Literature on the Rocks

Lie to Me Summary

In this summary episode of Literature on the Rocks, we break down Lie to Me by Molly McAdams, a romance built on secrets, guarded hearts, and the terrifying gift of vulnerability.
Emma has spent years perfecting her walls, shaped by a troubled past she refuses to fully unpack. Then comes a tattooed cop with a tough exterior and an unexpectedly calm, steady presence that doesn’t push — but doesn’t walk away either.
We walk through the story from start to finish, unpacking the chemistry, the tension, and what happens when someone sees the broken parts of you and chooses to stay anyway. This one is all about trust, emotional exposure, and whether love is worth the risk.
Full spoilers, big feelings, and plenty to unpack. Grab the Trauma Bond cocktail and join us! 

Dungeon Crawler Carl Book Club

In this book club episode of Literature on the Rocks, we’re heading back into the dungeon to talk Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — no rules recap, just reactions, chaos, and hot takes.
We debate how long we’d actually survive if we were dropped into the dungeon, whether Carl’s mantra “you will not break me” hit a little too close to home, and how our own pets would stack up against the reigning queen, Princess Donut.
From resilience and survival to unexpected emotional beats and laugh-out-loud moments, this episode is all about why this story sticks with you long after the crawl ends.
Full spoilers, unhinged hypotheticals, and one cat we’re still not over. Grab the Royal Remedy cocktail and join us. 🥂👑

Dungeon Crawl Carl Summary

In this summary episode of Literature on the Rocks, we drop into the chaotic, darkly hilarious world of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.
When Earth is transformed into a deadly, game-like dungeon run by an alien entertainment system, Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, are forced to survive level by level — with monsters, absurd rules, and an audience watching their every move. We break down the story from start to finish, covering the brutal challenges, unexpected humor, and emotional beats that make this book way more than just another LitRPG.
We talk about why this book works even if you don’t usually read sci-fi or fantasy, how the humor balances the violence, and why Carl and Donut might be one of our favorite duos ever.
Full spoilers, big laughs, and a wild ride through the dungeon. Grab a Royal Remedy cocktail and let the crawl begin. 🥂👑

Don't Let Her Stay Book Club

In this book club episode of Literature on the Rocks, we unpack Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders and dive into everything the ending left us arguing about.
We talk about the cracks in Joanne and Richard’s marriage, how Chloe’s presence amplifies existing tension, and whether being polite can sometimes be the most dangerous choice. From ignored red flags to unreliable truths, this story had us questioning who to believe right up to the final page.
We also get real about what it actually takes to make a marriage work — forgiveness, cooperation, and respect — especially when trust starts to slip.
Full spoilers, hot takes, and one ending we’re still debating. Grab the Blood Relative cocktail and join the conversation. 🥂

Don't Let Her Stay Summary

What’s worse than a houseguest who overstays their welcome? One who might be lying about everything.
In this summary episode, we’re diving headfirst into Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders, a domestic thriller that proves sometimes the real danger is already inside the house. When an estranged daughter returns, lines blur fast between kindness and control, trust and manipulation — and we quickly learn that nothing (and no one) is what they seem.
We break down every twist, questionable decision, and red flag you should absolutely never ignore. From unreliable narratives to escalating tension, we’re unpacking how this story plays with perception and keeps you second-guessing everyone involved. 
Grab your custom cocktail, The Blood Relative, lock your doors, and join us for this full spoiler deep dive — because once she’s in, getting her out might be impossible. 🥂🔐
 

Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Club

You’ve heard our full breakdown of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt now it’s time to talk feelings. In this book club episode, we dive into listener comments and book prompts, unpacking the moments that stayed with us long after the final page. From Marcellus being the most emotionally intelligent character in the room to the quiet ways structure and routine hold our lives together, we’re getting into all of it.
We talk through the rotating points of view.  We spend time obsessing over Marcellus as a character and what his octopus perspective adds to the story that a human narrator simply couldn’t, questioning if the book works the same without him or if he’s the secret sauce. And because we couldn’t resist, we close by imagining Marcellus’s verdict on humanity, our drink choices, and our very on brand discussion habits. 🐙🍸
Pour another round, settle in, and join us for a thoughtful, heartfelt conversation that proves sometimes the softest stories leave the biggest mark. 🍸📖

Remarkably Bright Creatures Summary

In this summary episode, we dive into Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt a quietly powerful story about grief, unlikely friendships, and the healing magic of connection. We follow Tova, a woman learning how to live after loss, Cameron, a man searching for where he belongs, and Marcellus, an octopus who knows way more than he should (and yes, he absolutely steals the show).
We break down the full story from start to finish, unpack the emotional gut punches, the gentle humor, and the moments that had us staring at the wall thinking about life. Plus, we chat about why this book hits so hard without ever raising its voice. Of course, we pair it with a themed cocktail, The Quiet Tide, and finish with our official shot ratings to decide if this one deserves another round.
Grab your drink, get comfy, and come swim in your feelings with us. 🍸📚

Cheers to 2025: Books, Booze & Best Moments

It’s our 2025 Highlight Episode, and we’re popping the champagne, spilling the tea, and maybe reliving a few moments we said we wouldn’t talk about again.
This episode is our end-of-year toast to everything that made 2025 unforgettable—starting with our highest-rated reads, each of our personal favorite books of the year, and the cocktails that absolutely understood the assignment (plus one truly tragic drink that deserves an honorable mention… for all the wrong reasons).
We’re also revisiting our best recorded moments, the laughs that nearly derailed episodes, and the takes that still live rent-free in our heads. Then, we each sum up our year in one single word—no pressure or anything—before raising a glass and sharing our cheers for the new year ahead.
Books, booze, banter, and a whole lot of gratitude—this one’s for the listeners who read along with us, drank with us, and made 2025 one hell of a chapter. 🥂

Hooked Book Club Revisit

You’ve already heard our deep dive into Hooked, but now we’re circling back— In this revisited book club episode, we’re digging into listener comments, revisiting our book prompt questions, and reassessing the biggest debate of all: is Hook a misunderstood antihero… or just a beautifully packaged red flag?
With a little distance (and a few more dark romances behind us), we’re talking revenge, redemption, and whether morally gray characters hit differently on a second read. Spoiler alert: some opinions softened, some hardened, and some stayed delightfully unhinged. And yes—we absolutely revisit the steamy romance, because how could we not?
So top off your glass, settle in, and join us for another round of books, booze, and banter—because Hooked deserved a refill. 🍸📚

Hooked Summary Revisited

In this revisited episode of Literature on the Rocks, we’re cracking open Hooked by Emily McIntire once again—a morally gray, villain-forward reimagining of Peter Pan that lives rent-free in our heads. With a little distance (and a few more books under our belts), Sunny, Rachel, and Rox take a fresh look at James “Hook”: his obsession, his trauma, and whether his allure actually holds up on a second pour.
We’re rehashing the plot, revisiting our hottest takes, and yes—reliving the moment Rox realized (late) exactly what fairy tale this was. Pair it with our custom cocktail Pixie Lust, brace yourself for dark romance energy, and join us as we give this listener favorite a well-deserved refill.