Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People
Episode: 07.46: Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Hosts: Sarah MacLean & Jen Prokop
Introduction
In this episode of Fated Mates, co-hosts Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop delve deep into Susan Elizabeth Phillips' enchanting romance novel, Natural Born Charmer. With their keen insights and engaging banter, they explore the intricacies of the book, its characters, and the broader themes it presents within the romance genre.
Initial Impressions and Context
Sarah begins by sharing a nostalgic yet humorous recount of her initial encounter with Natural Born Charmer, highlighting a moment of false memory regarding its publication date. This sets the stage for a discussion about the book's enduring impact and its place within Phillips' extensive bibliography.
- Sarah McLean [04:21]: "We're reading Susan Elizabeth Phillips's Natural Born Charmer, which is a delight from the title all the way on down."
Jen echoes Sarah's enthusiasm, noting the resurgence of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' backlist and her own recent re-engagement with Phillips' works after a hiatus.
- Jennifer Prokop [06:15]: "I picked up a bunch of books that I either didn't own in e or used to have in Paper, but didn't anymore."
Plot Overview
The hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the novel's plot, detailing the journey of Blue Bailey and Dean Robillard. Blue, dressed in a beaver costume, finds herself stranded and in financial distress after her mother's misguided attempts to free prisoners siphon her savings. Dean, a disgruntled NFL quarterback, reluctantly picks her up, leading to an unexpected road trip filled with personal revelations and budding romance.
- Jen Prokop [27:02]: "Blue Bailey is out on the side of the road, Beaver costume when Dean Robillard, a vagabond NFL quarterback from the Chicago Stars, drives by in his Aston Martin Vanquish and for shits and giggles, like, basically stops to help her."
Character Analysis
Blue Bailey:
Blue is portrayed as a resilient and edgy heroine with a tough exterior masking her vulnerable past. Sarah and Jen commend Phillips for crafting a character whose trauma is intricately woven into her personality without defining her entirely.
- Sarah McLean [31:07]: "The way Susan delivers Blue's Trauma is over the course of two pages... by the end of it, you feel like you have been through war with this character."
Dean Robillard:
Dean is depicted as a successful yet emotionally stunted quarterback grappling with his parents' neglect. His journey towards emotional openness and vulnerability is a central theme in the novel.
- Jennifer Prokop [42:17]: "Dean is wildly successful and hugely independent... He has to break down his strategies through falling in love."
April and Jack Patriot:
Dean's estranged mother, April, and his half-sister, Jack Patriot, add layers of familial tension and complexity. Their interactions bring out themes of redemption and the struggles of reconciling past mistakes.
Themes and Insights
Trauma and Healing:
The discussion highlights how Phillips masterfully portrays characters dealing with past traumas. Blue's and Dean's journeys emphasize the importance of confronting and healing from one's past to embrace love fully.
- Sarah McLean [15:22]: "We are losing plot... the books largely do not have a plot. The book is all characters stuck in trope."
(Note: This quote reflects a broader genre critique, contextualizing Natural Born Charmer as a plot-driven narrative with strong character development.)
Fearlessness in Writing:
Sarah and Jen delve into the concept of fearlessness in romance novels, praising Phillips for her ability to address sensitive topics like racism, homophobia, and gender stereotypes without shaming or flattening her characters.
- Jen Prokop [40:26]: "Fearlessness and romance is like the most fearless books are the ones that are like, really okay with showing people as being emotionally vulnerable and people being flawed."
Comedic Romance vs. Rom-Com:
The hosts differentiate between comedic romance and the often superficial label of "rom-com," advocating for a more nuanced understanding of humor within romantic narratives.
- Sarah McLean [82:40]: "The way they deploy the slapstick humor is so careful... It is a misfire when a writer aims for a rom com because I don't think Susan is really writing a rom com."
Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Writing Style
Sarah and Jen commend Phillips for her sharp banter, well-crafted humor, and the seamless integration of serious themes within a comedic framework. They discuss how Phillips balances humor with deep emotional moments, making her characters relatable and their journeys compelling.
- Jennifer Prokop [83:57]: "The banter is really unparalleled. I laugh so hard."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Natural Born Charmer stands out as a testament to Susan Elizabeth Phillips' ability to blend humor, romance, and profound character development. Sarah and Jen emphasize the book's enduring relevance and its exemplary handling of complex themes, recommending it to both long-time fans and new readers seeking a richly woven romantic tale.
- Sarah McLean [84:40]: "I think it's the best version of a romance. Of a comedic romance that you can find. I think Susan's just funny."
Key Takeaways:
- Natural Born Charmer offers a deep exploration of trauma, healing, and the complexities of love.
- Susan Elizabeth Phillips excels in creating multidimensional characters with authentic flaws and strengths.
- The novel distinguishes itself through its careful balance of humor and emotional depth, setting a high standard for comedic romances.
- Themes of fearlessness, authenticity, and the importance of plot over mere tropes are central to the discussion.
Whether you're revisiting Phillips' works or discovering them anew, this episode provides valuable insights into why Natural Born Charmer remains a beloved staple in the romance genre.