PODCAST · tv
Call Me When They Kiss
by Call Me When They Kiss
Welcome to Call Me When They Kiss 💋🎙️ Hosted by Isa and Sydney, we’re on a mission to find the best romance movies and books. Join us every Friday as we discuss romance movies, new or old. Plus, you can tune in to our bonus episode on the last Monday of every month where we'll review romance books.
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Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | Bonus Book Episode + Bookish News
For May’s bonus book episode, we're excited to share all our thoughts on Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. But first, we discuss the latest book and TV adaptation news. Then we give a brief synopsis (spoiler warning!), before talking through what we loved most, as well as what strayed from our personal preferences. We were also excited to learn that this book is currently being adapted into a TV series, so consider this your sign to read it before it comes out! This book immediately hooks your attention, and it keeps you engaged through its exploration of heavy themes and emotional flashbacks.The marketing describes this story as a “sexy” second-chance romance about a couple reuniting 15 years after a passionate seven days together…and while that may sound lighthearted, this story is anything but (and that's not a bad thing!). It offers representation that isn’t often seen in mainstream romance, and while it’s not as steamy or "fun" as our typical reads, it shares an important message and leaves you thinking about what love can endure.Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a five-star rating!Love, CMWTK 💕And join us Friday for our regularly scheduled movie review! This week, we’ll be chatting about the OG rom-com, Roman Holiday.Keywords:Seven Days in June, Tia Williams, romance novel, representation, adaptation, character analysis, contemporary romance, book review, book podcast, romance books
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Off Campus | Reviewing the Latest Sports Romance Adaptation
Off Campus is the MOST WATCHED show on Amazon Prime Video, and we understand why! Is it a little bit cringey at times? Well, sure, it’s a show about college students. But honestly, that makes it feel more realistic because *we* were cringey in college too. And more importantly, it’s sexy, fun, and surprisingly thoughtful in the way it handles its heavier themes.We start off by sharing some of the upcoming June romance releases, and then we dive deep into our thoughts on Off Campus. From the acting and the characters, to the important conversations around consent and THAT locker room scene, we don’t leave anything untouched.And don’t forget to stay until the end to hear our favorite books and movies with the fake dating/deal trope.Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a five-star rating!Love, CMWTK 💕Join us on Monday for our BONSU BOOK EPISODE (Seven Days in June by Tia Williams) and next Friday for our review of Roman Holiday.Keywords:off campus, hockey romance, heated rivalry, the summer i turned pretty, prime, amazon prime, netflix, romance, rom com, sports romance, review, film review, tv show, series, booktok, romance books, the deal, elle kennedy
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Brokeback Mountain featuring Our First Guests!
Today is a very special episode because we have our first ever guests joining us! Parker Martin and Kylan Merrill (AKA, the Gay Correspondents of CMWTK) are here to talk about Brokeback Mountain, the "gay cowboy movie" that did what very few queer movies had ever done before it: enter the mainstream.This was the first time either Sydney or I had ever seen the movie, and we were blown away by how much more there was to it than "gay cowboys."We're so grateful for Parker and Kylan for being willing to share their insights, and for indulging us in what is becoming a CMWTK staple: a game of Kiss/Marry/Kill.Since this was our first time having guests, we did experience a few technical difficulties, so the audio might not sound as good as it usually does. Thank you for listening anyway and we hope you enjoy the episode!Join us next week for our review of Season 1 of Off Campus, now streaming on Amazon Prime!
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The Devil Wears Prada 2 | Is It As Iconic As The First?!
Today we review the much-anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2! Surprisingly, (or unsurprisingly?) Isa had never even seen the first one, so obviously she had to remedy that. As with all sequels, there were things to love and things that fell flat. The magic of the first one couldn't quite be recaptured. But of course we had a fabulous time seeing another girl movie in the theaters.In this episode, we also briefly share our thoughts on the 2026 Met Gala and some TSITP movie news, as well as fill you in on our weekend together in Boise, Idaho.As always, thank you for listening! Join us next week for our Brokeback Mountain episode featuring our first ever guests!Keywords:The Devil wears Prada, Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily blunt, chick flicks, girl movies, romance movies, fashion, met gala, movie review, film review
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10 Things I Hate About You | And Everything We Love About The Movie (Our Fave Rom Com!)
