Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People Episode: RERUN: S04.43: [Sex on the] Beach Reads
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Sarah MacLean (Bestselling Author) & Jen Prokop (Romance Critic)

Introduction

In this engaging rerun of episode S04.43 titled "[Sex on the] Beach Reads," co-hosts Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop delve into the niche yet intriguing topic of romance novels that feature genuine beachside romance scenes. The episode, released on May 21, 2025, explores the challenges authors and readers face when seeking out "sex on the beach" narratives within the romance genre.

Promoting the Online Writing Class

[00:00 - 02:08]
Sarah MacLean kicks off the episode by announcing her online class, "Mastering the Art of Great Conflict." This two-hour workshop, supplemented by a panel of esteemed authors and a week-long message board Q&A, aims to help writers perfect their conflict-driven storytelling. Sarah emphasizes the importance of conflict in manuscript development, stating, "If you struggle with conflict or are just starting out and really want to make sure that you're nailing conflict in your manuscript, I hope this class and workshop and week-long experience will be worth your while."

Summer Announcements and Events

[02:08 - 05:01]
The hosts banter about their living situations in Chicago, discussing the absence of central air conditioning in Sarah's office—a revelation after living without it for decades. They share exciting news about upcoming events, including a sold-out Fated Mates Live panel at PolyCon, highlighting their commitment to engaging with their audience. Jen Prokop mentions, "We are going to have a little, like, gift bag for everybody who comes in," adding a personal touch to their interactions.

Main Topic: [Sex on the] Beach Reads

[05:01 - 20:24]
The core of the episode revolves around identifying and discussing romance novels that authentically incorporate "sex on the beach" scenarios. Both hosts express the difficulty in finding such books, noting cultural nuances and genre expectations. Sarah shares her methodology: "I sat with myself and I said, Sarah, where are the books? What are the books you remember being set..." She lists historical settings like Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove series and Priscilla Laveris's Florida-based romances.

Jen Prokop adds a critical perspective, "I have a theory... maybe mainstream romance just doesn't do beaches," suggesting that the challenges stem from genre boundaries and the logistical discomforts of beach settings in storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah MacLean [06:42]: "Welcome, everyone to Fated Mates. I'm Sarah MacLean. I read romance novels and I write them."
• Jen Prokop [10:56]: "I'm down to fuck."
• Sarah MacLean [14:45]: "I want to talk about C. Travis Rice, who is going to be a Fated Mates Live in Alexandria."

Book Recommendations

The hosts recommend a variety of romance novels that fit the beach-themed criteria, spanning historical, contemporary, and erotic romance subgenres.

1. The Survivors Club by Mary Ballig

• [15:02 - 20:24]
  Sarah praises Mary Ballig's "The Survivors Club," highlighting its deep emotional layers and realistic portrayal of war heroes grappling with PTSD. The protagonist, Hugo, meets the heroine, Gwen, on a beach, leading to a slow-burning romance that intertwines physical passion with emotional healing.

2. Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Chalvis

• [27:43 - 29:48]
  Jill Chalvis's "Lucky Harbor" series is lauded for its engaging characters and seaside setting. The second book, "The Sweetest Thing," explores Tara's return to Lucky Harbor after a divorce and her rekindled romance with Ford, a successful boat racer who runs the local bar.

3. American Royalty by Tracy Livesey

• [37:56 - 39:26]
  Sponsored by Avon Books, "American Royalty" features a dynamic romance between Duchess, a driven rapper, and Prince Jameson, a reclusive heir. Their high-stakes love story unfolds against the backdrop of a royal concert, blending family drama with intense romantic encounters.

4. Loving a Woman Warrior by Melanie Hansen

• [39:26 - 41:44]
  "Loving a Woman Warrior" offers a unique take on beach romance, focusing on two men meeting on the beach before Navy SEAL training. The narrative delves into their personal struggles and the complexities of their relationship within a military context.

YA Beach Romances

Sarah and Jen also touch upon young adult novels that, while not featuring explicit beach sex, offer compelling beachside romance and emotional growth.

1. 20 Boy Summer by Sarah Auchler

• [49:11 - 50:35]
  This YA novel centers on two best friends who make a bet to meet a boy each day during their 20-day summer vacation, leading to heartfelt discoveries and unresolved emotions from past relationships.

2. Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

• [50:32 - 52:18]
  Set in the quaint summer town of Sand Lake, "Stay Sweet" follows Amelia and her best friend Kate as they navigate their final summer before adulthood, blending romance with personal growth.

Additional Recommendations

Sarah and Jen also recommend Lacey Alexander’s "What She Needs," an erotic romance set in the fictional Hotel Irotique, where protagonists Jenna and Brent navigate their professional and personal boundaries leading to a passionate connection.

Discussion on Erotic Romance and Genre Evolution

Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on the evolution of erotic romance, acknowledging how earlier works might feel dated but still hold value for their passionate storytelling. They discuss the importance of diverse romance narratives and the continual push for representation within the genre.

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to share their favorite "sex on the beach" romance reads, fostering a community-driven dialogue around niche romantic storytelling.

Final Quotes:

• Sarah MacLean [64:32]: "Tell us if you've had a book that has sex on the beach that you think we should read because we're always up for that."
• Jen Prokop [64:48]: "Thank you to this week's sponsors, Avon Books, publishers of Tracy Livesey's American Royalty and skymed, a brand new show that you can check out on Paramount."

Sponsors

While the hosts briefly mention sponsors like Avon Books and Julie Pukrin's "Skymed," these sections are minimal to ensure the focus remains on the content.

Key Takeaways:

• Difficulty in Finding Genuine Beachside Romance: The hosts emphasize the rarity of romance novels that authentically feature sex on the beach, attributing this scarcity to genre constraints and setting challenges.
• Diverse Recommendations: A wide range of books spanning historical, contemporary, and erotic romance subgenres are recommended, catering to varied reader preferences.
• Community Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to contribute their own recommendations, enhancing the podcast's interactive and community-oriented nature.

For more details on the books mentioned and to participate in upcoming events, listeners can visit the show notes or contact Sarah via @SarahMacLean.net.