Confessions of a Closet Romantic

Send us a Text Message.Romance friends! I'm celebrating my 100th episode this week with an indulgent deep dive into the tear-stained emotion, blind love and delicious word play in Taylor Swift songs. My romance friend Mariah, a Swiftie from way back, returns to the show so we can gush together over the passion, the heartbreak, the artistry, the tiny exquisite emotional universe that is every Taylor Swift song (almost 250 released, and counting).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMusi...

Send us a Text Message.I'm a J Lo fangirl from way back, and even though the title of her narrative concept film based on the album of the same name seemed ridiculously self-absorbed, I got completely transported by it anyway, because...J Lo. It's not just the story of her second chance romance with the person she never stopped loving, and has reunited with over the age of 50, it's a story about how she learned to love herself in the intervening years. I was also super invested in the making-...

Send us a Text Message.I have the sweetest hangover that I don't want to get over. My first ever visit with my long-distance sweetie was amazing, he's already gone home, and we're already planning our next visit. I'm exhausted, but in the very best way, so I bring you a replay of my second chance romance episode, which I created a little over a year ago after I got on dating apps for the first time in years, hoping for a love like this. And then Twitter brought us together —once upon a time, ...

Send us a Text Message.I'm meeting my LDR sweetie for the first time this week, after more than a year of online dating, and excited doesn't begin to cover it. Humans are spread out all over the globe yet hyper connected, so many of us will experience a long distance romance at some point in our lives. LDRs are thrilling and intensely romantic, but can also leave you open to frustration and pain. A decent lingerie collection, unlimited Skype, solid communication skills, generous use of ...

Send us a Text Message.I'm a classic film nut, and there's no better example of overblown, dramatic and romantic Hollywood storytelling than the movie Black Narcissus, starring Deborah Kerr. Based on the 1930s Rumer Godden novel, it’s a story that shows how women throughout history have so often buried themselves in service to others as they sublimate their own feelings and desires — or more likely, find those desires shamed, controlled and punished. So let's celebrate Women's History Month b...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I'm joined by my romance friend Mariah to gush, giggle, get deep and then frothy again about the Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, directed by Greta Gerwig. It was the most mega of mega movie hits last year, now Oscar nominated in many categories, and well deserved. It's been a long time since a movie has made me laugh and think this much, and we just can't stop talking about it.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThere are ...

Send us a Text Message.My favorite shows, books or movies feature women over the age of 40 finding sensuality, romance and connections of whatever type they desire. Unfortunately, society likes to pretend that women — especially older women —don't have desires. There aren't many examples of sexy fearless aging in Hollywood once you get beyond the Book Club and Nancy Meyers movies, shows like And Just Like That and Grace and Frankie, all of which feature the movie industry stable of "acceptabl...

Send us a Text Message.I'm one of the last remaining people on planet earth to see this amazing movie, and it still managed to surprise me, even after all the hype. I love Greta Gerwig, I love her courage in telling a story about feminism and patriarchy using Bazooka pink, candy colors and a beloved, if stereotypical, doll. And I love Barbie even more now after learning about her modern diversity and variations. For a doll that's survived more than 60 years, transformed amid many cultural cha...

Send us a Text Message.It's a holiday miracle: I've finally watched one of the most perfect Hallmark holiday movies I've ever seen, with stellar writing, directing, editing, and acting. The story is heartfelt, it has relatable stakes, it's romantic and touching and funny: everything a holiday movie should be. Not surprisingly, it's inspired by one of my favorite romcoms of all time, Groundhog Day, the original time-loop romance. I rooted for all of the characters, and the central romance, fro...

Send us a Text Message.There's no way to exactly describe the dark and hilarious debut dramedy Shiva Baby except to say: you giggle at what should be sad, feel heartbroken for what should be exciting, become annoyed with the emotional meddling, and end up a ball of stress and tension — until the twists and turns of this darkly comic plot unwind the whole thing, ending with a painfully hysterical moment and heartwarming queer romance in the making. With an emotional roller coaster loaded with ...

Send us a Text Message.How I love a romance set aboard a luxury cruise ship or ocean liner, especially classic movies set on ships in the early to mid 20th-century, a heyday of ocean travel. The coziness, the leather luggage with a separate toiletries case, the cute staterooms and cabins, the service, people dressing for elegant dinner and dancing, the endless ocean views, and falling asleep rocked by waves...of course, in this dream, I'm on the Cunard Line in a massive luxury suite with full...

Send us a Text Message.It's Halloween week, and time to confess that I'm strangely attracted to Gothic horror stories and creepy "romance," especially the many interpretations of the fascinating classic 19th century novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Each filmmaker and writer present different themes in their Jekyll and Hyde adaptations, from gender and sexual politics, personal ethics and morality, to abusive patriarchal structures and class and power inequities. The original sto...

