:12:21)
- Sex, Relationships, & Intimacy
- Permission from the rabbi
- The evolution of connection
- Researching and destigmatizing the sex work industry (00:28:08)
- The Jewish experience
- Weird, but perfect timing
- "We are more lonely now than ever before"
- How to navigate modern intimacy post-pandemic (00:39:07)
- "Radical Vulnerability" 
- Stop confusing vulnerability with weakness
- A sneak peek at what up's next for Rosie (00:44:32)
- Rosie's advice for romance-reading "noobies"
- The story you're dying to write...

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: By Mistake (Poison & Wine #1)
The Author: Sigal Ehrlich

The Noobie: Jaimee Bell
Twitter: @jaimeebell_

The Synopsis: There’s so much going on in Anna’s life. Teaching countless hours at the studio and nurturing the three major relationships of her life – her group of tight-knit friends, all while attempting to not screw up this whole adulthood thing leaves very little time to waste on yet another dating app. At this point, a relationship is off the menu. Being “self-partnered” is more than enough.

A serious relationship has been crossed off Liam Brody’s list of goals, at least for the foreseeable future. Completing his residency and becoming a trauma surgeon is his only priority. Casual relationships, his friends, and books are the only things he’s willing to lose his precious free time to.

When an accidental email starts a deep online connection, both Liam and Anna dive in with zero concern . . . because there’s really no harm in getting close to someone who you’ll never meet in real life, right? Wrong. When a turn of events brings their “safe” virtual connection to an unexpected face-to-face, Anna and Liam learn their online chemistry pales in comparison to the real deal. A realization that brings along the bazillion-dollar question – what do you do when you meet The One at the most impossibly wrong time?

Show Notes:
- Introducing Jaimee Bell, freelance writer turned erotica author
- Jaimee's personal experience with "digital love"
- Check out Jaimee's writing on sexual health, relationships, and more on Sofia Gray
- A sneak peek at Jaimee's work in progress!
- A few words on Fifty Shades of Grey's legacy - we need a new frame of reference when it comes to BDSM (00:11:51)
- Be sure to check out our Snacket episodes on Patreon!
- Today's reading: By Mistake by Sigal Ehrlich (00:16:47)
- Jaimee's relationship with romance novels 
- The benefits of a Dual POV- A brief synopsis for By Mistake (00:21:07)
- Stop double-first-naming men!
- Overall impressions: A sweet "cilantro" read- A beautiful bouquet... of red flags (00:31:57)
- A fine line between educational and "preachy" 
- Why aren't we having more digital sex in digital love stories?
- "Get on the plane, Rachel."
- Some not-so-steamy sexcerpts (00:47:27)
- Night fishing and funeral home dates?
- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (00:54:31)
- More romance reading ahead Books Mentioned
- All the Dirty Little Things: An Erotica Collection by Jaimee Bell
- Eat Pray Love and Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: The Christmas Veto

The Author: Keira Andrews

The Guest: Simone

The Synopsis:
Can fake dating lead to true love?

My name’s Connor Lisowski, and here’s what you need to know about me:

I’ve had a massive crush on my best friend’s older brother since high school.

Everyone thinks I’m straight.

I have two dads but I’m afraid to come out.

I’ve never even been kissed.

And somehow, I’ve been roped into pretending to be Reid’s boyfriend for the holidays. Who’s Reid, you ask? Only the aforementioned best friend’s older brother who never looked at me twice.

Until now.

Show Notes:
- The 11th Day of Boobsmas
- Simone fangirls over me and my books
- Introducing today's holiday romance (00:07:38)
- We HEART fake dating
- A little on German Christmas markets from a real German (00:10:22)
- A synopsis for The Christmas Veto (00:18:20)
- Catching up on the first two books in the series
- Books about queer characters vs. coming out stories
- "Ridiculously political. Ridiculously feminist."
- A few steamy sexcerpts... that don't have sex in them (00:41:30)
- Shoe-tying as a love language
- Tit or Tat: a Holiday Game (00:50:19)
- Kelly's major brain fart
- The 10th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin

Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase MY holiday novellas, Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually now!!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