This episode is *extra* special because it’s Isa’s BIRTHDAY EPISODE! And to celebrate, we’re reviewing THE BEST ROM-COM OF ALL TIME.10 Things I Hate About You is iconic for all the right reasons. The cultural impact. The humor. Heath. Ledger. We discuss the movie’s Shakespearean origins, the best and worst characters, its themes that were so ahead of their time, and everything in between.Our ratings? 5 stars across the board. Basically, we’re just gushing about this film the entire episode.Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a five-star rating!Love, CMWTK 💕Join us next week for The Devil Wears Prada 2!Keywords:romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You, Shakespeare adaptation, film analysis, pop culture, celebrity gossip, feminism in film, movie review, Heath Ledger, julia stiles, rom-coms, rom coms, movie ratings, modern retellings, romance movies, film discussion
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The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez | Bonus Book Review
This month we read the newest release from one of our favorite contemporary romance authors, Abby Jimenez! "The Night We Met" is a sloooowww burn, which is actually what we prefer. We were skeptical though when Abby announced that it involved the FMC getting together with her "boyfriend's best friend." However, we were pleasantly surprised by how well the story was executed. As usual, Abby Jimenez covers a lot of sensitive topics in this story, which we felt were handled with care. Before we dive into our review of the book, we also share our thoughts on the SLOMW OC spin-off, some BookTok/Bookstagram drama, and an upcoming romance book release that we are looking forward to.Thank you for listening and let us know what you thought of "The Night We Met"!
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Some Kind Of Wonderful | Romantic Storytelling in the 80's + Pop Culture Updates
This week we're throwing it back to the 1980s with a lesser-known John Hughes movie, 'Some Kind of Wonderful'. Watts is the ultimate cool girl, Amanda Jones "is sex", and Keith...well he's just plain dumb. But we root for him because we root for Watts. We'll get into that on the pod...From script vs storytelling, to themes and characters, we discuss how it all impacts our overall reception of the movie. But it's not a CMWTK episode without some rants on the latest pop culture news. Patrick Schwarzenegger has been cast as Gus in the latest Emily Henry adaptation, Beach Read, and we have some thoughtssssss. We also discuss the downfall of male pop stars, Hamilton?, and and the female gaze. All around a good time (;Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a five-star rating!Love, CMWTK 💕Join us next week for Isa's special birthday episode and our review of 10 Things I Hate About You.
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You, Me, & Tuscany | RomComs Are So Back!
Feeling blessed because we just watched a romcom at the movie theater! You, Me, and Tuscany was a romcom through-and-through, and it hit all of its marks in the cutest, most nostalgic ways. We talk through everything from the chemistry between Halle Bailey and Rege-Jean Page, to the crazy shenanigans that ensue in front of the beautiful backdrop that is Italy. One thing we're passionate about is romance movies being in theaters, so we discuss why this movie received a theatrical release as opposed to some other recent romance movies. Before we dive into the movie, we briefly share some other pop culture thoughts. We've got more to say about Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, more to say about the 13 Going on 30 reboot, and a LOT to say about the concept of "doom-roms," romance movies with darker, more cynical tones. Let us know in the comments what you thought about You, Me, and Tuscany! Join us next week when throw it back to the 80s for "Some Kind of Wonderful." And don't forget to like, share, follow, and subscribe! Thanks for listening!