Send us a Text Message.Selecting potential mates based strictly on physical attributes is definitely a vibe —as seen on the UK dating show Naked Attraction, which has recently started streaming in the US. As expected with a TV show that features full frontal nudity, it's inspiring quite a lot of discussion :)So I invited my UK-based sweetie (a.k.a. Mr. Bingley, a perfect nickname, because he's ridiculously kind, like the Jane Austen character) to discuss the nuances with me, because he has se...

Send us a Text Message.I just saw Book Club: The Next Chapter, a frothy, fun and flirty sequel to Book Club, a movie I talked about in this episode, and I'll feature the sequel in an upcoming episode. This time, the besties end up in Italy and it's a sweet and sexy exploration of long-term friendship, shared adventures, and finding your romantic bliss by taking a chance with the help of friends who almost know you better than you know yourself. They sip Prosecco in a Roman café, travel ...

Send us a Text Message.I'm not a snob when to comes to romantic tropes. I don't discriminate: the more outlandish the better, and I love them all. Every beat might be as familiar as the back of my hand, but my attitude is: bring it on again. It's even better when there are little refreshing updates to beloved romcom plots, like in the new Netflix movie Love at First Sight. This unimaginative title promises the most smarmy movie experience ever, but it turns out to be a tender, warmhearted, ro...

Send us a Text Message.Is it Halloween yet? If it's getting cooler where you live, too, let's brew some tea or pour some hot chocolate or hot cider and snuggle on the sofa with two of the most atmospheric, painterly, creepy yet oddly feminist and romantic movies I've ever seen. CW: brief references to marital physical abuse and graphic 19th century medical techniques.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comA ghostly figure, an escapee from the local asylum, a forced marriage to a violent ...

Send us a Text Message.I'm a huge fan of the films of Nicole Holofcener, and her latest is another lo-fi, funny, thoughtful story for anybody who's ever tried to make a romantic, platonic, sibling or parental relationship thrive. Is it ever okay to tell a little white lie to the people we love to spare their feelings? When is it okay to fib a little? Do blunt honesty, the unvarnished truth, or our brilliant but unsolicited opinions make people feel appreciated and loved, or is the truth a lit...

Send us a Text Message.Ever since I first saw 1959's Gidget rerun on TV, I thought surfing and beach culture looked like the most fun you could have all summer. I might be an outsider still but my surf crush continues with every surfing movie or documentary that comes along, and the crazy-sexy fictional or real-life characters who make riding multi-story ocean waves look like a beach picnic. How could you not fall in love?https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMoviesThe one and only Gidg...

Send us a Text Message.Summer is kicking my butt, and I desperately need to chill. Let's celebrate Christmas in July and enjoy a replay of one of my favorite episodes, about one of my favorite classic holiday movies: the romantic and spiritual The Bishop's Wife, starring my movie boyfriend, the dashing and debonair Cary Grant. This story is the gift that keeps on giving: what if a gorgeous angel came down to earth to answer a bishop's prayers for guidance, giving him not what he wants, b...

Send us a Text Message.It's almost reunion season — translated into stories, that theme seems to always include unrequited love and crushes, frustrated ambition, embarrassing attempts to impress, reliving lost youth, and shattered dreams. Some are dramedy, some straight-up drama, but reunion movies have one thing in common: characters whose pasts collide with the present in endlessly fascinating ways. And the plots nearly always involve a search for connection, romantic or otherwise. CW: expl...

Send us a Text Message.This minor Woody Allen film asks a really pertinent question for a romance podcast: do we fool ourselves by looking to the stars, horoscopes, psychics or fortune tellers to comfort and convince us that love is out there waiting for us? Or does this harmless belief in destiny help us survive a harsh and often cruel world? While possibly making us very annoying to friends and family? Gemma Jones is the sparkling center of this quietly humorous and often emotional mo...

Send us a Text Message.I'm taking a closer look at two emotional and exhilarating romantic LGBTQ love stories to celebrate Pride Month. These movies are very different in tone, but are equally heartwarming and visually exciting, with incredible performances. I laughed, I cried, I danced and sang along, and you can't ask for a better celebration than that.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comSupernova has a quiet confidence that lulls you to its poignant, inevitable conclusion, but its ...

Send us a Text Message.It's difficult to describe the tone of this bawdy, outrageously gigglesome medieval romcom: it's played straight, for laughs, while deeply subversive, satirical and quietly hilarious, just like its 14th century source material, The Decameron. The brilliant comic acting and directing maximize the satire, connecting ancient social norms with current religious, sexual and gender politics. The result is quietly magnificent. CW: kink and sex, religious satirehttps://www.conf...

Send us a Text Message.Bros was a bit of a box office disappointment, but it's a fabulously funny, honest and sexy gay romcom. Fire Island may have gotten there first by also showcasing an entirely LGBTQ cast, but when it's about romcoms this good, everybody's a winner. We're finally hearing different voices in Hollywood (not enough), and seeing a diversity of people (not enough, but going in the right direction) experiencing on-screen romance and love, and it's about damn time.https://www.co...