Summary:USA Today Bestselling author, Marni Mann joins Kelly to discuss her latest release, When We Met (Moments in Boston #2). Other topics include our shared wanderlust (amplified by times of quarantine), the art of note-taking, and everything to love about desserts. Plus, Marni offers us a sneak peek at her next series in the works! Guest: Marni MannIG: @MarniMannTwitter: @MarniMann*Trigger Warnings* Marni's Moments in Boston series is set in and around the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. We also discuss Marni's handling of darker issues inspired by true traumatic events such as death of a relative, a friend's drug addiction and overdose, etc. Show Notes: - Experiencing wanderlust with author, Marni Mann- Following Stephen King- Marni's writing journey (00:06:11)- From romance to erotica, second chance to dark romance - The Moments in Boston series (00:12:18)- A brief synopsis for When We Met, the second book in the series- The challenge (and reward) of writing pain and trauma - When is "too soon" to write about real life traumatic events? (00:23:14)- Marni's Coronavirus project- Drawing the line between historical and contemporary romance - The big "What if?" (00:29:04)- Dessert talk- The beauty of solo travel- A small preview of When Darkness Ends, the next book in the series - available now for pre-order (00:37:53)- A sneak peek at Marni's next four-book series!- Sex and the City reboot? We have questions... (00:43:10)- Find and follow Marni on Instagram, Facebook, etc. Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is sponsored by Love at First, an uplifting and unforgettable story of love and second chances by critically acclaimed author, Kate Clayborn. The Novel:Call Me Maybe The Author: Cara BastoneThe Noobie:Adam Murphy IG: @photography.by.acmThe Synopsis: Paint your toes. Pick up the wrong coffee and bagel order. Drive from Brooklyn to Jersey in traffic so slow you want to tear your hair out. It’s amazing all the useless things I can accomplish while on hold for three hours with customer service. Three hours when I should be getting the Date-in-a-Box website ready to launch at the big business expo in a few days. Except my shiny new website is glitching, and my inner rage-monster is ready to scorch some earth… when he finally picks up. Not the robot voice I expected but a real live human named Cal. He’s surprisingly helpful and really knows his stuff, even if he’s a little awkward…. in an adorable way.And suddenly I’m flirting with him? And I think he’s flirting back.And suddenly it’s been hours, and we’re still on the phone talking and ordering each other takeout while he trouble shoots my website.And suddenly we’re exchanging numbers and sending texts and DMs every day, leaving voice mails (who even does that anymore?!).And suddenly I’m wondering if it’s possible for two people fall in love at first talk.Because I’m falling… hard.***Vera Hoffman has just days to make sure her website for her new Date-in-a-Box business launches. When the darn thing glitches, she calls her IT company and connects with Cal Kantola. An intense week of phone calls, DMs, voice messages, and texts ensue, and in between troubleshooting, these two start to develop feelings. But will their systems be compatible when they actually meet face-to-face?Show Notes:- Sponsored promo for Love at First by Kate Clayborn (00:00:05 - 00:01:42)- Introducing IT dude and friend-of-the-pod, Adam- A Very Corona-Quarantined Birthday Part Two- Audiobook noobies!- Remembering "books on tape", the original audiobook - Other Audible originals to check out: Getting Schooled by Emma Chase and The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole- Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone (00:11:10)- Writing for an Audible Original vs. a traditionally-published book- Shoutout to My Worst Date!- The not-so-brief synopsis for Call Me Maybe (00:15:34)- Overall impressions- Vera is the new Sookie- The romanticism of falling in love with a telemarketer- "Jack of all trades, master of none"- Date in a Box - the subscription box we all need! (00:36:40)- Gifting an experience vs. a gift- Real life IT woes (00:40:43)- The modern "You've Got Mail" (but without AIM)- A minor obsession with true crime- To catfish or not to catfish? (00:49:20)- Heart & Humor Ratings - Absolutely no heat (00:54:20)- A very delayed discussion of Adam's history with romance- Check out Patreon for our alien-romance talk!- Adam's beautiful photographyFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2)The Author: Abby JimenezThe Noobie:Hadas LevIG: @hadas_levTwitter: @levhadas*Watch Hadas in the short film, The Audition*The Synopsis: Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?*Content Warning* A large percentage of this book focuses on a character's grief/depression following the death of a loved on. There's also some minor discussion of drug abuse/addiction. Show Notes:- Introducing actor and writer, Hadas Lev- Appreciate your local restaurant and grocery store staff- Filmmaking during the pandemic (00:07:38)- Dark comedy during the time of Covid19 - "This is the End" and "I Care a Lot" - Coming Soon... "corn porn" with the soundtrack by Korn- March is the month for "Digital Love"- The Happy Ever After Playlist (00:13:10)- Hadas' prior relationship with romance- The fandom is real with Bridgerton and Lore Olympus - A brief synopsis for The Happy Ever After Playlist (00:21:41)- Meddling animals in romance novels- Overall impressions- The next book in the series: Life's Too Short - The Happy Ever After Playlist Playlist - Prepare to feel extremely frustrated...- A few semi-steamy sexcerpts (00:47:20)- Lots of love for the audiobook performers- More tattooed heroines, please!- "Petty notes" about karaoke and chips (00:59:05)- And we're back to cinnamon rolls and orange juice...- The future of romance reading- Wrapping up with HadasFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is sponsored by Driven, the fourth book in the Deep Ops series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Rebecca Zanetti. The Novel:Loverboy (The Company #2)The Author: Sarina BowenThe Noobie:Sara Runnels IG: @omgskrTwitter: @omgskrThe Synopsis: Secrets, desires, and exquisite pie. It’s all in a day’s work at The Company.Growing up, I was the rough guy from the wrong neighborhood who couldn’t catch a break. Posy was the pampered girl I tried to impress. But I managed to steal only a single kiss before I had to skip town.Now I’m back, and the tables are turned. Posy runs a struggling pie shop. I’m the VP of a secretive billion dollar security company.Not that I can tell her.There’s a murderer on the loose in New York, and he seems to spend a lot of time at Posy’s shop. I can’t let on that I’m here to bring him down before he can harm a hair on her pretty head. Going undercover as Posy’s new barista wasn’t my idea. I don’t even drink coffee. But now I have to call her “boss,” and do everything the curvy perfectionist asks of me. I’d forgotten how much we infuriate each other, and that she somehow fills me with both irritation and desire in the same breath.There’s nobody more skilled at stealth ops than me. I can bring this killer down. Right after I take a cold shower. And just as soon as I figure out how to make a skinny peppermint latte with milk poured in the shape of a kitten...Show Notes:- Sponsored promo for Driven by Rebecca Zanetti (00:00:05 - 00:02:00)- Welcome to the ultimate millennial meme-maker, Sara Runnels- The art of sliding into someone's DM's- Be honest, original, and thoughtful (aka be "hot")- Airline copywriting by day, tweets and humor by night - The heyday of MTV...- Read Sara's work in the The New Yorker - "Dating Terms Inspired by Catfishing" (00:12:14)- Write from authentic experiences- Introducing Loverboy and The Company series (00:16:26)- Sarah's prior relationship with romance novels - The problem with "beach reads" (00:20:02)- Overall impressions- No baristas in New York City??- Soap opera family drama- Coffee porn FTW (00:38:40)- Not as much heat as expected...- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:47:37)- Bondage... with a purpose- A threesome (with her hormones)- Next up in the series?- Heart, Humor, and Heat Ratings (01:02:01)- Final thoughts and wrap-up - "Balls out, all-in"Books Mentioned: - Wallbanger by Alice Clayton- A Cowboy for All Seasons by Maisey YatesFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is brought to you by The Duke Heist, the first installment in the Wild Wynchesters series by New York Times bestselling author, Erica Ridley.*Stay tuned for a free sample (the first three chapters) of the audiobook for The Duke Heist at the end of this episode*The Novel:The Rogue to Ruin (Misadventures in Matchmaking #3)The Author: Vivienne Lorret The Not-so-Noobie:Ariana Marie IG: @ArianaReadsBooksTwitter: @Ariana_MariexoThe Synopsis: The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.*Content Warnings* (Courtesy of b.andherbooks): Ainsley's former fiancée physically abused her, verbally abused her, and sexually assaulted her. He almost rapes her when she tried to break it off with him (all events are described and do not happen on the page). He does return and tries to catch her in the house, but she is able to hide from him and the cat attacks him. The cat is hurt in the attack and the reader and Ainsley and Reed do not know if the cat is dead or not for some time. I was worried y'all! The cat lives. Show Notes:- Sponsored promo for The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley (00:00:05 - 00:02:30)- Get ready for a bonus Steamy Spotlight interview...- Welcoming Ariana, a not-so-noobie to the podcast- Shoutout to Between the Covers Romance Book Club- Playful pets in romance novels- A few of Ariana's romance recs- Introducing The Rogue to Ruin (00:13:50)- Kelly and Ariana as "noobie" historical romance readers- A brief synopsis for The Rogue to Ruin (00:16:37)- Overall impression: a slow start, but surprisingly powerful- A potential hand fetish? (00:21:09)- Our hero: Reed Sterling- Content Warning for the Book (00:26:15)- Two survivors, one story!- Bringing back the "prank wars" trope- A couple petty notes... - Update... Raven DOES have a book: My Kind of Earl- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:49:35)- Twist ending?- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:01:25)- Please send us your hilarious historical romance recs!- Our sincerest apologies for our ignorance surrounding historical romance- Please enjoy a sample of the audiobook for The Duke Heist (01:08:16 - 01:59:58)Books Recommended: - The Sweetest Fix by Tessa Bailey- Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (Coming Soon!)Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is brought to you by The Duke Heist, the first installment in the Wild Wynchesters series by New York Times bestselling author, Erica Ridley.Summary:Author Madeleine Henry joins Kelly to discuss her latest release, The Love Proof. Discussion topics include Madeleine's journey from finance to fiction, our obsession with food porn, and an *EXCLUSIVE PEEK* at one of Madeleine's upcoming writing projects. Guest: Madeleine HenryIG: @madeleinehenryyogaShow Notes: - Sponsored Promo for The Duke Heist (00:00:05 - 00:03:30) - Grab a copy of FREE prequel story, The Governess Gambit- Introducing yogi and author, Madeleine Henry- Check out Madeleine's yoga-gram- Transitioning from finance to flexibility and fiction - Madeleine's first book: Breathe In, Cash Out- From Sci-Fi to romance- Madeleine's latest novel, The Love Proof- Writers reading romance (00:14:40)- Women in STEM- Genderless/Colorless vs. Gender Conscious- Invite Madeleine to your next book club (00:21:35)- Madeleine's Spotify Playlists for The Love Proof- Spotify playlists = the modern mixtape- Putting yourself in your books (00:33:07)- Think less, feel more- "Slowing down" mode and recharging the batteries- Writing the future in fiction (00:41:48)- An environmentally-friendly future? Sign me up!- Hopeful takeaways from the book (00:45:41)- Coming Soon-ish: Food Fight - An EXCLUSIVE peek at Madeleine's next book (00:50:00)- Advice for "noobie" romance readers (00:51:17)- Wrapping up with Madeleine HenryBooks Recommended:The Girl in the Love Song by Emma Scott Beach Read by Emily HenryFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is brought to you by Fairy Godmothers, Inc., the first installment in a new Para-Rom-Com series by Saranna DeWylde.The Novel:Something New (Holiday Springs Resort #6)The Author: B. Ivy WoodsThe Noobies:Torry, Host of Ready to Be Petty IG: @rtbppodcastTwitter: @rtbppodcastThe Synopsis:A jilted bride and an overwhelmed banker from New York are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime that neither of them saw coming. Sometimes love happens at the most unexpected times and places.Romance writer, Nicole Ford, always believed in happy endings. Until her own groom left her standing at the altar. Determined to make her own happiness, she sets off for their romantic honeymoon at Holiday Springs, alone.Barrett Pierce, an investment banker from the Big Apple, may have gotten himself in a little hot water and needs to take a break before he's in too deep. Fleeing to the mountains, he has one plan - clearing his head and figuring out a way to fix his mistakes.Neither of them were looking for romance, but they sure found each other and discovered a passion they couldn’t ignore. Forget something old, and something blue...this time these two lovebirds have found something brand new.Escape to the romantic paradise of Holiday Springs and warm up with your next happily ever after. Show Notes:- Sponsored promo for Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Saranna DeWylde - Introducing Torry, host of Ready to Be Petty (RTBP)- Our shared passion for reality television- Chris Harrison's erotica and "The Bachelor" (00:07:19)- The differences between romance and erotic (00:10:01)- Boobies & Noobies: After Dark with Chris Harrison?- Bridgerton and Torry's introduction to romance novels (00:13:49)- Remembering Cosmo's erotic stories- Some outdated assumptions about romance novels- Something New and the Holiday Springs Resort Series (00:24:26)- The "switching of the guard" in romance novel universes- The synopsis for Something New (00:28:55)- Ode to the "vacation fling" trope- Let the pettiness begin...- Seduction via bubble baths- The Holiday Springs Cinematic Universe (HSCU) - Mojitos in winter?? - A few steamy (and cringeworthy) sexcerpts (00:52:02)- It could've been a Dateline episode- Who's really f*cking all night long?- When sexual euphemisms and baking terms collide- Moving beyond the common "misunderstanding" (01:04:12)- Heart, Heat, & Humor Ratings (01:09:29)- Romantic Gestures with Too Stupid to Live- More romance for Torry?Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*
 

