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
Reading The Flame and the Flower for the First Time (Ch. 1–2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:23
Welcome to the very first episode of Ripped & Ravished Book Club, your deep dive into vintage "bodice ripper" romances that helped shape the romance genre as we know it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a rom…
26 Books to Read in 2026 [ 13 Picked by Friends ] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:10
I asked 13 friends to choose my reading fate for 2026... and added 13 of my own backlist books to make the ultimate 26-book challenge spread. If I don't make it look pretty in my journal, I won't do it...so let's set thi…
Virginia Kantra discusses Meg & Jo | Book Club LIVE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
Novel Hour sits down for a chat with Virginia Kantra to discuss our January book club pick: Meg & Jo.Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you!Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/x1822eXaxpgBooks Me…
Your Guide to Book Genres Beyond the Marketing Labels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
Let’s settle the "Romantasy" debate once and for all. (And yes, we need to talk about Bride by Ali Hazelwood).Does anyone else feel like book genres have gotten completely out of hand lately? We’re throwing around terms…
January Book Haul | Book Mail & eBooks + Outlander Season 7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:24
Welcome to the Reading Under the Covers podcast. On today's replay of our Novel Hour live show, come for a chat about the latest books we've added to our shelves. Physical and digital.Tune in EVERY THURSDAY at 12 PM ET,…
I'm Documenting Every Read 8 Different Ways in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Is it excessive? Probably. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. 😅Welcome to the maximalist reading tracking setup of your dreams (or nightmares). In this video, I'm breaking down exactly how, and WHY, I use 8 different system…
January TBR, Reading Goals & Harlequin's AI Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
We're back for 2026 with a January TBR stack, some spicy reading goals (or non-goals...we see you, mood readers), and a book club launch that kicks off with Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra. Plus, we react to the news that…
Top 10 NEW Kindle Unlimited Authors I Found in 2025 (Hidden Gems!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:08
Tired of downloading the same 5 hyped Kindle Unlimited authors from BookTok? Today I’m ranking my Top 10 best new-to-me KU authors of 2025, the hidden gems I had to actually go looking for.We’re talking everything from c…
2026 Romance Book Club and Readalongs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:04
Kicking Off 2026 with Exciting Romance Book Clubs and Read Alongs!In this first episode of Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, in 2026, Francesca introduces an exciting lineup of romance book clubs and rea…