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Love Story | Our Thoughts On The Show, The Kennedys, and Carolyn Bessette
Is Ryan Murphy's "Love Story" worth watching? Is the story of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bassette even a love story? Or simply a tragedy? We answer all of these questions in this weeks episode of CMWTK.While the show wasn't our favorite, we were SO fascinated by the story. Using history and gossip from the 1990s, we try to make sense of it all and discuss the media frenzy around them, their complicated relationship and dating histories, as well as the supposed “Kennedy Curse”. Who were these people really? Maybe we'll never know. As always, we leave you with our overall ratings of the show and if you should watch it or skip it. Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review!Love, CMWTK 💕Join us next week for our review of You, Me & Tuscany! Keywords:Kennedy family, JFK Jr., Carolyn Bassett, media analysis, love story review, movie review, tv show review, pop culture, john f kennedy jr, hulu, romance show
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Warm Bodies Review + Book/Movie/Reality TV News
Ok look....... we didn't love Warm Bodies, and you can tell from the episode that we wanted to talk about anything BUT the movie. If you're dying to hear our takes on Warm Bodies, skip to the last 30 minutes. But if you want to hear our opinions on literally everything else under the sun, start from the beginning and stick around!Here's a list of topics we cover:Abby Jimenez's new book, "The Night We Met"Bridgerton Season 5 newsSLOMW updatesNetflix's new reality dating show, "Age of Attraction"13 Going on 30 reboot newsWe end the episode with our review of Warm Bodies. We didn't hate it, but we didn't love it either. They can't all be winners, right?#warmbodies #romcom #moviereviews #romancemovies #abbyjimenez #thenightwemet
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Vision in White by Nora Roberts | Bonus Book Review
In this bonus book episode, we discuss Nora Roberts and her impact on the romance genre (she's written over 250 books!), and we share our thoughts on her contemporary romance novel, Vision in White. Some other topics we touch on include:Nora Roberts' career and impact on romance literatureIn-depth review of 'Vision in White' and its themesThe evolution of the romance genre and Nora Roberts' roleOpinions on Nora Roberts' writing style and character developmentIf you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five star rating and follow us for more discussions on romance movies and books <3Keywords:Nora Roberts, Vision in White, romance book, book podcast, contemporary romance, romance novels, romance podcast
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Hannah Montana: The Movie and The Last Song | Review + Disney Channel Debates
It’s the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, so you already know we had to do a special Miley Cyrus episode…in Hannah and Lola wigs, of course!We kick things off with a little reality TV catch-up because these SLOMW women don’t rest. We’re sharing our thoughts on the future of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, The Bachelorette, and reality TV in general.Then we get into the heart of the episode with our full review of The Last Song. The nostalgia was STRONG with this one. That discussion naturally turns into a deep dive on Miley Cyrus, including her relationship timeline with Liam Hemsworth, her career, and who she’s become today.From there, we fully lean into her Disney Channel era. We don’t hold back from voicing our opinions—from reviewing Hannah Montana: The Movie and raving about the cultural impact Miley had, to sharing who we think should be on the Disney Channel “Mount Rushmore” and who the most impactful Disney stars have been.It’s fun, nostalgic, and full of our love for her legacy 💕 Keywords:Miley Cyrus, The Last Song, Liam Hemsworth, celebrity culture, Hannah Montana, Hannah Montana anniversary, Disney Channel, Disney stars, disney movies, nicholas sparks
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Far and Away | Our Thoughts on the Western Romance Film
In this episode, we’re diving deep into The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Tom Cruise and his Scientology background, and an Irish cult classic ’90s western romance… Far and Away.We start with the latest SLOMW news, unpacking the ethics of reality TV and its storytelling choices, as well as what makes it so controversial, and at times, sad.Then, before we dive deep into Far and Away, we chat about the history of its two stars, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. From their marriage to his career and the ongoing conversations surrounding Scientology, we get into it allllll.And then it’s time for you to hear our thoughts on Far and Away! This movie earned a near-perfect score from Isa! We share our personal ratings, favorite moments, and thoughts on its storytelling, romance, and themes.Come debrief with us and share all your candid thoughts too!Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review!Love, CMWTK 💕