This episode is brought to you by The Rancher Meets His Match, the fourth Western romance in the Millers of Morgan Valley series by Kate Pearce.The Novel:Party Favors (So Over the Holidays #4)The Author: Erin McLellanThe Noobies:Jessica, Host of Deconstructing Damsels IG: @damselspodcastTwitter: @damselspodcastThe Synopsis:Three…Amanda Ellis knows three things: she’s tired of doing what’s expected of her, she hates her job at her family’s business, and the last thing she wants to do is attend her parents’ boring New Year’s Eve ball with a date her mother picked. A few days of fun with her online best friend is exactly what she needs to ring in the New Year on her own terms.Two…Wren Rebello is impulsive and always ready for fun. A last-minute girls’ getaway sounds like the perfect way to spend New Year’s. But even Wren isn’t prepared for the spark of attraction she feels when she meets Amanda in person for the first time. Good thing Wren loves popping Amanda’s cork.One…After days spent sharing end-of-year resolutions and the one bed in their cottage, the clock strikes midnight and the ball drops on their time together. As Amanda and Wren go their separate ways, they leave new resolutions unfulfilled. Is there enough New Year’s magic left to turn their online friendship into real-life love?Show Notes:- Sponsored promo for The Rancher Meets His Match by Kate Pearce - 2021 Themes - Get a sneak peek on Patreon- Welcoming Jessica Hannan, host of Deconstructing Damsels - Kicking off a new year with a great book!- Finding your "comfortable" in romance: historical vs. contemporary- A few (too many) words on "America's Next Top Model" (00:10:40)- Introducing Party Favors (00:17:38)- Throwback to our Stocking Stuffers episode- Non-shaming and nontraditional - Erin McLellan, Suleikha Snyder, Rebekah Weatherspoon- A short synopsis for Party Favors- Overall Impressions (00:25:04)- Friendship goals- New-old year resolutions- Any excuse to be naked- The orgy t-shirt we all need (00:38:41)- Ever-evolving body standards and plastic surgery- Ode to verbal foreplay... and Shrek's dick (00:54:10)- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:59:24)- Gimme! That! Foreplay!- Trust & Sex- Heart, Heat, & Humor Ratings (01:06:35)- Found family and friendships across genders (in historical romance): Tessa Dare and Martha Waters - Wrapping things up!Shoutouts: - Podcasts: My Worst Date, Heaving Bosoms- IG: PeaceLoveBooksxo, RemarkablyLisa, & LaceyBookLovers- YouTube: Allison Pregler (reacts to Modelland), Brad Mondo (hairdresser reacts to ANTM)Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*
 