Send us a Text Message.What more could be said about witty, gorgeous George Clooney? For a long time now, George has been a worthy modern day Cary Grant, with all of the bantering sexy suave of that classic film icon. But I've noticed in more recent roles that George is moving into his rumpled cargo shorts phase (with just the slightest potbelly, still ridiculously attractive) as he adds more and more father figure roles to his hot little filmography.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.c...

Send us a Text Message.The only romantic breakups I "enjoy" are fictional ones, especially if the couple makes up after learning something valuable about themselves and their partner. Nothing better than romantic reconciliation, but sometimes the healthiest outcome is going our separate ways, and we often discover that our best romance is with ourselves. Romcom realizations like these are much easier and neater to achieve on film, and that's probably why I love screen stories like these.https...

Send us a Text Message.Warning: major gushing ahead! In this episode, I'm taking a look at the new two-part documentary Pretty Baby, all about the life and career of Brooke Shields. I think it's safe to say she was my first girl crush, and I still adore her. She's had a charmed but often difficult life, full of exploitation and some abuse, and has come out on the other side with her intelligence, sense of humor and groundedness intact. She's a survivor, and for that I admire the hell out of h...

Send us a Text Message.You know what would be fun? A trip to a planet where women's pleasure is a priority, and the fluidity of relationship styles, sexual orientations and identities is embraced at all times! In other words, let's journey into the candid documentary series Planet Sex with Cara Delevingne, hosted by the supermodel turned actress and LGBTQ+ icon, documenting her personal and educational exploration of all things surrounding identity, sexual pleasure, romantic connection and wh...

Send us a Text Message.It's part two of our exploration of sad romances. This time, we look at the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hadestown, which is--like Moulin Rouge--based on the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. I look at another ill-fated Depression-era love story, Ironweed, and another tragic art vs. romantic love story, The Red Shoes. And Oz, The Relationship Coach, stops by to give us some tips on handling heartbreak. All I can say is: have tissues nearby.https://www.confess...

Send us a Text Message.Sometimes all you want is a good cathartic cry, especially if it's over love and heartbreak. In this two-part episode, I'm joined by romance writer and fellow heartache aficionado Mariah Cotnoir to explore two tragic love stories full of romance, beauty and much-needed personal growth. We've all been there —if we're lucky —and despite the pain, romance is still the best game in town, whether in lived experience or the movies.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comF...

Send us a Text Message.I'm back with fresh episodes featuring slightly offbeat romance, just in time for Valentine's Day :-) First up, a conversation with Jennifer Howell, the producer and cohost of the Every Rom Com podcast about the romance, drama and fun of reality dating shows. She's obsessed with them and I'm not at all, so exploring the format and culture of these shows was fascinating. And I learned that we both think intellectuals are hotter than gym rats (they really are).https://www...

Send us a Text Message.My final rerun this month is one of the spiciest episodes I've ever done — it's story time for adults. So if you like your romance sizzling hot and kinky, put the earbuds in and enjoy!Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message.I'm taking a tiny break this month to plan ahead and I'm re-running some of my favorite episodes from last year. First up, Bedroom Therapy, featuring the sexy and heartwarming movies Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and The Sessions (check out the original episode for more information on my guests and show notes).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comSupport the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for ...

Send us a Text Message.I am starting the year as I mean to go on, celebrating another mainstream movie, much like Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, that is focused on womens' capabilities, wishes, desires and pleasures. And not as a subplot, but central to the action. I think it's a very auspicious start to the new year. May this tiny trend continue!https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comIt's their job to iron and mop and give orgasms—in whatever order the customer demands. Luckily none of t...

Send us a Text Message.So many holiday films in my rotation every year, and my favorites tend to be classic movies: absorbing emotional stories full of romantic, platonic and familial love, redemption arcs, and endings with joy and hope. The Bishop's Wife (1947) has it all, and it's a movie I watch throughout the year when I need comfort or inspiration. And you can't beat Cary Grant as an angel in a well-cut suit.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMore about The Bishop's Wife directo...

Send us a Text Message."Yes, I'm in love. I dare." Oh this movie. I'm sobbing at the drop of a hat lately, and it turns out that a heart in love and cracked wide open is the perfect foil for Joe Wright's glorious, lush, emotional film, Cyrano. This sung-through musical makes the prettiest lovelorn cocoon, and Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett are a revelation.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/The rich, romantic look of the Cyrano movie is just as compelling as the lyrical choreograp...

Send us a Text Message.This dramedy-within-a-sitcom show is all about settling in life, marriage and relationships, especially romantic relationships, and then waking up to who you are and what you really want and need. I can't stop thinking about it, Annie Murphy's performance, the way it's structured and written — and that manic intrusive laugh track, which can just get the f.... outta here.Kevin Can F... Himself isn't just a PG-rated title, but a symbol of a character who struggles to expr...

