Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast

What happens when you write the books you want to read but are having a hard time finding? Many good things. Kimberly Lemming loves fantasy, and started writing her own catnip, which led to the joy that is the Mead Mishaps series.We answer ALL the tough questions, like how many mead mishaps have we personally experienced? How does one make the bananas spin? And why is Galavant the greatest production ever made? Note: in the middle of the episode, the email Kimberly sent that gave me a peek at the cover for That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human, which was in the final stages of development, so you’ll hear me lose my cool. For the book and video games we discuss in this episode, please visit our show notes page! You can find Kimberly Lemming at KimberlyLemming.com, and on Instagram @KimberlyLemming. We also mentioned cover artist Mike Pape, and the cover art for the Mead Mishaps series is visible on his website, too! Thank you for supporting our show, and our advertisers! new customers GET $5 OFF a Lume Starter Pack with code SARAH15 at LumeDeodorant.com. That equates to over 40% off your Starter Pack when you visit LumeDeodorant.com and use code SARAH15. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re taking a tour through the new releases across many genres from April 2005, nearly 20 (!!!) years ago. Romance has changed a wee little bit. How much cringe shall we find? Plenty! Other oddities? Mainstream includes YA and Chick Lit. Contemporary includes New Reality. Regency in Format includes Corinthians! And we’re trying to understand a character who wants to “dim the pain of turning 30.” It’s a ride, as usual. Side trips include Sea Breeze, Stridex, and St Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub. TW: for mention of sexual assault, body horror – we do announce it in the audio so you can skip ahead. You can find all the Romantic Times Rewind episodes, visual aids posts, and more in one convenient place! Don't miss the visual aids for this episode! We also mentioned: r/HRNovlesDiscussion post shows a treasure trove of Regency/format books. St. Ives Medicated Scrub‘What is a Corinthian?’mentioned author Naomi Hirahara in a recent Get Rec’d with Amanda Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel Blue was my guest when we discussed Spare – which has become one of my most listened-to episodes – so I asked her back to talk about the narratives of PR, why the weird stories around Kate Middleton grabbed attention worldwide, and why so many people were and are paying attention. On one level it’s a story that originated in gossip about rich and powerful people in an archaic power structure being weird. But it’s also a story of misinformation, propaganda, and a complicit media system, and we deal with that over here in the US, too. This was recorded on Wednesday, March 20, and we did a follow up this week following the announcement late Friday, March 22, that Kate Middleton is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. So there are two parts to this episode. A few content warnings: Discussion of self harm, disordered eating, suicidal ideation, and child abuse and exploitation. Please visit the show page for all the resources used for this episode, including news articles, Instagram live recordings, and Twitter threads. Music: Purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re looking at the ads and features from the March 2016 issue of RT Book Reviews! We’ve got cowboy heads growing out of gravel roads, a dude who looks like he’s on fire, and that one guy who is always ripping his shirt off from romance covers. We decide on an in-house definition of “Castle Bangenschloss.” Oh! And a really angry reader wants self pub authors to stop using the same stock images for different covers. It’s wild, y’all. Don’t miss the visual aids that go with this episode! We’ve got links! Fanlore.org: Cassandra ClaireDahlia Adler’s LGBTQ Reads PatreonTirgearr Publishing’s T shirts!The podcast episode where we were at the Peppermill in Reno, and also on edibles, 304. “You Have a Type and it Might be Mullets” – Sarah, Amanda, and Elyse are VERY Silly About Books and VillainyThe Chippendales at the Rio Thank you to our sponsor, Lume! New customers get $5 off Lume’s Starter Pack with our exclusive code.Use code SARAH30 at LumeDeodorant.com. Music: Purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shirley Green and Sharon Spiak are the duo behind many, and I mean many of your favorite romance covers, and are absolutely 100% the duo behind one of mine – For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton. The hair. The waves. THE ROCKS. I connected with Shirley and Sharon and got a History Lesson in how cover shoots used to work. We’re talking costume, art direction, photography, and painting skills combined to make some very memorable covers, and how much deliberate emotional care went into some of the photo shoots with the cover models. You can find Shirley Green’s portfolio and stock image collection at ShirleyGreenPhotography.com. You can find Sharon Spiak at SharonSpiakArt.com. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda and I are diving into the reviews from the March 2016 issue of RT Book Reviews. In this episode you will learn about A Tale of Two Biddies. You’ll discover Baby Bothering and God Bothering. And most importantly, are demons really a natural fit for the Regency era? All these questions are more will be answered in this episode! Don’t miss the visual aids for this episode! Music: Purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katee Robert joins me to talk about her many releases this year, about marketing through Kickstarter and direct-to-reader options like Patreon, and about the foundational books in fantasy and romance that got her started. We also talk about current issues, like Findaway Voices and Spotify’s changes to the terms of service for authors. You can find Katee Robert on her website, KateeRobert.com. You can also check out her Patreon. We also mentioned Modern PostcardBonkers RomanceThe Bonkers Romance KickstarterNK Jemisin's PatreonUrsula Vernon/T Kingfisher's PatreonChanges in the Findaway Voices ToS former PRH CEO Markus Dohle's comments “The trial put the inner workings of the company on public display in sometimes unflattering ways. In his testimony, Dohle argued that success in publishing is driven by instinct and random luck, not necessarily a company’s size — an argument that the judge found unconvincing. And he revealed his dissatisfaction with the company’s performance since the 2013 merger.” Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re traveling back to April 2006 in this month’s RT Rewind! We discuss the evolving cover art for the Immortals After Dark series and style changes in illustrated covers. We also talk about And a FULL PAGE of Mr. Romance. When I start talking about Redeeming Love, massive trigger warning and content warning, just a giant pile of YIKES. The book summary begins at 35:20. Thank you for the reviews, the support, and the positive feedback to this series! If you’re enjoying these episodes, please drop a comment below or on the visual aids post and let me know? Music: purple-planet.com Don't miss the visual aids! Really, I mean it! Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer L. Armentrout joins me to talk about the books she considers the foundation of her fantasy romance reading, and what classical historical romances she adores. Her newest book, Visions of Flesh and Blood is out next week, so we’re looking forward, and back – and way, way back in the past. We talk about a series she’s paused, and why, and what it means to update a book that doesn’t ‘age well.’ What fantasy or historical romances were foundational reading for you? I’d love to know which are your favorites! Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re traveling back to April 2006 in this month’s RT Rewind! We take a look at the reviews in this issue and we’ve got some one-star reviews, and curiously paranormal is part of contemporary? It’s weird. Things I initially pronounce wrong: demesne TW/CW: mention of suicide in book reviews, plus snakes and rat infestations. Link to visual aids! ... Music: purple-planet.com Coupon! LUME: New customers get $5 off Lume’s Starter Pack with our exclusive code. Use code SARAH30 at LumeDeodorant.com. Support for this episode comes from LUV! LUV is an app that connects authors and fans with producers, actors, plus film and publishing industry folks to celebrate romance in many marvelous formats, and demystify the process of adapting books for film and television. LUV is available on Apple and in Google Play, and online: checkoutluv.com. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our 600th episode!! Emily Nagoski is back to talk about her new book Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections. We talk about the genesis for this book, which is in part that writing a book is stressful and hard, and while writing Come As You Are, Emily noticed that her own interest in sex was missing. By diving headlong into all the research, she realized that people who sustain lasting sexual connections have a few major things in common, which is what this book is all about. CW/TW: we mention this in the conversation, but it's important to note that at 23:36 we talk about intimate partner violence, and at 1:00:45 we talk about intentional weight loss. We are also talking about intimacy, sex, and sexual practices. Music: Purple-planet.com You can find out more about Emily Nagoski at her website, EmilyNagoski.com. We also mentioned Dr. Shamika Thorpe's work, which you can find at DrShemeka.com. And I mentioned this Tweet from author Racheline Maltese. Thank you to our sponsor, HelloFresh. Visit HelloFresh.com/smarttrashyfree and use code smarttrashyfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our 600th episode!! Emily Nagoski is back to talk about her new book Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections. We talk about the genesis for this book, which is in part that writing a book is stressful and hard, and while writing Come As You Are, Emily noticed that her own interest in sex was missing. By diving headlong into all the research, she realized that people who sustain lasting sexual connections have a few major things in common, which is what this book is all about. CW/TW: we mention this in the conversation, but it's important to note that at 23:36 we talk about intimate partner violence, and at 1:00:45 we talk about intentional weight loss. We are also talking about intimacy, sex, and sexual practices. Music: Purple-planet.com You can find out more about Emily Nagoski at her website, EmilyNagoski.com. We also mentioned Dr. Shamika Thorpe's work, which you can find at DrShemeka.com. And I mentioned this Tweet from author Racheline Maltese. Thank you to our sponsor, HelloFresh. Visit HelloFresh.com/smarttrashyfree and use code smarttrashyfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re traveling back to December 2015 in this month’s RT Rewind, and we're taking a look at the ads and features in this issue! We’ve got LONG series from Elizabeth Hoyt, Kresley Cole, and Shannon Stacey, plus SWAT team shifters, Navy SEAL Highlanders, and some memories, some not so great, of the 2016 RT convention