Summary:Melissa Croce, joins Kelly to discuss her debut book, Single and Forced to Mingle: A Guide for (Nearly) Any Socially Awkward Situation. Other topics include a few favorite 2020 reads, the difficulties of online dating, and a round of "Dear Aunt Carol" MadLibs, straight from Melissa's book.  Guest: Melissa Croce Show Notes: - From viral Twitter post to published author, meet Melissa Croce- Cheers to a new (and hopefully better) year!- Smart goals and resolutions- Redefining your "Daily Rhythm" - Setting the tone for 2021 with Melissa's book (00:13:37)- Melissa's viral "Why I'm Single" brochure - Translating a whirlwind, viral moment to a debut book- Millennials in a nut shell - Validating choice (00:24:59)- A quick excerpt to set the tone- The best things about singlehood (00:30:25)- Learning how to say, "No."- Women as emotional anchors (00:34:37)- The worst things about singlehood (00:36:47)- A few words on professional cuddlers...- Melissa's love of romance (00:42:24)- Melissa's Romance Rec: If I Never Met You- Kelly's Romance Rec: Make Me Hate You (You can listen to our Book Club review, too!)- Aunt Carol MadLibs (00:54:59)- Tips for improving your dating profile (01:01:25)- Society's always going to want more from you...- Wrapping up with Melissa Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:Being Merry (Desert Rose Hook-ups Book #3)The Author: Meka JamesThe Noobie: MK McFadden The Synopsis:Goodwill towards others never felt so good…Noelle Cameron won’t let being basically homeless in a new state dampen her Christmas spirit.Thanks to her coworker, she has a temporary housing possibility. However, her new potential roommate is about as welcoming as the Grinch. But Noelle refuses to let scowls and snide remarks about her festive attire steal her joy. Winning over the cranky Lennox will be a victory sweeter than sugar cookies.Lennox Sutton doesn’t want to live with anyone. Unfortunately, one well delivered guilt trip from her sister means taking in the woman wearing a reindeer headband and an attitude that goes past glass half full to it completely spilling over. Now she’s stuck with a person who embodies everything Lennox dislikes about the holiday season. But beneath the ugly sweaters shines someone whose company Lennox could enjoy.A meddling sister and a dash of Christmas magic might have these two polar opposites finding new ways to enjoy the season of giving.Show Notes: - The final day of Boobsmas 2020!!- MK and Kelly wanted more from "Happiest Season" (00:02:04)- Listen to MK in our Once Ghosted, Twice Shy , An Extraordinary Union, and Evolution of the Romantic Comedy episodes - Our go-to Christmas movies - Holiday TV movie recs: "My Christmas Inn" and "A Gingerbread Romance", both starring Tia Mowry - A little bit about Dolly Parton's Christmas flick on Netflix- Introducing The Desert Rose series (00:18:22)- Grown ass adult kisses, please!- Falling in love AND staying in love- A brief synopsis for Being Merry (00:25:55)- Let the girl wear her damn antlers...- Girls who game- "Congrats on your sex."- Some steamy sexcerpts... and solo sexual gratification (00:39:44)- All for "marital aids"- There's a lid for every pot- We can't all be bakers or billionaires- When Mariah says you can...- A very merry "U-Haul" ending (00:56:30)- When do their periods sync up?- Heart, Humor, Heat, & Holiday Ratings (01:01:35)- Stay home, stay safe- We don't have time to put stuff up our butts this Christmas!- The 12th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin - See you in January for Season 4!!Giveaway Winner:IG: @victoria7401Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: It's a Fabulous Life

The Author: Kelly Farmer

The Guest: Jessica Buck, San Diego Public Library

The Synopsis:
After years of putting aside her dreams of travel and adventure, Bailey George is ready to leave Lanford Falls and her responsibilities behind on a long-awaited vacation to New York City. But when the volunteer who took over her leadership position for the town's Winter Wonderfest has a medical emergency, Bailey finds herself stuck in Lanford Falls. She gets roped into reassuming her old role, not wanting to let the town or her friends and family down.

Staying home seems slightly less terrible when Bailey runs into her high school crush, Maria Hatcher. A kiss they shared years ago in the town's mistletoe grove was a life-defining moment for them both. Maria quickly offers to pitch in and help with Winter Wonderfest. Her sunny disposition and holiday cheer perk up Bailey's grinchy feelings about everything.

However, one disaster after another snowball on the day of the festival. Bailey’s frustration boils over, and she ends up on the town's old wooden bridge. There, she meets fabulous drag queen Clara Angel. Bailey declares that she wishes she hadn’t been born in this Christmas-obsessed, suffocating small town. With a little of the magic Clara possesses, she shows Bailey how wrong she is about Lanford Falls and her place in it. And that with a little hope and some true holiday spirit, there is a way to attain all her dreams.

Show Notes:
- The 10th Day of Boobsmas
- San Diego Public Library (SDPL) Matchbook - ask a librarian to "make you a match"
- Check out Listener's Advisory Podcast's upcoming romance novel series
- Romance is for everyone. Stop stigmatizing it.
- Introducing today's Boobsmas read (00:12:40)
- A not-so-brief synopsis for It's a Fabulous Life (00:14:54)
- From the perspective of one "It's a Wonderful Life" fan and one who won't watch it
- One heck of an acknowledgment (00:20:20)
- Count the "It's a Wonderful Life" references
- The fantasy of moving to a small town... vs. reality (00:28:49)
- A smut-free holiday read
- What's your drag queen name? (00:37:34)
- Some fun behind-the-scenes factoids about "It's a Wonderful Life" (00:44:14)
- Can women fall in love with men their age? Or younger?
- The 10th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin

Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase MY holiday novellas, Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually now!!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