Send us a Text Message.If you're the one person on the planet who hasn't heard: I've been on dating apps, and wow, I need to process. Let's do it together, shall we?! There's nothing more amusing than a dating romcom full of romantic disaster, then sweet gooey love at the end. Or that invigorating enemies-to-lovers story to get you in the mood to dive back into your matches. Or not.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com"Not surprisingly, men were more likely than women to rate hooking u...

Send us a Text Message.From time to time, I like to ask people about the romances they love best, the stories that changed their lives or made them think about love and connection a bit differently. After meeting Danielle and Wolfgang from the Hello, I'm Listening podcast, I immediately wanted to ask them this question. Turns out that we all love a good coming-of-age story —plus their real-life romance started out with a meet cute, too, so I liked them immediately.https://www.confessionsofacl...

Send us a Text Message.I'm concluding my second-anniversary celebration with another second-chance romance episode, featuring movies about finding romance later in life, especially after sadness and disappointment. This theme is one of my favorites, especially as I get older and wade back into the dating pool. It's a funny and bizarre experience at times, but these movies give me hope that my second chance is out there—if only for two hours.MoviesThe Face of Love is described as a "psychologi...

Send us a Text Message.I'm celebrating the second anniversary of this podcast with a two-part episode on one of my favorite romantic tropes, second-chance romance. In this case, it's finding love, sex and connection at a later age or after romantic or sexual disappointment. Older and wiser has never felt more hopeful as I'm talking with retired sex therapist and erotic romance writer Dr. Donna Jennings a.k.a. Dr. J, getting her tips for navigating healthy sexuality at any age. CW:...

Send us a Text Message.It's a NSFW, shame-free look at relationship and healthy sexual desires to celebrate the second anniversary of this podcast! I've grown along with this show, and I fully embrace the wide range of fantasies and desires represented in sex-positive romances, romantic movies, and TV shows — like How to Build a Sex Room on Netflix. I can't say enough about how lighthearted, fun, empowering, sexy and surprising this show is.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comRomance ...

Send us a Text Message.Apparently I'm one of the few people on the globe who enjoyed Netflix's Persuasion with Dakota Johnson :) I take a deep dive into this adaptation with Sarah Gamez, romance writer, filmmaker and host of Romancing the Story podcast. We chew over what the filmmakers got right and perhaps got wrong in this version. And I confess that pretty much any Jane Austen adaptation is a good adaptation for me as long as it's billed the right way.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromant...

Send us a Text Message.It's more fictional and real-life advice in this action-packed episode! Isabelle Popp, a contributor to BookRiot, stops by to talk about her recent essay about romance novels, and Carly Lane, pop culture critic and "romance nerd" for Collider, Vulture and Paste Magazine, explores her upcoming book A Regency Guide to Modern Life. We'll revisit the vintage romcom The Truth About Cats and Dogs, a Cyrano retelling set against the backdrop of a pet-advice show, and take a pe...

Send us a Text Message.In the next couple of episodes I take a look at advice romance: fictional advice in a contemporary romance and a romcom set at radio stations, real life online advice, and a smart, funny new podcast called Romance Road Test.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comWhat will pull these couples closer together--or push them apart? In Romance Road Test, good friends Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg put romance hacks to the test in their marriages. The show is...

Send us a Text Message.Sometimes what you need is a deeper connection, some bedroom therapy, a sexual experience full of healing. And sometimes that means going to the experts — at least those skillfully played by actors. I'm joined by friend of the podcast Diana and former sex worker John S. to help break down fantasy vs. reality and explore these fictional journeys to sexual fulfillment. https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comI think anyone over a certain age who still desires healthy ...

Send us a Text Message.Happy Pride Month! Squeaking just under the wire with a quick take on this frothy, fun gay retelling of Pride and Prejudice, set in that historic LGBTQ+ summer destination, Fire Island in New York. What a sunny, cute, romantic romp of a romcom this is! https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThere's more than a touch of Boogie Nights in the look of Fire Island. Joel Kim Booster talked to Variety about how the movie was developed. His favorite romcoms are My Best Fri...

Send us a Text Message.School's out for summer! I was a nerd and school and libraries were my happy places. Intellectualism, books and words were my religion. So it's no surprise that I'm a sucker for romances set in academia. The age gap and power difference tropes can be difficult to handle well but some romances manage to walk that fine line while bringing all of the absurd humor and steamy romance. https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMOVIESPassionflix ("we find the most passionate...

Send us a Text Message.I'm tired of the grown-up world! Give me whipsmart, funny teens having adventures, falling in love and exploring how to navigate young adulthood — teaching the grown-ups in their lives a few lessons along the way. They're the inspiration I need right now.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comAlong for the Ride is the most warm-hearted, tender story about one of the biggest milestones in a teen's life. It's based on the best-selling novel by Sarah Dessen and writte...

