Make Out Already

On this episode of Make Out Already, we discuss the Netflix original series “Bridgerton,” based on the book series by Julia Quinn. We discuss how trash the Regency was; air grievances about how the show did a disservice to its stellar diverse casting; discuss the big reveal of the ton’s Gossip Girl; and wonder whether a boob in the garden merits a duel. Please be advised that this episode discusse...

On this episode, we recap and review Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera. We talk about why this was a more satisfying queer holiday romance than the film Happiest Season, the novella’s thoughtful portrayal of Dominican culture, and all the delicious moments — pastry-related or otherwise. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod and on Twitter @makeout_already. Stuff we mentioned...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we recap three Christmas movies: “Happiest Season,” on Hulu and “The Princess Switch: Switched Again” and “Operation Christmas Drop” on Netflix. We discuss the women who could run us over with their cars, which hero is the least bland, and our pitches for the sequels.

On this episode, we discuss The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. This book gave us much needed serotonin during the election-quarantine conjunction apocalypse. Meg goes hard on the fan cast, Liz gives the most rambling synopsis of her career, and both of us are very confused about why everyone is a dick to the heroine. Also, does anyone else remember that one movie with Lindsay Lohan and Chris...

In honor of spooky season, we devote this episode to another misunderstood genre - horror. We invite our friend and horror aficionado Deanna to talk about why she loves the genre. Then we accept her challenge to watch and discuss Midsommar. We go in on the themes and the gore, then pitch our romance reboots of this unsettling breakup tale. Make sure you follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod an...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit the Twilight Saga. How did we first encounter the series? Is it as baffling and problematic as we remember? (Spoiler alert: It is.) What holds up, and who would we cast in a reboot? Plus, Meg torments herself by binge-watching all five movies, and Liz points out the religious themes she thinks influenced Meyer’s work....

Hi friends! On this episode of Make Out Already, we discuss ConSensual Pod’s first season, “Ten Week Turnabout.” We talk about the experimental, immersive storytelling of the episodic romance novel, and pull some tarot cards for our hero and heroine. A few things we mention in the episode: 1. Follow @uppercaseya on Instagram. We are so grateful for the lovely shoutout! https://instagram.com/upperc...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we recap the Netflix original series Never Have I Ever, in honor of the show’s renewal for a second season. We phone a friend for the entire episode — Molly, who introduced us to the show. We talk about normalizing female rage and horniness; flawed love interests; cultural nuances; season 2 predictions, and so much more. Meg’s Not-Too-Sour Lemonade 1 3/4 c suga...

On this bonus episode of Make Out Already, we lovingly poke fun at the recurring tropes and turns of phrase in Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians series. Meg shared an amazing sah-sah recipe that will make you not even mind all the resonance noise in a nearby cave: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/rosy-gin-kombucha-cocktail Make sure to follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod and on Twitter @ma...

Hi friends! On this episode, we get the hell out of Dodge and land on Not-Hoth. That’s right, we are talking about Ruby Dixon’s bonkers and beautiful Ice Planet Barbarians series. Whether you’ve never heard of the series or you’re totally obsessed with the blue barbarians, this episode is going to get you khui-ready. To see Ruby Dixon’s incredibly long list of books, go to www.rubydixon.com. Liz f...

Hi friends! On the next episode, we’re going on a journey into the stars with a one-way ticket to Not-Hoth. Oh yes, we are diving into the beautiful, icy world of seven-foot-tall blue cavemen who know how to please an Earth girl, matchmaking parasites, and yummy, yummy filth. Make sure you’re subscribed, and follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod for updates.

On this episode of Make Out Already, we savor the delectable peach that is Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai (long may she reign). We take a deep dive into some armchair psychology on the heroine and hero of this book, make a few predictions for the third book in the Modern Love series... and wonder if maybe we’re too horny for this rather modest pairing. For the luscious peach torte Meg made in honor...

We read romance because we believe joy, connection and love can heal humanity. But we don’t have joy in us right now. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and countless others should be alive today. People in the news and people hidden from it, people who loved and were loved, have died because of white supremacy. This moment is a test of our collective humanity, a test we’ve f...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we swear fealty to our queen Alisha Rai and highlight her books that we’ve read, in anticipation of our Girl Gone Viral discussion. We discuss the Forbidden Hearts series, the Modern Love series, and one of her earlier titles, A Gentleman in the Street. We look at the picante factor of her different series and talk about the themes that resonate with us in Rai’...

Hi friends! On this episode of Make Out Already, we take a break from piling on to your TBR so we can add to your streaming queue. We recommend two series that we think romance readers will love: Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Roswell, New Mexico. The shows have very different vibes, but share a library of romance tropes and both have casts stacked with pretty people. We also discuss how we’re d...

The next #MakeOutAlready recap will be Girl Gone Viral by her royal highness Alisha Rai. The second book in the Modern Love series features a shy ex-model escaping the spotlight for some seclusion with her hunky bodyguard. Steamy forced proximity ensues! Join us back here at the end of May for the Make Out Already review of Girl Gone Viral, and until then, follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we bask in the brilliance of Get A Life, Chloe Brown, by Talia Hibbert. We talk about how the book achieves the perfect comedic tone without being slapstick; fan cast models, pop stars and American congresswomen; and delight in a hero who cooks, goes to therapy and knows how to rev up the motor, if you know what we mean. We show our complete ignorance of Britis...

On this episode of Make Out Already, we discuss the movie The New Romantic, which you can currently stream on Netflix. It’s about a college student who enters into a mutually beneficial relationship so she can document her sugarbaby experiences in hopes of winning a journalism grant. We’ll talk about whether the movie fits the criteria for a romance and what the movie says about the genre, and we’...

Coming up next week on Make Out Already, we’ll be discussing the movie The New Romantic, which you can currently stream on Netflix. It’s about a college student who enters into a mutually beneficial relationship so she can document her sugar baby experiences in hopes of winning a journalism grant. We’ll talk about whether the movie fits the criteria for a romance and what the movie says about the...

Welcome to the Make Out Already recap and review of Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. On this episode, we talk about why we chose a male/male romance for our first episode, give some tough love to our beloved heroes, share drink recipes inspired by the novel, bask in the glow of the delightful alternate universe the novel creates, and do some fan casting. Make sure to subscribe and fol...

Our first recap will be the adorable Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston! This rom-com features the first son of the United States in an enemies to friends to lovers romance with the Prince of England. Subscribe to know when the episode drops, and follow us on Instagram @makeoutalreadypod.

Welcome to Make Out Already, a romance novel podcast where two friends and feminists recap contemporary romance novels. Find out why we love the wildly misunderstood genre, and what you can expect in future episodes. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.