The Novel:A Very Witchy YuletideThe Author: D. LieberThe Noobie: Annie Hex, Owner of Hex Poetry ApothecaryThe Synopsis:First love is hard to forget, and even harder to ignore…Evergreen Pendre wasn’t planning on going home for Yule. But when her Mom tells her the old coven is coming for a visit, she wants to see everyone. Well, almost everyone.After four and a half years, Sawyer Collins finally has a chance to reconnect with his first love, Eeva Pendre. He might have been too shy to tell her how he felt before, but he’s changed. And he’s determined not to let her slip away this time.As the coven prepares for Yule, they are reminded that not everyone has the holiday spirit in this contemporary Pagan holiday romance.Show Notes: - Ringing in the penultimate Boobsmas episode with Annie Hex- More magic in our lives- Hex Apothecary's "poetry experiences"- The "joy-spreading, big queer-mobile" and Rose Tour (00:07:32)- A tarot reading care package for Christmas?- Reclaiming the holidays (00:15:23)- Introducing "Cool Yule"- A brief synopsis of A Very Witchy Yuletide (00:20:20)- Chosen family for the holidays- A little more on Yule- Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas (00:33:57)- Family goals and Cat Moms- More shy and sensitive men in 2021 (00:39:49)- Condoms in every room- A few steamy sexcerpts (00:48:13)- Heart, Humor, Heat, & Holiday Ratings (00:55:07)- Future romance reads - Lesbian love poems- The 11th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:IG: @erin.readsromanceFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:One Winter's Night The Author: Kiley DunbarThe Noobie: Jared GoodeMidnight Musicals (Coming in 2021)The Synopsis:A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where magic happens…It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!Show Notes: - Kicking off the 10th Day of Boobsmas with Jared Goode- From Hotter than Ever to One Winter's Night... it's all in the titles- Introducing Midnight Musicals, a new musical podcast (00:04:05)- "You Don't Nomi", the "Showgirls" documentary. You can listen to Kelly discuss "Showgirls" and the documentary on Victims & Villains.- Where to find and follow Midnight Musicals - Talking holiday traditions (00:17:50) - Now That's What I Call the Goode Family Christmas - Dolly Parton: the only thing missing from One Winter's Night- The intro and synopsis to One Winter's Night (00:28:17)- Not your usual romance novel set-up...- A sample of Kiley's stunning imagery (00:37:35)- The romanticism of Stratford- Blythe... the lost Golden Girl- Another "cilantro read"?- A few steamy-ish sexcerpts (00:52:58)- Heart, Humor, Heat, & Holiday Ratings (00:58:20) - "While You Were Sleeping" - Gin Jam and Winter Whimsy- Jet Blue-bies and Noobies- The 10th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:IG: @mermaid0dreamerFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is brought to you by Don't Look, the latest release from New York Times bestselling author, Alexandra Ivy. The Novel:Sweet on YouThe Author: Carla de GuzmanThe Noobies: Elizabeth & Desiree, Hosts of Really Reading Romance Book ClubEast City BooksThe Synopsis:All’s fair in love and prank warsFor barista and café owner Sari Tomas, Christmas means parols, family and no-holds-barred karaoke contests. This year, though, a new neighbor is throwing a wrench in all her best-laid plans. The baker next door—“some fancy boy from Manila”—might have cute buns, but when he tries to poach her customers with cheap coffee and cheaper tactics, the competition is officially on.And Baker Boy better be ready, because Sari never loses.Foodie extraordinaire Gabriel Capras wants to prove to his dad that his career choice doesn’t make him any less a man. The Laneways might not be Manila, but the close-knit community is the perfect spot to grow his bakery into a thriving business. He wasn’t expecting a gorgeous adversary in the barista next door, but flirting with her makes his heart race, and it’s not just the caffeine.It’s winner takes all this Christmas. And more than one competitor might just lose their heart for the holidays. Show Notes: - Promo for Don't Look by Alexandra Ivy- Welcome Destinee and Elizabeth, hosts of Really Reading Romance, East City Books' romance book club- All about the book club!- D & E's romance-ish meet cute (00:05:39)- "Food porn" romance recs: The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan and Simmer Down by Sarah Smith- Favorite holiday eats and treats- Humid in the summer or freezing in the winter?- Horny for Christmas (00:19:32)- Introducing Sweet on You (00:21:47)- Celebrating Christmas outside of America - Faith in romance novels - A few words about "Happiest Season" (again)- #FamilyGoals in romance novels- Therapy in romance recs: Snapped by Alexa Martin and Not Suitable for Work by Skye McDonald (00:34:08)- Don't forget about the Dedication and Acknowledgements - "Prank Wars", the new enemies-to-lovers (00:42:45)- Prank Wars in romance recs: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle, The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa, To Have and To Hoaxby Martha Waters- A "10 Things I Hate About You" throwback- A few sexy kisses... and a little something something (00:51:07)- Consent vs. "Backing Out"- What do you want to see more of in romance? (01:00:18)- Shoutout to Romance Class- A few favorite reads from 2020: The Write Escape by Charish Reid, The Roommate by Rosie Danan, The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe, and Office Hours by Katrina Jackson (01:05:37)- Kelly's go-to Lani Lynn Vale series- Heart, Humor, Heat & Holiday Ratings (01:11:19) - The rules for Baby Jesus- On The Pool Boy heat scale... - The 9th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:Twitter: @MeganB0629IG: @ilikeoldbooks1213     @cooking_with_my_cozys     @crystal__mercedesFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:A Crown for Christmas The Author: Rachel Van Dyken The Noobie: Becky Feldman, Host of Too Stupid to Live The Synopsis:The first time I met Fitz or to most of the world Duke Fitzegerald Heraldo Belleville, I punched him in the throat.I was actually aiming for his chin, but he was a few years older, clearly not wiser, but at least taller. He started wheezing on his candy cane. And well, the rest is history.Hate replaced what could have been friendship, and for the rest of my teen years, I watched him flirt with every single breathing female. I hated him. Plotted his death with a smile on my face. And knew that my first decree as Queen would be to chop off his head. Except now that I'm finally old enough to inherit the title, there's one tiny little slip-up...I need a man by my side.The problem?I may have accidentally scared them all away. I have no options. Until the devil rings my doorbell with a wicked grin on his face and revenge dancing like sugarplums in his gaze. I hate that I need him. It's a serious problem.We have twelve days before we say I do. I just pray we survive without killing each other first.Show Notes: - Welcome back, Becky Feldman! Catch Becky in our November Book Club review of Wicked Truths. - Too Stupid to Live's Hanukkah romance review of Revving Up for the Holidays.- The Hanukkah romance that Becky wants to read (00:05:33)- A few brief words on "Happiest Season"...- Becky's book recommendation: Cold Wicked Lies by Toni Anderson- A Hallmark movie recommendation: "Double Holiday"- Lifetime vs. Hallmark vs. Netflix (00:16:31)- Welcome to Vague Europe- America's obsession with the monarchy- Introducing today's royal read (00:24:02)- Our Steamy Spotlight interview with Rachel Van Dyken - Phillipa Soo and the late great Fitzwilliam- A Crown for Christmas and "The Crown"- The philosophy of "Aladdin" (00:39:30)- A winter book, rather than a Christmas book- "Getting involuntarily wet"- A few memorable kisses (00:52:49)- Weirdo candy cane flavors- Check out My Worst Date Podcast vs. Bud Light Seltzer Ugly Sweater Pack on Patreon- Heart, Humor, Heat & Holiday Ratings (01:01:39)- Send us your contemporary royal romance recommendations!- Becky's future Hanukkah romance- The 8th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:Twitter: @iunfoldFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:Miracles and MenorahsThe Author: Stacey AgdernThe Noobie: Miri SmithThe Synopsis:Sarah Goldman loves Hanukkah, and she's thrilled to be appointed as vice chair of the Hollowville Hanukkah Festival. So when the festival is threatened with cancellation, she comes up with an idea: a new slogan and advertising campaign topped off with a metal menorah large enough to fill the center of town. But even though her heart and dreams are large, the committee's budget constraints threaten to stop her grand plans right in their tracks.Famous metal sculptor Isaac Lieberman also loves Hanukkah. But his vision of a perfect Hanukkah isn't a commercial community event--it's spending time with family, following age-old traditions. He's not interested in the festival, no matter how many times his grandmother, his bubbe, asks him to contribute one of his sculptures.Then Sarah comes tumbling into his life...can she change his mind about more than just the holidays?Show Notes: - Be sure to check out our December Steamy Spotlight interview with Stacey Agdern- Celebrating the 7th Day of Boobsmas (and the 1st Day of Boobsmakkuh) with Miri Smith- A very merry meet cute - Listen to Miri's previous episode of Boobies & Noobies - our review of Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas- Miri's recommended read: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin- Introducing Miracles and Menorahs (00:09:37)- The varying forms of Judaism and Hanukkah celebrations- "I mean we're Jewish... there's always something to talk about."- Sour cream vs. Apple sauce - A brief synopsis for Miracles and Menorahs (00:20:20)- All the Yiddish we wish we knew...- The artistic male character- Gossip and food porn (00:31:40)- Stepping on cultural reality's toes...- Don't say "Christmas" in Hanukkah romance (00:49:04)- Looking back on Eight Cozy Nights, our Hanukkah romance read from Boobsmas 2019- All the Purim romance please!- See Stacey Agdern's Spotify playlist - Heart, Humor, Heat & Holiday Ratings (01:02:31) - The 7th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper BaldwinGiveaway Winner:IG: romance.in.the.wildFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