in Vegas…at the Rio. And then! We have a supplement that only appears in the digital editions of RT at the time: the Indie/Hybrid News & Reviews Supplement. It’s a wild ride. Don't miss the visual aids for this week's episode! What's the longest series you’ve stuck with? What Duran book should Amanda read? Music: purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mimi Matthews returns to the show to talk about her latest novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is the third book in her Belles of London series. Among the major themes of this book? PINING. SO MUCH PINING. Which I love. But this is also a book about grief: characters are pining for what was as much as other characters are pining for what could be. So we talk about grief, loss, hope, and about adapting to massive upheaval - and about The Gilded Age television show. CW: We talk a lot about grief, disordered eating, diet culture in the 90s and 2000s, the death of Mimi’s father, which inspired parts of Lily. Music: purple-planet.com Thank you for supporting our sponsors! Sign up for the Red Feather Romance newsletter for free today at https://www.redfeatherromance.com/sbtb/ to start receiving free and discounted romance eBooks sure to keep you up all night long! Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mimi Matthews returns to the show to talk about her latest novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is the third book in her Belles of London series. Among the major themes of this book? PINING. SO MUCH PINING. Which I love. But this is also a book about grief: characters are pining for what was as much as other characters are pining for what could be. So we talk about grief, loss, hope, and about adapting to massive upheaval - and about The Gilded Age television show. CW: We talk a lot about grief, disordered eating, diet culture in the 90s and 2000s, the death of Mimi’s father, which inspired parts of Lily. Music: purple-planet.com Thank you for supporting our sponsors! Sign up for the Red Feather Romance newsletter for free today at https://www.redfeatherromance.com/sbtb/ to start receiving free and discounted romance eBooks sure to keep you up all night long! Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re traveling back to December 2015 in this month’s RT Rewind! We take a look at the reviews in this issue and along the way talk about audiobook series, historical romance, Jesus by Volume, and the ever-so-small range of grades in each genre. We also take a side trip into JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. You can find the visual aids for this episode right here! You can find all the Romantic Times Rewind episodes, show notes, and visual aids at RTRewind.com! We also mentioned my review of Lover Revealed by JR Ward. And finally: thank you to the SFWA for sponsoring this episode! Be sure to check out HEA Quest on January 20! Music: purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our final holiday wishes episode - thank you to everyone who makes these episodes such a treat. It’s an honor to connect with all of you! This week, Sneezy, Sandra, Tiffany, Lisa and Shana share recommendations, wishes, and terrible jokes. CW: we start off and end with some talk about anxiety brain gremlins, so FYI. Thank you again for making these episodes so fun! Happy New Year! We also mentioned: Baked by the Baroness (Tapas)Roni Loren's NewsletterTODY App Library Extension Episode 342. Stories are Everything with Arkady MartineNarrative TherapyFriends and Family Christmas COUPON WOO HOO! Go to HelloFresh.com/smarttrashyfree and use code smarttrashyfree for FREE breakfast for life. One breakfast item per box while subscription is active. Music: purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got books, wishes, and wonderful jokes from Amanda, GarlicKnitter, Alanna, and Claudia! We’re traveling around the world with this episode! We’ve got many, many books to tell you about, and also wishes for cozy light and joy. Music: purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More holiday wishes, book recs, TV recs, and bad jokes, with you as my guests! This week, I’m joined by Verity, Elyse, Carrie, and Rich, aka Mr. Elyse, and we talk about So Much Entertainment! Verity and I chat about books, tv, and writing - so if you’re looking for some British tv shows, you’re in a lot of luck. We do start with some critique of the early 2000s language about women, bodies, body shaming, and anti-fat bias. Then I chat with Elyse and Carrie, who review for SBTB, and maybe they liked the same book (they did!). And then Rich, aka Mr. Elyse, tells us about a book that rocked his world. What about you? Were any of these books on your list? Any anti-inflammatory cookbook ideas? Telly suggestions? Let us know! Happy Holidays from all of us, to all of you! Music: Purple-planet.com Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s July 2004, and the ads and features are a wild ride. I might say that every month but this month it is especially true. We learn about a bunch of different bookstore that are still in business - and encounter a lot of ads for small presses that are, alas, long gone. There’s a lot of romance history in this issue. Bonus: I solve a HaBO for Amanda! Live! I’m so proud of me. Important: Do NOT miss the visual aids for this episode. My goodness me. Music: Purple-planet.com Coupon! New customers get $5 off Lume’s Starter Pack with our exclusive code and link. And for a limited time, returning customers can get $5 off their next purchase of $30 or more, too! Use code SARAH30 at LumeDeodorant.com. Join our Patreon for complete mayhem, shenanigans, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.