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SJM Book News + Rosaline Movie Review | Romance in the Renaissance Era
In this episode, we’re catching up on everything that’s been on our minds lately. From movie and book discussions to fandom theories and the state of romance in pop culture. We start with the discourse around Sarah J. Maas. From unhinged fan theories to unrealistic expectations, we share all our thoughts on her recent appearance on Call Her Daddy and what it might mean for upcoming books, adaptations, and the future "A Court of Thorns and Roses."Then we get into our movie review. This week we watched "Rosaline", a slightly modernized, rom-com retelling told from the perspective of Romeo’s “ex,” Rosaline. We chat about the story of Romeo and Juliet, the many adaptations it has inspired, and why people are still so fascinated by it.Along the way, we also end up doing a mini-history lesson on sex, kissing, and relationship norms in the Renaissance era. What was considered normal at the time? What wasn’t? And why is intimacy portrayed differently in Renaissance-era media versus Regency-era media, if the standards were the same?It’s a fun, slightly chaotic conversation about all the things we love about romance books and movies. Come debrief with us and share all your candid thoughts too! Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review! Love, CMWTK 💕Keywords:movies, books, fan theories, Romeo and Juliet, Sarah J. Maas, romantic comedies, adaptation, fan speculation, book industry, film critique, historical romance, Regency era, Renaissance, movie ratings, period pieces, romantic tropes, film podcast, rosaline movie, rom com review, movie review, a court off thorns and roses, acotar, call her daddy, alex cooper
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Bridgerton Part 3 | Review of Season 4, Episodes 5-8
Do Sophie and Benedict get their happily ever after? Of course! And we were sat for all the twists and turns. In this episode, we share our thoughts on Bridgerton Season 4, Part 2 and break it all down. From the biggest and best moments, character arcs, and storytelling choices to what could’ve been done better and what left us wanting more—we don’t hold anything back.Of course, it wouldn’t CMWTK without a little speculation… so we also look ahead to future seasons, possible storylines, and what spin-offs could be coming next. Oh! And who's the new Lady Whistedown?? We've heard some theories.Come debrief with us and share all your candid thoughts too! What did you think of Part 2?Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review!Love, CMWTK 💕Keywords:Bridgerton, romance, romance movies, romance series, tv shows, pop culture, movie review, bridgerton review, Netflix, bridgerton season 4, Violet, Benedict, Sophie, netflix series, lady bridgerton, lady danbury, regency romance
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15
Sandokan | Reviewing the New Pirate Romance Series
Sandokan is giving us everything we didn’t know we needed: a pirate prince with a heart of gold, a slow-burning grand romance, dramatic standoffs, and yes… an epic theme song ("Sandokan!" 🎶).If our thoughts can't convince you to watch the show, then just look at Can Yaman...are you convinced yet?*This episode contains spoilers* -- We dive into what makes the series work so well, such as the perfect balance of romance, action, strong emotional messaging, and just the right amount of cheesiness. But it wouldn't be CMWTK without also over-analyzing the main characters and sharing what we love (and hate) about them. We break down their motivations, chemistry, and the emotional weight each of them carries. While there were many things we enjoyed, we also discuss where the show could grow, especially when it comes to deepening the female characters (and hopefully introducing more women into the story overall).It was so fun to shift gears from what we've been watching lately and... honestly, we need more romantic pirate books and movies ASAP.With Season 2 officially confirmed, we’re absolutely tuning in.If you love romance, high-stakes drama, adventures, and pirates with emotional depth, this one’s for you.Keywords: Sandokan, pirates, romance, romantasy, TV shows, romance tv shows, movie review, tv show review, netflix, Ed Westwick, Can Yaman, character analysis, pirate show, pirate movie, new tv shows
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Say Yes to the Marquess & the Regency Romance Genre | Bonus Book Review
It’s time for another bonus book episode! This month, we’re doing a deep dive into the Regency romance genre, and Say Yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare.We kick it off by catching up on the latest in book and adaptation news, starting with Abby Jimenez’s upcoming book, The Night We Met, and the BIG casting announcement for Emily Henry’s next film adaptation, Beach Read.And thennnn we dive into Say Yes to the Marquess (don’t worry, we give a full summary, so even if you haven’t read the book, you can still enjoy it with us!). We share the good, the bad, and the silly—and why, despite its flaws, we still enjoyed this book. Say Yes to the Marquess is a Regency romance that feels very modern. The humor and personal struggles of the characters can feel very relatable. But do you prefer your Regency romances more historically accurate? We discuss the pros and cons of more accurate depictions of the time period vs. taking more creative liberties.As always, we wrap up with our ratings and a few fun facts about the genre, as well as romance literature as a whole, that might surprise you. Like, did you know Fabio has been on the cover of over 400 romance novels?If you love reading and romance, then this episode is for you <3You’re all invited to read with us each month and join the convo! And you can also join us every Friday for a romance movie review.Did you like the episode and want to show us some love? Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review!Love,CMWTK 💕
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Wuthering Heights | Reviewing Emerald Fennell's 2026 Adaptation
Last week we watched Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights"...and yes, we have a LOT of thoughts. We talk through the casting choices of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the artistic direction, and why adapting this story always feels like such a bold, yet risky move. What makes a good adaptation? And why do we keep coming back to this one in particular? We unpack Emerald Fennell’s creative choices, the film’s overall aesthetic, and how this version handles some of the story’s biggest themes: love, obsession, cruelty, sex, abuse, and death. We spend a lot of time on Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship and why it’s so complex, and whether this adaptation actually portrays the reality of it. Did Fennell truly turn it into "the greatest love story of all time"? Because we certainly don't believe the original story matches that description.Since this isn’t the first time Wuthering Heights has been adapted, we also compare this version to the original novel by Emily Brontë and past adaptations (Isa watched ELEVEN leading up to the premiere of this movie).We discuss how the story is impacted when it's filtered through a modern lens, when Heathcliff's race is removed from the conversation, and when key themes such as generational trauma, nature vs nurture, and breaking the cycle of abuse are missing from an adaptation.By the end, we’re asking big questions like why do so many people frame Wuthering Heights as a "tragic love story"? Is Nellie an unreliable narrator? Was creating a steamier version the right creative choice? And can Wuthering Heights ever be adapted without losing something essential?Ultimately, this episode isn’t just about whether this adaptation “worked”, it’s about why Wuthering Heights still provokes such strong reactions, and what that says about romance, the viewers interpretation, and storytelling in modern time.Share your thoughts on the adaptation in the comments and don't forget to like, share, follow or subscribe!Keywords:Wuthering Heights, film adaptation, casting, cinematography, cultural impact, classic literature, Emerald Fennell, Jacob Elordi, Margot Robbie, film adaptation, Emily Bronte, Heathcliff, Cathy, movie analysis, film review, movie review
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Crazy Stupid Love | Our Valentine's Day Movie Review
It’s our Valentine’s Day episode, and what better way to celebrate love, no matter how crazy or stupid it can be, than with Crazy, Stupid, Love? In this episode, we dive into this messy, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful rom-com and unpack why it is considered one of the most iconic of the 2010s. We get into the chaotic character dynamics, THE plot twist, what this film says about love at different stages of life...and everything in between. We truly discuss every aspect. From the incredible cast to what the film gets wrong, why media literacy is so important, and the humor that still has us laughing out loud.Romantic comedies have evolved, and critics reception to the genre has shifted...Was this one of the last “good” rom-coms we got in theater? Let us know in the comments! Do you like this movie? Why or why not?Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, this episode is all about embracing love in all its messy, imperfect forms, and all are welcome to listen and celebrate with us!And don’t forget to follow us and leave a review besties <3KeywordsCrazy Stupid Love, rom-com, relationships, love, character dynamics, plot summary, valentine day movie, movie podcast, romantic comedies, romance movies, romance movie podcast, nostalgia, Steve Carell, Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, film analysis, rom-com dynamics, movie chemistry, Hollywood, pop culture
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Bridgerton Part 2 | Season 4, Episodes 3 & 4