Summary:Happy Boobsmakkuh! Author Stacey Agdern joins the podcast to discuss her brand new Hanukkah romance release, Miracles and Menorahs. Additional topics include our favorite Hallmark holiday movies, diverse representation (or the lack thereof) in holiday stories, and of course, the great latke debate... applesauce or sour cream? Look out for our upcoming review of Stacey's debut novel, Miracles and Menorahs for The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Guest:Stacey AgdernShow Notes: - Happy Boobsmakkuh with Stacey Agdern- Stacey's book, Miracles and Menorahs, the first in her Friendships and Festivals series. - Celebrating Hanukkah-a-palooza (00:02:50)- Eggnog, latkes, and peeps, oh my!- Stacey's romance origin story - Until Forever by Johanna Lindsey and Waiting for Nick by Nora Roberts (00:11:02)- Finding emotional development in romance novels- Without Remorse by Tom Clancy- Becoming a romance writer... without really knowing it (00:16:20)- Romance as a subjective genre- "Holidays" vs. "Christmas" Romance (00:22:30)- Miracles and Menorahs, Stacey's first novel- Welcome to Hollowville's Hanukkah Festival!- Hallmark movies and a warm, fuzzy blanket (00:28:35)- The Rogue Series featuring Stacey Agdern- Diversity in holiday movies- A few favorite TV Christmas movies- Stacey's Spotify Playlists (00:42:15)- Miracles and Menorahs Spotify Playlist- The future of the Friendships and Festivals series- The imaginary project file- Find and follow Stacey (00:51:04)- Shoutout to The Ripped Bodice and Love's Sweet Arrow - shop your local bookstores this season!Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novella:Mistletoe DetourThe Author: Kate PearceThe Noobies: Michelle Jace The Synopsis:When Morgan Valley rancher Ted Baker gets out his tow truck to pick up a snowbound driver, he doesn’t expect to find his old school friend Veronica on the lam with her pet pig—much less true love—just in time for Christmas...*This is one of three novellas featured in the anthology series, Christmas Kisses with my CowboyShow Notes: - The 6th Day of Boobsmas - Introducing my favorite "Chicken Tender", Michelle- Life on the High Desert Farm (RIP Gobbles) - Our history with Kate Pearce cowboy books (00:06:44)- Holiday talk - No rules, just joy- Mistletoe Detour Intro & Synopsis (00:21:25)- Michelle's Stefan-esque review of the story- Ted Baker... luxury brand or the only man in town?- Be sure to listen to Michelle in our reviews of Where Have All the Cowboys Gone and An Unexpected Gift- Hot washing machine sex and ironing board porn (00:33:32)- Our Ted Talk on ironing - Going home for the holidays as an adult - Keep an eye out for pigs!- A brief California geography lesson - Ode to bacon and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" (00:53:48)- A couple of steamy sexcerpts (00:57:45)- Awkward realism, because UTI's...- Heart, Humor, Heat, & Holiday Ratings (01:07:21)- Kate Pearce stans for life - The 6th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:IG: hookedonbooks2Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:Gigolo All the WayThe Author: JN WelshThe Noobie: Kelly "Nerdzilla" MendenhallThe Medical Gaslighting PodcastThe Synopsis:All Noelle "Elle" Rudolph wants this Christmas is for her Caribbean family to back off. Sick and tired of the constant ridicule and nagging about her nonexistent love life makes her want to skip the holidays altogether. After all, she's happy with her friends, her work, and her quaint and charming Brownstone apartment. But when her friend gives her an idea to appease her family, Elle's curiosity is sparked.It's time to break a few rules...Hiring an elite gigolo from an escort service isn't exactly her fairytale, but Elle's desperate for some solace this season. Encountering Nicolas "Cole" Partridge isn't the magic and make-believe she'd hoped for. But Cole knows they can pull off the facade easily and effectively. What Elle doesn't expect is the fire that burns under the mistletoe. As the lines blur between business and pleasure, will Elle get more than she's ever wanted this holiday?Show Notes: - Happy 5th Day of Boobsmas- Introducing the "other" Kelly, podcaster, author, and Spoonie- Listen to Kelly in our Calling It episode - An inside look at Kelly's "surgery collection" and an introduction to medical gaslighting.- Dr. Nicole Falls or author Nicole Falls?- The Medical Gaslighting Project (00:20:05)- "It takes an hour longer for a woman in the emergency room to receive pain medication."- Spoonie Tips from Kelly- "Dick is never the answer to chronic health conditions."- National Women's Health Week in May 9-15, 2021- Thank you for listening to Kelly's Ted Talk!- Introducing today's reading, Gigolo All the Way (00:29:15)- Taking an extraordinary situation and making it believable- Redefining sex workers in romance novels- Stop fighting nice guys, ladies!- A Caribbean Christmas (00:51:37)- Giving AND receiving blessings - Shoutout to Skye and Becky on Too Stupid to Live - A few steamy sexcerpts (01:02:07) - The impracticalities of car sex- Heart, Humor, Heat & Holiday Ratings (01:10:15)- Holiday Talk (01:14:29)- Join us Friday December 11th on IGTV for the final giveaway!!- The 5th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:IG: cozycaffereaderFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novella:Blame it on the Mistletoe The Author: Marina AdairThe Noobies: Joelle ("Mouse") and Julianne ("Weens")Mouse and Weens PodcastThe Synopsis:To claim his slice of the family ranch, Texas Ranger Noah is forced back to Tucker’s Crossing. All he expects to find is a tractor load of painful memories—until a holiday storm, a power outage—and perhaps the magic of Christmas—deliver him to rescue an intriguing woman named Faith. But just who’s rescuing whom?*This is one of three novellas featured in the anthology series, Christmas Kisses with my CowboyShow Notes: - The 4th Day of Boobsmas- Mouse and Weens make me an honorary sister- Making things extra cozy, extra early in 2020- Real tree vs. Fake tree (00:05:06)- California Christmas traditions - Road trips lead to the best ideas (00:17:04)- "A creative womb"- Chunky babies have to stick togther!- Introducing Blame it on the Mistletoe (00:22:09)- Our history with romance: from Judy Blume to Princess Daisy - To sex up Christmas or not to sex up Christmas?- A true cowboy romance story (00:26:07)- Psychology of a character... and murderer- Ginger bears and petty notes (00:39:13)- How many euphemisms can we find for "ornaments"?- Don't be such a stocking stuffer!- Dinkies vs. Twinkies - Naughty Words for Nice Writers: A Romance Novel Thesaurus - Marina Adair's Romeantically Challenged - Mariah Carey vs. Gretchen Weiners in A Christmas Melody - A few winks, a handful of nods, and a bunch of box talk (00:50:31)- No steamy sexcerpts, but we love the blush!- Gingerbread, cinnamon rolls, and cookies, oh my!- Dirty holiday cookies FTW (00:58:02)- Heart, Humor, Heat and Holiday Ratings (01:00:26)- Wrapping up with Mouse & Weens & romance (01:09:07)- Join us Friday December 11th on IGTV for the final giveaway!!- The 4th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:Twitter: HEAorBustFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel:A Highlander is Coming to Town (Highland, Georgia #3)The Author: Laura TrenthamThe Noobie: Angela Maria Hart Angela's YouTube: @booksaremyhartCozy Mystery Book ClubThe Synopsis:You better watch out. . .Holt Pierson is dreading Christmas. His parents absconded to Florida for the season and left him to handle the family farm which will be his one day―whether he wants it or not. Driven by duty, Holt has always followed the path expected of him. But lately, he’s been questioning what he wants and where he belongs. Will assuming the responsibility of the Pierson farm make him happy or is there something―or someone―else out in the wider world calling to him?To Claire Smythe, the Scottish lead singer of a touring band, Highland, Georgia, is the perfect place to hide . . .until a very handsome and deeply curious Holt begins to ask all the questions Claire doesn’t want to answer. As Holt draws Claire out from under and into the fabric of small-town life, can Claire put the past behind her and embrace the unexpected gifts of the season―including the new and lasting love?Show Notes: - The 3rd Day of Boobsmas - Welcoming Angela Hart, the founder of Cozy Mystery Book Club- Angela's Romance Rec: Alexa Riley and Read Me Romance - It's not too late to check out The 12 Days of Cozies (00:06:59) - Talking holiday traditions and Jingle Jolly Lane- Angela's Cozy Mystery Christmas Rec: The Santaland Slayings, Let it Snow, and How the Dukes Stole Christmas (00:18:40)- A brief love letter to Tessa Dare- Introducing today's reading, A Highlander is Coming to Town (00:22:53)- The most masculine hero name in the history of hero names- A quick synopsis for A Highlander is Coming to Town (00:27:37)- The "romantic foreigner" trope - Stop doubting perfect book boyfriends like Holt Pierson!- "Bring out the horse."- Scottish festivities over holiday festivities - The Hallmark holiday movie of your dreams... but with sex.- A slightly steamy sexcerpt (01:02:25)- An extra grade for Scottish? - Heart, Humor, Heat and Holiday Ratings (01:06:08)- Not an Alexa Riley or Nikki Sloane...- Wrapping up with Angela and a giveaway (01:16:35)- Join us Friday December 11th on IGTV for the final giveaway!!- The 3rd Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin Giveaway Winner:Facebook: Mackenzie EganFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novel: The Santa Pageant

