If you’ve ever read a historical romance and thought, “I would 100% sneak into a gambling den just for the drama”, then this week’s episode is for you!
This week, Nikki and Meg are diving into Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean, a book that’s all about flouting societal expectations and reforming the bad boys of the aristocracy.
Inside the Episode:
Why we think regency romance is basically motorcycle club romance (but with cravats)
How historical romance tropes hit different in 2025
The public vs. private identity struggle in historical romance (aka why women can’t catch a break)
And why we love heroines who say fuck it and go on a scandalous adventure.
If you’re a longtime historical romance reader or you’re just here for hot Regency men who grunt a lot, check us out on Substack, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!
Books & Media We Mention
Not Catching Love (Accidental Love book 5) by Saxon James
the “All Twerk No Play” cover release
The Bridgerton episode of First Dates and Soulmates: episode 4 for the book series, and episode 8 for season 3 of the tv show.
Fated Mates podcast episode on Dukes
https://fatedmates.net/episodes/2024/5/7/0635-dukes-dukes-dukes
The Bombshell Brides series by Cassie Mint
Follow the show on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/firstdatesandsoulmates/
Follow the show on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@firstdatesandsoulmates
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstDatesSoulmates
Download your copy of the 2025 book bingo card at https://bit.ly/fdsmbingo
View the full show notes on our Substack.
Order Meg’s debut novel, Peppermint Bark, No Bite (affiliate link)
Shop our affiliate book recs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caseboltcreative
Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!
Share this post