Ep. 51—To Have and To Hold: Is This the Episode That Gets Us Canceled?

This week, we're diving into controversial waters with this 1995 historical romance that is very much "of its time". But, is there still value to be found in these older romances despite their problematic content? Well, that's what we try to figure out! If you're feeling up for it, join us! IMPORTANT NOTE: this episode obviously deals with darker subject matter that may be triggering or upsetting to our listeners; therefore, we ask that you read the trigger warnings before listening. Take care of yourselves! Trigger warnings: On page rape of the heroine commited by the hero, pedophilia and incest committed by a side character, predatory behavior, attempted rape, grooming, wrongful incarceration, sexual and emotional abuse by a past spouse, mental health/distress, trauma, mistreatment in prison, misogyny, rape fantasies, homicide. Book of the week: To Have and To Hold by Patricia Gaffney Books mentioned: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Essay/Research mentioned: Women's Erotic Rape Fantasies: An Evaluation of Theory and Research by Joseph W. Critelli and Jenny M. Bivona Find us: E-mail—romancingthemonsterspodcast@gmail.com Twitter—@theRTMpod Instagram—@romancingthemonsterspodcast TikTok—@Romancingthemonsterspod Find M: Instagram & Twitter—@foesandlovers Find S: Instagram & Twitter—@butthisbook Find Seff: Instagram & Twitter—@prosewithwoes Romancing the Monsters is a podcast that looks at the monster within: the shadow keeping the characters away from true and absolute happiness. This monster can be a prejudice, fear, insecurity, trauma and so on. We believe that romance novels are as much about one's personal journey as they are about finding love. After all, love makes us vulnerable and forces us to bare our monsters to another.