The Author: Lillian Barry

The Guest: Amanda, from Talk About Swoon

The Synopsis: Ten years ago, best friends Effie and Tove kissed in the bushes at Winter Ball…and then stood there like lemons, as if they weren’t crushing on each other so hard it hurt. In the confusion, their friendship fizzled, and Tove walked into the sunset with some guy who had nice hair.

Now a cocksure twenty-five-year-old with secretly appalling self-esteem, Effie enters the Santa of the Year Pageant to prove to her unsupportive family that Santa could, in fact, be a lesbian. Enter Tove, the grumpiest Santa in the grotto, back on the island after a harrowing break-up with Nice Hair Guy and using the Pageant to reconnect with the world.

As the Pageant eliminates Santa after Santa, Effie and Tove clash over their past: the kiss that drove them apart, and the fears the last ten years have etched into their worldviews. Effie must let go of others’ opinions and learn to love herself, and Tove must move forward despite there being no guarantee they won’t be hurt again… Or they risk losing each other a second time.

Show Notes:
- The 9th Day of Boobsmas
- Amanda's Santa Romance Recs are FIRE
- What's your Christmas Aesthetic?
- A few words on nutcrackers...
- Introducing today's Boobsmas pick (00:11:41)
- A synopsis for The Santa Pageant plus a LOT of Britishisms (00:12:58)
- Sunshine characters that aren't really sunshine-y
- Holiday romance that takes place in other countries and climates
- Identifying your needs (00:25:30)
- A few steamy sexcerpts... that are worth the LONG wait (00:30:57)
- Some surprising heat
- Santa Trivia! (00:37:24)
- The 9th Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper Baldwin

Other News:
December 1st marks the start of The 12 Days of Boobsmas. Tune in for new podcast episodes, new giveaways, and more holiday romance recommendations, all month long!

