Fated Mates Podcast Summary: Episode 07.32 – "Ruination!"

Release Date: April 23, 2025

In Episode 07.32 of Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People, co-hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop delve deep into the compelling and often controversial theme of ruination in romance novels. This episode, titled "Ruination!", explores how historical romance narratives employ the concept of a heroine being "ruined" or "compromised" and the broader implications of these plot devices on gender roles and societal perceptions.

1. Introduction to Ruination (00:00 – 02:02)

Sarah MacLean opens the discussion by pondering the metaphorical significance of recent podcast episodes, leading into the main topic:

• Sarah MacLean [00:04]: "I proposed a different idea first... somewhere on the family tree of that idea was this one—what does it mean to be ruined?"

Jen Prokop agrees, highlighting the internal struggles these narratives often symbolize:

• Jen Prokop [00:09]: "...every single one of our episodes lately really feels like a metaphor for our internal struggle."

2. Defining Ruination in Historical Romance (02:02 – 05:11)

The hosts define ruination as a plot device where female protagonists suffer a scandal or event that tarnishes their reputation, affecting their social standing and romantic prospects.

• Sarah MacLean [02:02]: "...what does ruination mean in a contemporary setting? It’s different."

They contrast this with the lack of contemporary examples, noting that ruination is predominantly a feature of historical romances.

3. Gender Disparities in Ruination (05:11 – 09:47)

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the gendered nature of ruination:

• Sarah MacLean [05:11]: "Men aren't ruined."

Jen elaborates on how society treats ruined women versus men:

• Jen Prokop [05:12]: "Ruination is being used to control her... how do you fight back against that?"

The conversation emphasizes that while female characters are branded as "ruined," male counterparts rarely face similar societal condemnation.

4. Literary Examples of Ruination (09:47 – 23:19)

Sarah and Jen cite several authors and their works to illustrate different facets of ruination:

• Lisa Kleypas: Frequently portrays women as ruined, often needing rescue.
• Susan Elizabeth Phillips: Known for nuanced portrayals where ruination impacts protagonists differently.
• Lorraine Heath's "The Harlot Countess" [12:23]:
  • Jen Prokop [12:35]: "Maggie is ruined by a near assault, and society paints her with the broadest possible brush."

5. Themes and Plot Devices (23:19 – 32:23)

The hosts explore common themes associated with ruination:

• Sexual Ruination: Central to many historical romances, where a woman’s virginity or purity is compromised.
  • Sarah MacLean [13:33]: "Ruination in these books is almost always about sex."

They discuss how these narratives reflect and reinforce patriarchal norms, perpetuating double standards where men's indiscretions are excused, and women's are condemned.

6. Character Development and Overcoming Ruination (32:23 – 45:37)

Sarah and Jen analyze how heroines navigate and overcome their ruined status:

• Sarah MacLean [45:25]: "Simon has to really reckon with what he's done... Joanna writes heroines who have survived and thrived despite their ruin."

They highlight strong, resilient female characters who challenge societal expectations and reclaim their autonomy.

7. Ruination in Contemporary Romance (45:37 – 85:58)

Transitioning to modern settings, the hosts discuss how ruination manifests differently:

• Jen Prokop [82:09]: "Modern ruination is often about financial and social instability post-divorce or abuse."

They compare historical and contemporary ruination, noting a shift from overt sexual scandals to more nuanced challenges such as emotional trauma and societal reintegration.

Example: Kristen Ashley's "Ride Steady"

• Jen Prokop [85:16]: "Krissa's ruination comes from being abandoned by a manipulative husband, reflecting modern patriarchal issues."

8. Evolution and Future of Ruination in Romance (85:58 – 87:37)

Sarah and Jen contemplate the future trajectory of ruination in romance novels:

• Sarah MacLean [86:03]: "Ruination, especially sexual, will continue to exist as a narrative device to explore and challenge gender norms."

They express a desire for more empowered heroines who navigate ruination with agency and strength, moving beyond traditional tropes.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (87:37 – End)

Wrapping up the episode, Sarah MacLean emphasizes the importance of understanding and redefining ruination:

• Sarah MacLean [87:35]: "Enjoy yourselves. If you get ruined this week, we hope you're having a great time doing it."

The hosts encourage listeners to engage with these narratives critically, recognizing both their limitations and potential for progressive storytelling.

Notable Quotes

• Jen Prokop [00:09]: "Every single one of our episodes lately really feels like a metaphor for our internal struggle."
• Sarah MacLean [05:11]: "Men aren't ruined."
• Jen Prokop [13:44]: "Women are not allowed to cat around and they are judged for having a high body count."
• Sarah MacLean [23:05]: "He would have been like, you must orgasm."
• Jen Prokop [85:16]: "Modern ruination is often about financial and social instability post-divorce or abuse."

Key Takeaways

• Ruination is a prevalent trope in historical romance, primarily affecting female protagonists and reinforcing patriarchal norms.
• Gender Disparities: While women face severe societal consequences for ruination, men rarely encounter similar condemnation.
• Character Resilience: Successful narratives often feature heroines who overcome ruination with strength and agency.
• Contemporary Shifts: Modern romances explore ruination through themes like emotional trauma and social reintegration, moving beyond solely sexual scandals.
• Future Directions: There's a growing desire for more nuanced and empowered portrayals of women dealing with ruination in romance literature.

Fated Mates continues to illuminate the intricate dynamics of romance tropes, encouraging readers to both enjoy and critically assess the stories they cherish.