Can You Love a Problematic Classic? The Flame and the Flower Wrap-Up (with Kate Baxter)

Can You Love a Problematic Classic? The Flame and the Flower Wrap-Up (with Kate Baxter)

Author: Under the Covers Book Blog March 20, 2026 Duration: 1:16:06

We’re wrapping up our first Ripped & Ravished Book Club read: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, one of the most foundational (and most debated) romance novels of all time.

In this episode, Francesca (Under the Covers Book Blog) and Becky (Too Stupid to Live Podcast) are joined by special guest Kate Baxter / Amanda Bonilla, who first read Woodiwiss as a teenager and reread The Flame and the Flower with us for the club. Together we unpack what still works, what doesn’t, and why this book’s fingerprints are still all over romance today.

We talk about reading vintage romance with modern eyes (without pretending), the tropes that never died (makeover/clothing montage, “touch her and die,” instant obsession), and why Brandon Birmingham might be the granddaddy of morally gray/dark romance heroes.

We also get into the wild genre bridges: how bodice rippers helped pave the way for paranormal romance, the role of “danger + destiny” storytelling, and why 2010s PNR is having a moment again, perfect timing, because Amanda’s paranormal romance The Last True Vampire is being re-released (revamped!) in May 2026.

And yes: we address the truly iconic, deeply confusing details, like the book’s bath economy and Brandon’s legendary hairiness.

Content note

This discussion references themes from the book including non-consent/forced seduction, misogyny, and historical power dynamics. Please take care of yourself.

Links mentioned


What’s next in the book club

Our next Ripped & Ravished pick for March/April is Tender Is the Storm by Johanna Lindsey (first-time read for Francesca + Becky), and we’ll kick off discussion in early April.

Loved the episode?

Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕

💌 Talk to Me:

Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message.

Support the Show:

Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing.

📚 Stay Connected:

  1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
  2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
  3. Newsletter: join our insider for the latest updates.

💖 This episode may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show!


If you've ever stayed up far too late, utterly lost in the world of a romance novel, you're in the right place. Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast is that feeling, turned into a conversation. Hosted by the two friends behind the Under the Covers Book Blog, this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in your favorite bookstore café. Each episode is a deep, often hilarious, and always heartfelt dive into the books they can't stop thinking about. You'll hear genuine, spoiler-filled discussions that dissect everything from beloved tropes and character chemistry to the sheer craft of storytelling. It's a celebration of the genre in all its forms-historical, contemporary, fantasy, and everything in between. More than just reviews, it's about the shared experience of reading: the anticipation of a new release, the comfort of a re-read, and the joy of finding a perfect book boyfriend. This is a space for fellow enthusiasts who understand that a great romance novel isn't just a story; it's an escape, a comfort, and a source of genuine delight. Tune in for passionate recommendations, thoughtful analysis, and the kind of enthusiastic fangirling that only true friends and book lovers can share.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Alpha Heroes and 1980s Romance Power Couples | Once Upon a Genre Series [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
The alpha hero didn’t start in the 1980s… but that’s where he became a formula. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, we’re going back to the era of power suits, jet-setting billionaires, emotionally constipated c…
New Romance Book Releases: April 14–20, 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:14
In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are talking new releases. This week’s romance releases are stacked—from grumpy dukes and small-town second chances to dragon shifters and fake…
What Is Cowboy Romance, Really? | Trope Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:52
Welcome to Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, in today’s episode, we’re saddling up to explore cowboy romance — one of the most versatile, trope-rich subgenres in the game. From emotionally repressed ranc…
Spring Reads for Bold Girl Energy | Aries Season Romance Recs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:01
Ready to ditch your comfort reads and grab something bold? It’s officially Bold Girl Spring, and Aries season is calling for a little chaos, a little passion, and a whole lot of main character energy. In this episode of…
Trope Talk: Small Town Romance Books You'll Want to Move Into [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:03
In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, we're cozying up with one of the most beloved romance tropes of all time: small town romance. From the tight-knit communities and cinnamon roll heroes to the town gossip and u…
March 2025 Kindle Unlimited Books You Need to Read ASAP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
March might’ve been a low-energy reading month, but these March 2025 Kindle Unlimited books totally made up for it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, I’m sharing the standout KU reads…

«1...678910