In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we unpack all our thoughts and feelings on Bridgerton Season 4, Episodes 3 and 4. Some scenes had us swooning and glued to the screen, while others left us feeling frustrated and confused. Benedict and Sophie’s relationship shifts and grows a LOT over these two episodes, and we chat about the complexities of their societal roles and what exactly is keeping them apart. What did you think of Benedict’s “proposal”? Because… we definitely have some thoughts.We also dive into Eloise’s character growth (or lack thereof), Francesca and John’s relationship, and of course, Violet’s *blooming* desires.We don’t shy away from the messier stuff though. We talk about the pacing of the season and how it affects our engagement, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with creative liberties, and the way Bridgerton handles sexuality—which often feels full of double standards and contradictions.Throughout it all, we keep coming back to how we, as the audience, bring our own expectations into the viewing experience, and how that shapes what lands and what doesn’t. Are we expecting too much, or is production and the new show-runner negatively impacting the direction of the show?Come debrief with us. We don’t hold back, and you shouldn’t either. Let us know in the comments what you thought of the first part of Season 4! Keywords:Bridgerton, romance, romance movies, romance series, tv shows, pop culture, movie review, bridgerton review, Netflix, bridgerton season 4, Violet, Benedict, Sophie, netflix series
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Bridgerton Part 1 | Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2
Is Benedict still a notorious rake? Or is he ready to settle down? In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we discuss the first two episodes of Bridgerton Season 4, and we are already LOVING Sophie and this season's fresh twist on the classic Cinderella story. We share some of our most unhinged show theories and predictions, and look back at past seasons -- what worked, what didn’t, which character's development we'd like to see more of, and what’s starting to feel a little too repetitive. In true CMWTK fashion, we have… a lot of opinions.We also get into the double standards between male and female characters, especially when it comes to sexual empowerment, talking about what the show is doing well to push back against harmful purity culture, and where it still has room to do better.What are we most excited for this season? Deeper character development, higher emotional stakes, and a slow-burn romance that actually earns the payoff.We can't wait to keep watching with you and see how the story unfolds!______________________________KeywordsBridgerton, bridgerton season 4, character development, romance, themes, love, purity culture, historical romance, regency romance, netflix, Benedict Bridgerton, film podcast, romance podcast, tv show
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The Knight and The Moth and the Romantasy Genre | Bonus Book Review
Welcome to our second bonus book episode! Last month we explored the contemporary romance genre, but this month we’re tackling the romantasy genre with a review of The Knight in the Moth. We talk through what we liked, what we wished there had been more of, and why the book ultimately landed as “it was good, but fine” rather than “we loved it!!!". But it wouldn’t be a Call Me When They Kiss episode without a classic rant. Can we rant about the romantasy genre as a whole with you for a sec? We’re begging for flawed, interesting characters, better villains, higher stakes, and a true slow burn. We talk about what makes a romantic storyline feel earned instead of rushed, and why we’ll always choose character-driven stories with real emotional depth over flashy world-building.We wrap things up with our personal ratings, honest recommendations, and a fun round of romantasy trivia (some of the facts really shocked us!!). So whether you read the book or not, join our convo, have some fun with us, and tell us what you love and hate about the beloved romantasy genre.Don't forget to like, rate, and subscribe 💋
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Notting Hill | Our Unfiltered Thoughts + Heated Rivalry Review
Dirty Dancing was our first 5-star movie, so we were very excited to follow it up with the iconic ’90s rom-com Notting Hill…Imagine our surprise when it turned out to be our first 1-star movie! In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we give our fully unfiltered review of the film and share some wild behind-the-scenes tea. BUT not before showing some love to HBO Max’s new hit, Heated Rivalry.While Notting Hill was a major miss, Heated Rivalry gave us something to believe in again. The show made us laugh, cry, and feel things we did *not* expect, especially after just the first two episodes. But then there was episode three… and everything changed.Tune in to hear allllllll the details. From what we loved most about Shane and Ilya to where Notting Hill missed the mark, and even the one thing Hugh Grant did that drove us completely insane...Whether you’re here for the romance, the chaos, or the hot takes, this episode has it all. So press play and if you disagree...PLEASE tell us what we're missing. Keywordsromance movies, Heated Rivalry, Notting Hill, romance critique, hockey, shane and ilya, hbo max, romance books, Notting Hill, romantic comedy, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, film critique, celebrity culture, dialogue analysis, audience reception
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Dirty Dancing | Our First 5-Star Romance Movie
In this episode of Call Me When They Kiss, we’re giving our full film review on Dirty Dancing -- Our first 5-star movie on the podcast! And it may be our most unhinged episode yet. There will be laughing. There will be tears. This one is for our emotionally vulnerable girlies. From iconic lines and dance scenes, to the film's *perfect* soundtrack, we share what worked and what surprised us, as well as how we’d rate the chemistry, meet cute, and kisses between Baby and Johnny. Plus, Isa shares some fun behind-the-scenes facts and surprising context that might change how you see a few scenes next time you watch. We were also struck by just how much was going on beneath the surface, and dive deep into the social commentary woven into the story, and why this movie feels just as relevant now as it did when it first came out. We discuss why this film matters, especially for women. From themes of vulnerability, compassion, and empowerment, to how it navigates innocence, sexuality, and personal growth. Dirty Dancing tells a story that centers women in a way we don’t always get in romance, and we talk about why we’re still craving more female-led stories like this in movies today.If you haven't watched this movie yet, you need to ASAP. It is CMWTK Certified, and we really don't know what you've been waiting for.KeywordsDirty Dancing, romance movies, movie discussion, film analysis, romantic comedies, social commentary, iconic films, chemistry in film, Dirty Dancing, female empowerment, cultural significance, representation in cinema, women's stories, vulnerability, societal expectations, film analysis, coming of age, movie review, patrick swayze, romance movie review,
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People We Meet on Vacation | Did the Movie Live Up to Our Expectations?
The time has finally come ✨🎬 One of our most anticipated watches of the year...People We Meet on Vacation! In this episode, we’re sharing our first reactions, our takes on the characters and their relationships, and how the film compares to other iconic rom-coms. We celebrate the moments that had us laughing out loud, and the phenomenal cast, while also being open about where we wished the emotional depth and character development went a little further, especially compared to what made the book so special to us. It’s an excited, honest, and love-filled conversation about book-to-screen adaptations, expectations, and why we’re hopeful and hyped for future Emily Henry movies.
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5
When Harry Met Sally | Reviewing the Iconic Romantic Comedy
This week on Call Me When They Kiss, we’re talking about an iconic romantic comedy that shaped the genre for decades: When Harry Met Sally. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry, we break down the full plot so you can still follow along and join the conversation. We dive deep into the film’s themes, cultural impact, what made us laugh out loud, why it continues to resonate ... and whether Billy Crystal is a cutie??? We also chat about People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, (whose film adaptation comes out in just one week!) and discuss how the book was inspired by When Harry Met Sally, highlighting their similarities and differences. From character development to relationship timelines, we reflect on what makes romantic chemistry feel real on screen and how rom-com tropes have evolved over time. We wrap up by sharing where we think the romance genre has been, where we hope it’s headed, and, of course, a round of Kiss, Marry, Kill featuring the leading men of ’80s romance 💋 We can't wait to hear what you thought of this movie! Let us know how you felt and which movies we should review next!
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People We Meet on Vacation | Bonus Book Review
It’s here! Our first-ever bonus book episode! This month, we chose Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, and we just had to with the movie releasing in 11 days.We kick things off with some official and unofficial book world news, including rumored casting for Book Lovers, fan casting for Happy Place, and Abby Jimenez’s narrator hints that had us SO ready for the official announcement.Then we break down Alex and Poppy's story. From the friends-to-lovers trope, to what makes a good slow burn, to *the balcony scene*, to third-act break-ups...we cover it ALL. We both adore Emily Henry's books. They’re not without flaws, but they’re uniquely relatable, and she absolutely nails yearning. People We Meet on Vacation is no exception.Whether you just finished the book for the first time, you’re on your fifth re-read, or you’re getting ready for the movie release, this episode is for you.Keywords: Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation, book adaptations, romance novels, podcast, fan casting, Abby Jimenez, book discussion, personal reflections, character analysis, Emily Henry, romance novels, friendship, slow burn, character development, book review, relationship dynamics, third act breakup, balcony scene, romance, romantic comedy
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Eternity | Are Rom-Com Movies Back?
