Justin and I discuss what's so fun about banter, how to get better at it, and how it's not the same as flirting.

Justin and I discuss what makes a rom-com wingman (and how to pluralize or feminize the word) and drop a big twist on the whole idea when we start looking at real movie examples.

I had the immense privilege and pleasure of sitting down in September with award-winning contemporary and historical romance author Pepper Basham to pick her brain about writing romance and tricks to nailing the male POV.

Justin and I finish telling our story of how we met and Justin's perspective on the proposal surprised me, even after 23 years of marriage.

Justin and I tell the story of our meet-cute and whirlwind romance in the Czech Republic while keeping a tally of all the romance tropes we hit along the way. Actually, Andra keeps a tally and Justin decides to be a referee.

Books referenced: Loyally Luke by Pepper Basham

Justin and I have differing perspectives on Sunshine characters. See who you agree with (and vote by emailing me).

Mentioned in the podcast: Cole and Laila are Just Friends by Bethany Turner, Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer, Lost, Charlie Brown

Justin and I unpack the grumpy-character side of this popular trope - why readers love reading about cynical or reticent leads, when it works, and even some made-up rules for Grumps.

Mentioned in the episode: Romance Storyline Tropes by Tara Ericson and Jessica Barber

Andra and Justin discuss what settings they think promote romance and why...except they don't exactly agree.