Send us a Text Message.An announcement, and a quick take on the BBC/HBO co-production Gentleman Jack. This show is regency-adjacent romance reimagined, reflecting sexual identities hidden at the time, turning the period into an era where all love stories were represented and accepted. From the production and writing to the ensemble acting, it's thrilling delight.If you'd like to leave a review or support the show with a tip, visit the top menu athttps://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic....

Send us a Text Message.We're going way back to ancient myths in this episode, taking a look at some books and movies that reimagine these eternal, compelling stories in a sexy-modern, romantic and exciting way.Thanks to my special guest--listener and writer Mariah--for gushing with me yet again on this episode. You're the best!https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comBooksNeon Gods is the spectacular Book 1 in the Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert. Electric Idol is the fabulous Book 2, a...

Send us a Text Message.Richard Curtis romcoms are canon, and I've touched on them before, but now I'm joined by a special guest, Joe of the Right in the Schoolies podcast, to try to tease out why they work so well, and talk about the differences in UK and US romance and romcom humor. Let's dig in!https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comJoe is a complete delight. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook and listen to his fabulous podcast Right in the Schoolies here. I first fell in love ...

Send us a Text Message.My favorite costume dramas of last year are back with sophomore seasons, and they're the slowest of slowburns. Will Charlotte get over the loss of Sidney and finally find someone in Sanditon who appreciates her? Will Anthony Bridgerton marry for love or family? I've thrown in one of my favorite slowburn screen romances, inspired by the love of poet John Keats for artist Fanny Brawne. This is slow but incendiary love — the opposite of instalove, but sexy and romantic all...

Send us a Text Message.To celebrate Women's History Month, I'm highlighting favorite real and fictional badasses. Warning: I mention the word badass many, many times in this episode. Clearly I love me a bit of badassery. Women worthy of official biographies and iconoclastic female characters in historical romances all provide ready-made inspiration. I need as much of that as I can get.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com Virginia Woolf's house on Gordon Square (4th picture in right si...

Send us a Text Message.I'm celebrating International Women's Day with a round up of comedy badassery by Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Jenny Slate, Rose Matafeo, and Iliza Shlesinger. Whether it's a romcom movie, TV show, blog, book, or live special, these writers are funny, raunchy, honest and real when talking about their lived experiences. They're badass inspiration. (CW: lots and lots of profanity, mentions of body image, brief mention of drug use, and lots of juicy sex talk.)https://www.confessi...

Send us a Text Message.I'm really starting to feel that cultural and romantic invisibility cloak that covers women of a certain age. Luckily, there are a few aspirational, sometimes inspiring TV shows and movies that feature people over the age of 40 romancing each other and getting it on — even if it seems that you need to have a beautiful face, well-placed wrinkles and a near-perfect body to deserve the same. CW: talk of anti-body positivity and toxic Hollywood and cultural beauty standards...

Send us a Text Message.A distilled, potent, curated, intensely romantic relationship might not always be possible in life, but it's certainly a staple of classic and modern romantic stories. The exquisite romances in today's episode happen through love letters, physical disguise, and boyfriends for the night--or the moment. They're sexy, passionate and all about the heart's deepest desires that emerge only when love is in disguise.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com"Companionship is ...

Send us a Text Message.This former literary snob confesses that — at least right now — I prefer watching Austen to reading Austen. I need streamlined, quick banter, a snappy pace. Luckily, there are a ton of adaptations, retellings and inspired by Austen books and films to last quite a while. Vanessa King, author of A Certain Appeal, the Pride and Prejudice-inspired story set at a New York burlesque club, stops by to talk about why she decided to modernize Austen. And listener Mariah joins me...

Send us a Text Message.The lessons keep on coming! In this final episode in my miniseries on what I've learned from romance, I encounter...monster erotica. I'm tardy to the party, so giggle along with me as I explore my "first-won't-be-last" monster fucking romance, and listen to an excerpt from an erotic monster story--full of tentacle sex--by guest author VB Beringer.BooksA Lady of Rooksgrave Manor is Book 1 in the short Tempting Monsters series. It's sweet, hot, steamy, intriguing and tend...

Send us a Text Message.My year of reading romances has modeled so many good things for me, especially stories with the family of choice trope. We're not all lucky enough to be raised in an emotionally healthy family, so reading about how loving, supportive people show up for the people they care about can be a healing experience.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comLauren is a fellow member of the Heaving Bosoms podcast Facebook page, and we share a love of many of the same romances. S...

Send us a Text Message.'Tis the season for my much-loved, annual classic holiday movie marathon. For me, film is richer in B&W, and you can't beat classic holiday movies for stirring inspirational monologues and heartwarming affection, love and romance. (CW: for a few mentions of suicide).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMusic in this episode: Jazzy Bells by Dee Yan-Key is used courtesy of a Creative Commons license from the Free Music Archives. The sleigh bells sound effe...