Are rom-coms "so back"? This week, we watched Eternity to find out. Eternity follows Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) and Larry (Miles Teller), who have been married for 65 years before passing away just a week apart. When Joan arrives in the afterlife, she’s faced with an impossible choice: spend eternity with Larry, or reunite with her first husband, Luke (Callum Turner), a love she lost too soon after he died during the Korean War.We kick things off by talking about what romance movies and books we've been consuming lately and...debating which of the MMC we’d personally choose if we were faced with Joan's decision.Then we dive deep into the movie's themes, breaking down the film's portrayal of the afterlife, the chemistry between the characters, which moments made us tear up, and the overarching message that love isn’t just about the good times, but about enduring life’s challenges together.And because it's us, we close with our own hypothetical eternity situations...like "Would you rather spend eternity with Thanos or Voldemort?" 😂If you've watched the movies, join the convo and let us know if you think Eternity is the rom-com genre's comeback. And if you haven’t seen it yet, listen along anyway! We’ll help you decide if it’s one to add to your watchlist.Keywordsromance, movie review, Eternity, podcast, romance movies, movie ratings, love stories, relationship dynamics, romantic comedies
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A Merry Little Ex-mas & A Very Jonas Christmas Movie | Holiday Romance Movies
In this episode, we’re getting cozy in our Christmas pjs and reviewing two recently released holiday romances🎄🎬 We kick things off with Merry Little Xmas, breaking down its characters, themes, and the goofiness of it all. And then we dive into A Very Jonas Christmas Movie. What was it like to watch the Jonas Brothers play fictionalized versions of themselves in a *musical* movie with a million celebrity cameos? You'll have to watch the episode to find out. We discuss the musical elements, the romantic subplots, who this movie is really for, and which bizarre plot points had us the most bamboozled. And of course we'll leave our ratings for each movie, from chemistry to kisses, and how they compare to critic and audience scores. Intermixed with this all, we chat about our all time favorite Christmas movies, how Hallmark romances may be cheesy, but have heart, and what's missing from most recently released holiday movies. If you love Christmas movies OR just hearing us lovingly roast holiday content, this episode is for you🎅✨ Keywords:Christmas special, romance movies, movie reviews, character analysis, holiday films, movie ratings, pop culture, Jonas Brothers, musical movies, romantic subplots, Christmas movies, visual aesthetics, cultural commentary, movie ratings
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Before Sunrise | Our Review of the Timeless Romance
This week on Call Me When They Kiss, we review Before Sunrise. Neither of us had seen the 1995 classic, but the 100% on Rotten Tomatoes convinced us to give it a shot. We had to see for ourselves if it deserved the hype.Spoiler: it absolutely does. This is a Certified Timeless Romance from CMWTK.We begin with a recap of what we've been watching and reading recently, with a mini Wicked: For Good review. And then we dive deep into Before Sunrise.We walk through our first impressions, the scenes that impacted us the most, and why the film’s simple setup works better than some modern formulas, even if it's a mostly plotless story of two strangers talking all night. Realistic dialogue and genuine connection still make for the best on-screen romance.And of course we rate some kisses 💋Chapters00:00 Introduction05:10 Reading & Watching Updates and Recommendations11:04 Wicked Part Two Discussion20:29 Initial Impressions of Before Sunrise31:30 Before Sunrise Synopsis35:45 Overall feelings on the Film53:04 Rating the Kisses and Chemistry01:01:00 Realistic Storytelling01:05:00 Does it pass the timeless romance test?01:11:19 Conclusion
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Introducing Call Me When They Kiss
Welcome for the very first time ever to Call Me When They Kiss 💋 In this introductory episode, we’ll introduce ourselves, explain the format of our podcast, and share some of our favorite things across the romance genre. From our most loved books and movies, to a game of “Kiss Marry Kill”, this episode will give you a feel for who we are and the stories that defined our love for the genre.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Call Me When They Kiss 💋🎙️ Hosted by Isa and Sydney, we’re on a mission to find the best romance movies and books. Join us every Friday as we discuss romance movies, new or old. Plus, you can tune in to our bonus episode on the last Monday of every month where we'll review romance books.
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Call Me When They Kiss
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