Purchase MY holiday novellas, Meet Me in Los Feliz and Venice Actually now!!

Follow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast, on TikTok @realkellyrey, and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.

The Novel:Holidate (Dating #3)The Author: Monica MurphyThe Noobies: Alanna ReganThe Synopsis:Candice Gaines loves Christmas. Not only does she bask in the twinkling lights, sing Christmas carols and go crazy with the decorations, she’s also in the giving spirit, donating much of her time and wealth to various charities in the local area.Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.Show Notes: - The 2nd Day of Boobsmas is here!- Remembering the emo 2000's with my guest, Alanna- Middle school fashion faux-pas...- The struggle of celebrating the holidays with multiple families in multiple places (00:05:34)- Traveling during the 2020 Holiday Season- Hallmark movie rec: "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"- Creating new holiday traditions during the pandemic- The great debate on holiday music (00:12:31)- Kelly's favorite "winter cafe jams" - Introducing Holidate by Monica Murphy - NOT the Netflix movie (00:15:36)- Holidate vs. "Holidate" (Netflix)- The not-so-quick synopsis (and a potential drinking game?)- A California Christmas story- Wall Street billionaire meets Christmas tree lot owner?- Serial killers can own Christmas tree farms, too... (00:38:09)- Surprise amnesia?!?- Opposites attract- A few flirty KISScerpts (00:50:05)- Heart, Humor, Heat and Holidays (00:55:11)- Wrapping up with Alanna- The 2nd Day of Boobsmas giveaway (01:02:30)- The 2nd Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper BaldwinGiveaway Winner:Facebook: Nicole BoedeckerFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

The Novella:Noelle the First (Holliday Sisters #1)The Author: Nicole FallsThe Noobies: Bridget, Co-host of Romance at a Glance PodcastThe Synopsis:Despite sharing a birthday with the holiday, Christmas just wasn't Noelle's thing. As a kid she had been in love with the holiday, but adult Noelle just saw it as another day to get through.Jay has moved back home after a breakup and is looking to reconnect with his childhood bestie. Cooking up a scheme to get her in the holiday spirit with her sisters, he's determined to bring back to the old Noelle.With a combination of nostalgia, Christmas magic and a little bit of mistletoe, Noelle the First is a tale of old friends finding their way back to each other and more.Show Notes: - Happy 12 Days of Boobsmas! - Welcome Bridget, co-host of Romance at a Glance - Celebrating Christmas October through December- The Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis crossover- An actual "White Christmas": Yay or Nay?- Adjusting holiday traditions per the pandemic (00:06:41)- Bridget's boozy holiday beverage recommendations (00:09:05)- Kelly's ode to Cocomotion- Romance at a Glance's Holiday Read Recs: Ribbons and Os by R.E. Hargrave and The Beast by Katee Robert - A short synopsis for Noelle the First from the Holliday Sisters series (00:19:47)- More heat in holiday romance - The most epic holiday bar crawl- "You better burn this bitch to the ground!"- A love letter to the Hollidays... and holidays (00:38:34)- Sharing your birthday with a holiday - A sexcerpt and some cute quotes from children (00:44:10)- Thoughts and prayers for throuples! - Heart, Heat, Humor AND Holiday Ratings (00:51:54)- Kelly's Holiday Reading Recs: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren, Stocking Stuffers by Erin McLellan, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Scandal featuring Nicola Davidson- Wrapping up with the 1st Day of Boobsmas giveaway (01:02:47)- The 1st Day of Boobsmas jingle courtesy of Cooper BaldwinGiveaway Winner:IG: stacy.swim.divaFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook @boobiespodcast and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*

This episode is brought to you by If the Boot Fits, the latest second book in Rebekah Weatherspoon's Cowboys of California series. The Novel:Wicked Truths (The Hunt Legacy Duology #2)The Author:Jodi Ellen MalpasThe Not-so-Noobie:Becky, Host of Too Stupid to LiveThe Synopsis:A desperate passion, a dangerous love story...Eleanor Cole had no idea that when she met the charmingly irresistible Becker Hunt, she was putting her life on the line. So when she discovers his secrets, escape seems to be her only option - but Becker isn't ready to let Eleanor go.She knows better than to fall into his corrupt world again, but how long can she resist when he's stolen her heart?Eleanor must make a choice, to stay and follow Becker into the heart of the danger...or risk losing him forever!Becker Hunt is back and this time he's not letting Eleanor walk away..Show Notes:- Promo for If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon (00:00:05 - 00:02:14)- Welcome to the November Book Club with Becky- The 12 Days of Boobsmas kicks off TOMORROW, December 1st!- Welcoming Becky Feldman, the first and final book club guest of 2020- What's coming up on Too Stupid to Live?- Better Hanukkah romance please (00:09:40)- The holiday book that Kelly couldn't remember, Love All Year, as featured in Bawdy Bookworms December Quickie Box- Titles you never forget: What the Parrot Saw by Darlene Marshall - Introducing Wicked Truths (00:18:45)- Be sure to check out our review of Artful Lies, the first book in the Hunt Legacy Duology. - The brief synopsis for Wicked Truths (00:23:21)- Let the spanking begin... - The American obsession with English culture and mannerisms - Question #1: Who would you cast to play the roles of Becker and Eleanor? (00:28:55)- Spoiler-free takes on Becker & Eleanor - The Hunt Legacy Duology vs. Fifty Shades of Grey (in the best way possible)- Question #2: How did your predictions for Wicked Truths measure up with the way the events actually unfolded? (00:38:07)- The allure of solving the mystery - Defining a "happily ever after" in romance*Giveaway winner announcement* (00:42:51)- Let the spoiler talk begin! (00:44:08)- Babies, vulnerabilities, and sexy con-men- Long live the cheeky British bastard!- The sex scene to end all sex scenes (00:57:16)- What's next for Jodi Ellen Malpas??- Therapy in romance - see Becky's interview with Skye McDonald and my discussion with Angela, host of the Cozy Mystery Book Club- Romance has done its job in 2020- Heart, Humor, & Heat Ratings (01:23:48)- Make spanking fun again... - Kicking off The 12 Days of Boobsmas... (01:30:20)Giveaway Winner:Kathleen BrigaglianoFollow Boobies & Noobies on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook and check out our blog, merch, and more on our brand new Boobies & Noobies website.*Boobies & Noobies is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts*