Sunday Edition Presents: A Conversation with Suzanne Brockmann – The Legacy of Jules and Robin
Originally recorded Thursday night at 8 PM Eastern, this extraordinary conversation with bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann dives deep into LGBTQIA representation in mainstream romance and the broader world of inclusive literature. Suzanne was open, honest, vulnerable, and fun—offering insight, laughter, and reflection in equal measure. This marks the first in a special series of conversations celebrating authors who have forever changed the landscape of romantic fiction. Part Two of this series will arrive in November.
At the heart of this discussion lies one of the most groundbreaking and emotionally resonant storylines in modern romance: the love story of Jules Cassidy and Robin Chadwick.
For readers of Brockmann’s beloved Troubleshooters series, Jules first appears as a sharp, compassionate, openly gay FBI agent whose courage and integrity shine from the start. Across several books, his path intertwines with Robin, a talented actor battling denial, family pressure, and the difficult journey toward self-acceptance. What begins as tension and hesitation evolves into one of the most beautifully written love stories in the genre.
Suzanne crafted their story with patience and authenticity, giving both men the space to face the realities of coming out, finding love under public scrutiny, and building a relationship that could survive fear, fame, and the chaos of real life. Their journey reaches its emotional pinnacle in “All Through the Night,” the first mainstream romance novel to feature an LGBTQIA couple as its leading protagonists. More than a Christmas story, it was a cultural turning point—a book that changed the game for representation in both romance and mainstream publishing.
Suzanne speaks candidly about her early attempts at bringing queer and diverse characters into her stories, and the fierce denials she received from publishers who feared the market wasn’t “ready.” Through persistence, courage, and an unwavering belief in authentic storytelling, she broke through those barriers. Her personal advocacy—deeply influenced by her son, actor and activist Jason T. Gaffney—fueled her commitment to visibility and equality long before the industry caught up.
When “All Through the Night” was released, Suzanne donated every cent of its profits to MassEquality, supporting the fight for marriage equality in Massachusetts. That act of advocacy mirrored the novel’s message itself: that love is love, representation matters, and change begins when someone refuses to back down.
Throughout this episode, we trace Jules and Robin’s emotional arc—from the early sparks of “Hot Target,” through the deepening connection in “Force of Nature,” to their wedding and resolution in “All Through the Night.” Their story mirrors the larger cultural shift Suzanne helped create: a journey from secrecy to openness, from denial to joy, and from invisibility to celebration.
For those of us who believe in the power of stories to move hearts and open minds, Jules and Robin’s love remains one of the most authentic depictions in contemporary fiction. It’s tender, flawed, funny, and deeply human.
We were proud to feature this trailblazing author, “Mamma Bear,” and advocate for equality in every sense of the word. Join us for a conversation that honors courage, creativity, and the enduring truth that love always finds its way.
Stay tuned for Part Two of this conversation coming in November.Episode Notes
Notes go here
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