Send us a Text Message.I've made some surprising discoveries about myself while reading romances this year. The wave of positivity, love, respect and acceptance for all sorts of fictional characters in these stories has encouraged me to love and accept myself, and even discover new aspects of my sexuality.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comGLAAD has really useful definitions for the entire asexual spectrum, including demisexuality. Come to think of it, I just might be aceflux, too.So...

Send us a Text Message.It's the Anglophile edition of the podcast, where I claim to "not be into royalty all that much," and then immediately prove myself wrong. Fake kingdoms in mountainous areas of Europe, fake royalty who always seem to speak with a British accent, commoners lifted from their humdrum, working-class lives as a metaphoric crown is placed on their heads: I might giggle uncontrollably over the contrivances, but I'll watch and read it all.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromanti...

Send us a Text Message.My current fantasy bedroom is full of steam & kink. I'm in the mood, people, so let's read-aloud from some of the hottest, kinkiest romances I've ever read! It's hard to find this level of heat, consent, care AND happy-ever-after on screen, but romance writers have got you covered.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Psychology of Sexual Kink at The Swaddle is a must read.The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a nonprofit membership organization tha...

Send us a Text Message.Does a bad boy or villain hero give you a bit of a thrill? A little tingle? Dark romance unsettles me, but there's something reassuring and protective in the gentle villain/noble demon, who chooses any means to the end of protecting you from hurt and harm. They'll burn down the world for you when needed--and what's not to love about that?https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMore on the Morality Pet and Morality Chain tropes at tvtropes.org. Every aspect of ...

Send us a Text Message.These funny, sharp TV shows written by women knock fat- and mental illness shaming on its behind, and tell stories of hard-won self-acceptance instead. It's about embracing our deepest desires and the person we are, not who They say we should be. It's about romancing yourself. CW: mentions of body shaming, anti-fat bias, mental illness, and briefly, abortion, weight loss and suicide ideation.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comI paraphrased the gorgeous Mary Oli...

Send us a Text Message.It's the first anniversary of this podcast! Turns out, I'm even more in love with romantic TV shows, movies and books one year on. And still feel no shame--mostly--crushing on romance. So in support and love for the genre, let's revisit some of the lushest, most romantic, and rom com funny movie scenes evah. Cue the gushing.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovies/TV ShowsThe scenes featured in this episode are from just a few of my all-time favorite romantic ...

Send us a Text Message.There's nothing more intimate than a letter, card, text or message written for your eyes only. The epistolary novel has been popular for centuries, and romantic stories using this device can feel like the best kind of eavesdropping.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovies/TV ShowsThe script for Love & Friendship takes Jane Austen's epistolary novel Lady Susan to new heights. I always call this director "Will Stillman" but it's Whit.84 Charing Cross Road wi...

Send us a Text Message.The sweet, sexy romantic cinnamon roll: there's no better hero in all of Romancelandia. Let's explore this gooey hearted, tender fictional confection and why this character brings all the feels.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Onion article that inspired the whole thing.Movies/TV ShowsAshton Kutcher was a sweet doofus in That 70s Show and he grew up to be the hot cinnamon roll of No Strings Attached.The opposites-attract romance of Long Shot only works be...

Send us a Text Message.Intimacy and love can be found in the most unexpected places. In sci-fi and fantasy-tinged romance, that means online, offline, synthetic or organic, from a lab, with creatures on earth or heaven above. Open hearts find love everywhere.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovies/TV ShowHer inspires so many questions: what is true intimacy? Is love chemistry, an accident of fate or a created experience? It's visually interesting, the sound design is stunning, the ...

Send us a Text Message.Sometimes all I want in this world is strong arms around me, someone who has my back, and a soft place to fall. That's when I pull out a good bodyguard romance. Nothing in the world makes me feel safer than these stories. They've got me dreaming of an avenger, a 24/7 personal protection officer of my very own.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovieThe Bodyguard (1992) is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think "bodyguard romance." It looks a ...

Send us a Text Message.There's nothing like the bubbly fun, clever banter and twisty plots of a romantic caper movie*. It's just the thing when you crave romance and sexy flirting in beautiful settings, plus a dash of gentle mystery and mild suspense. *Episode contains spoilers. Lots.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovies:The Lady Vanishes is a comfort re-watch for me, even though I know whodunit. The central romance is so charming.The Thin Man and its sequels are delightful from ...

Send us a Text Message.Many contemporary romances are based on, or inspired by, rom-com movies. Turns out recycling romance is good for the narrative arc--and heart as well.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Vulture roundup that inspired it all.MoviesGroundhog Day is classic for a reason.10 moments from When Harry Met Sally. I said that Harry and Sally don't marry anyone else during the movie, but always forget Harry's ex-wife. About Time is a lushly romantic story with a gorgeou...

Send us a Text Message.Music romances and seduces listeners, sometimes gently and sometimes with a rough, dirty, driving, relentless hot beat. That kind of romance rocks, and its rockstars are sex on legs.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMusic"Energy" by Scott Holmes Music & "Unashamed Ballad" by Learning Music, used with a Creative Commons license from freemusicarchive.orgPink is one of the biggest badasses in rock. Her video for So What is classic. The concert documentary Pin...

Send us a Text Message.I crave more sex- and age-positivity, a wider range of human sexuality and relationship, in the romantic TV shows and movies that I watch now. Romance novels have always done a great job at representing shame-free sexuality, desire, and fantasy. But the Netflix series Easy and the movie The Overnight also get it right.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comSalt-n-Pepa Let's Talk About Sex. The late 80s-early 90s style in this video! It dates from 1991 and wow, thin...

Send us a Text Message.Romances about people at the height of their physical prowess in pro sports finding love with a partner who matches their wit and talents is a bit unfair to us mere mortals. But I'll live vicariously through these stories all day long.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comEileen Brennan and Goldie Hawn are comic gold in Private Benjamin. The incredible haka from Rugby World Cup 2011.That serving contest in Wimbledon. The plot is charming and the performances ...

Send us a Text Message.Found family, partners, true-blue friends: it's all about the groups of people who claim us, warm our hearts, and have our backs no matter what, who help us feel that we belong.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comRemember the TV show Queer as Folk? It originated in the UK, and there was a US version too. Its group of friends fits this trope so well. My high school crush/date came out to me on prom night so I felt a bit like Daphne in this clip: happy and proud f...

Send us a Text Message.Banter is the best kind of romantic conversation, full of wit and emotional tension, leaving clues for us about how the couple really feels about each other. The best banter strip teases for our brain. It's verbal foreplay for the hot action to come. It's all about the juicy, sexy romantic banter in this episode. https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comAfter I said the word aloud, something didn't sound right, so I looked it up and it's pronounced Yah-KUZ-ah. Sigh. ...

Send us a Text Message.Human beings exist on a spectrum of diversity and differences, and romances that reflect that are touching my heart lately. The widest range of life experiences represented in stories can only be a good thing. Being seen and accepted, not treated as an exception, is inspiring. It's all part of the flow of life.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comApril 2 was World Autism Awareness Day, and April is National Autism Awareness Month in the US. Audible has a fa...

Send us a Text Message.Some of my favorite romantic stories create intimate worlds where true, vulnerable, heartfelt things can be said--and done. Sometimes it takes half the story to get there, sometimes it takes most of the story, but it's always worth the wait for that magic moment when characters finally bare their hearts.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comOriginal vintage trailer for The Shop Around the Corner. Oh, the charm.Nora Ephron followed the original first date sce...

Send us a Text Message.Unrequited love, "the timing's wrong" coupling, enemies to friends, friends to lovers, and then sometimes back to friends. What are these relationships about? Does chemistry even need a category? Some unforgettable romantic movies pin down that bittersweet, undeniable connection.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comChange the World and Change Your Mind are the soundtrack to this episode. Yep, I'm an idealist.Featured in order: 500 Days of SummerWhen Harry M...

Send us a Text Message.Most romance makes me feel warm, optimistic and hopeful. But sometimes hot and kinky is what you need. A touch of BDSM. Sex with an alien. The wild fantasies of some contemporary romances practically catch fire on the page. And sometimes non-fancy hot sex with good communication and a considerate fictional character who appeals to you does the trick. It's risk-free, shame-free pretend in this episode, in any flavor you want. Vanilla? I'm here to support it a...

Send us a Text Message.I've been having fun reading a ton of contemporary romances featuring buff young things getting it on. But it's time to get real: which means ageless love, with plenty of imperfection, wisdom and fun thrown in. It's romance full of humor, honesty, acceptance and kindness. The sexiest combo I know.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Heaving Bosoms podcast features different romance novels that best friends Erin and Melody have enjoyed--or just have opinions a...

Send us a Text Message.It's all about the alpha male today. Because he likes it that way, and dammit, makes me like it too. Plus, nobody ties a sexier Windsor knot than Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comIs it hot in here? The official, and super steamy, Fifty Shades of Grey trailer.And then, it gets Fifty Shades Darker.Crazy Rich Asians trailer.The Romcomathon podcast episode on Crazy Rich Asians.Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please cli...

Send us a Text Message.Who knew that Empire-waist dresses, waistcoats, cravats and women discovering their own power could be so sexy? Well, fans of Regency romance know. It's all about the debs and the Dukes in this episode. These two shows are the place to start your new, fresh, modern costume drama love affair.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comFascinating interview with Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen. He talks about adapting the books, the mostly female writers' room...

