Book Episodes
May 6, 2021
Romantic Belonging
Found family, partners, true-blue friends: it's all about the groups of people who claim us, warm our hearts, and have our backs no matter what, who help us feel that we belong.
April 22, 2021
Romantic Banter
Banter is the best kind of romantic conversation, full of wit and emotional tension, leaving clues for us about how the couple really feels about each other. The best banter strip teases for our brain. It's verbal foreplay for the hot action to come. It's all about the juicy, sexy romantic banter in this episode.
April 8, 2021
The Romance Spectrum: The Kiss Quotient/The Bride Test/Doc Martin
Human beings exist on a spectrum of diversity and differences, and romances that reflect that are touching my heart lately. The widest range of life experiences represented in stories can only be a good thing. Being seen and accepted, not treated as an exception, is inspiring. It's all part of the flow of life.
March 25, 2021
Intimate Worlds: You've Got Mail/Love Lettering
Some of my favorite romantic stories create intimate worlds where true, vulnerable, heartfelt things can be said--and done. Sometimes it takes half the story to get there, sometimes it takes most of the story, but it's always worth the wait for that magic moment when characters finally bare their hearts.
Feb. 25, 2021
Choose Your Own Trope Adventure
Most romance makes me feel warm, optimistic and hopeful. But sometimes hot and kinky is what you need. A touch of BDSM. Sex with an alien. The wild fantasies of some contemporary romances practically catch fire on the page. And sometimes non-fancy hot sex with good communication and a considerate fictional character who appeals to you does the trick. It's risk-free, shame-free pretend in this episode, in any flavor you want. Vanilla? I'm here to support it all.
Feb. 11, 2021
Love, Sex and Romance - After 40 Edition
I've been having fun reading a ton of contemporary romances featuring buff young things getting it on. But it's time to get real: which means ageless love, with plenty of imperfection, wisdom and fun thrown in. It's romance full of humor, honesty, acceptance and kindness. The sexiest combo I know.
Dec. 3, 2020
Grand Romantic Gestures & the Little Things
This episode is about one of my favorite romantic tropes of all time: the grand--or small but meaningful--romantic gesture. https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com Stream NBC's Lipstick Jungle here The Age of Innocence t...
Sept. 25, 2020
Can't Stop Extra: The Last Tycoon/The Matt Bomer Experience
In this extra episode, I continue talking about the actor Matt Bomer, because I can't get enough of his performance in The Last Tycoon. Someone, rescue me… https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com The Last Tycoon trailer:...
Sept. 18, 2020
The Grabby Kiss/Becoming Jane
In this episode I talk about some of my favorite visual romantic tropes— like a grab and a kiss and passion in the woods, used so well in the movie Becoming Jane. Becoming Jane movie trailer: https://youtu.be/qmd-ej9Hx20 That...
Sept. 4, 2020
Chemical Hearts: Back to Senior Year
I'm revisiting the romantic ups and downs of senior year on this episode with the help of a fantastic new movie called Chemical Hearts.
Sept. 1, 2020
Goodbye Romance Shame/Mr Malcolm's List
I'm finally saying goodbye to shame about loving romance, and talking about the book Mr. Malcolm's List. Show notes at confessionsofaclosetromantic.com