Send us a Text Message.Nothing wrong with indulging in slightly corny and comforting romantic movies. I talk about a bunch of my favorites in this episode, chock full of cheese (the tasty romantic kind).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMovies mentioned:The screwball comedy I featured is His Girl Friday (1940) starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. What a chemistry set!The HolidayThe Lake HouseMessage in a BottleLeap YearThe ProposalGrease 2Blue LagoonBridges of Madison CountyOnl...

Send us a Text Message.The March and Stone families give us the cozy, faithful and often funny holiday we all need this year.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comTrailers: Little Women (1933)Little Women (1949)Little Women (1994)Little Women (2019)The Family StoneDownload the Little Women ebook at Project GutenbergSupport the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message.This episode is about one of my favorite romantic tropes of all time: the grand--or small but meaningful--romantic gesture.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comStream NBC's Lipstick Jungle hereThe Age of Innocence trailerElizabeth's thank you to Darcy and the second proposal scene from the 1995 BBC Pride & PrejudiceThe breathtaking glider scene from Fifty Shades of Grey. One Last Night by Vaults is on constant repeat lately, and I can picture every moment of ...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I talk about one of the best filmed versions of the classic novel Jane Eyre: the 2011 romantic movie with Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska. In my humble opinion, ahem.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com <p>Project Gutenberg, a library of more than 60,000 free e-books!</p><p>The Mr. Rochester book.</p><p>The second fireside conversation between Mr. Rochester and Jane.</p><p>The proposal scene. Passio...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk about the classic romantic suspense novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and the sexy 2020 Netflix adaptation.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com<p>The full Alfred Hitchcock version of Rebecca from 1940.</p><p>The 2020 Netflix Rebecca trailer.</p><p>The Rebecca episode from A Novel Adaptation.</p>Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! T...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I talk about the hilarious, often crude new Netflix rom-com series The Duchess starring comedian/actress/writer Katherine Ryan.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com<p>A lot of the material for The Duchess seems to have been inspired by this Katherine Ryan Netflix special.</p>Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Send us a Text Message.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comDeath Comes to Pemberley trailer. Anna Maxwell Martin is one of my favorite Elizabeths, too.It's based on a book by P.D. JamesThe Scapegoat trailerThe Scapegoat book by Daphne du MaurierThe foreplay to the train make-out clip from North by NorthwestNotorious, full movie. That Scene comes right at the end.Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Than...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I talk about the visually stunning 2018 miniseries The Woman in White, a creepy romantic mystery perfect for Halloween. http://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comWhere to stream The Woman in White2018 WiW miniseries trailer and fantastic "sizzle reel"1948 WiW movie trailerTrailer for the dark and sometimes humorous Sleepy HollowSupport the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks f...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I talk about my latest binges and obsessive romance rewinds, Outlander and A Discovery of Witches, and try to answer the question: am I going nuts? http://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comOutlander S1 trailerA Discovery of Witches S1 trailer. That Kiss comes right at the end.All Souls Trilogy books.The article I mention.Another fun article on the topic.Music mentioned in the Confessional:Lissie's amazing cover of Go Your Own WayI Found by Amber R...

Send us a Text Message.In this extra episode, I talk about one of my favorite tiny romantic moments in the clever detective drama Sherlock.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Christmas Scene (tag says "dearest Sherlock" not "Merry Christmas, Sherlock," even better): https://youtu.be/ulYsQ7-w4PUA fun video compilation of some of the best Sherlock moments: https://youtu.be/OJ8eQZLcfXASupport the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your f...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk about some of the wordiest rom coms ever, and why I can't get enough of these romances. Show notes at: http://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThis clip from Destination Wedding is the scene just prior to the one I discuss in this episode. You say puma, I say mountain lion, it's all hysterical: https://youtu.be/ICVNRU90Z-QThe Q&A scene from Before Sunrise: https://youtu.be/sbwzV4cN90IAnd the stop the car scene from Before Sunset: https://y...

Send us a Text Message.In this extra episode, I continue talking about the actor Matt Bomer, because I can't get enough of his performance in The Last Tycoon. Someone, rescue me…https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe Last Tycoon trailer: https://youtu.be/KnRIv-QNtjgPure glamor: https://condenaststore.com/featured/norma-shearer-and-irving-thalberg-in-a-garden-edward-steichen.html?product=posterOh, this picture: https://artsmeme.com/2009/01/15/jewish-prince-of-hollywood/More about F. S...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I talk about some of my favorite visual romantic tropes— like a grab and a kiss and passion in the woods, used so well in the movie Becoming Jane.Becoming Jane movie trailer: https://youtu.be/qmd-ej9Hx20That Dance: https://youtu.be/mXoa7RcYT8MEmma proposal scene: https://youtu.be/LTgOLHxQ9mMMore about Jane Austen's early life: https://www.notablebiographies.com/An-Ba/Austen-Jane.htmlSupport the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your...

Send us a Text Message.I'm revisiting the romantic ups and downs of senior year on this episode with the help of a fantastic new movie called Chemical Hearts.Support the Show.If you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!