Blair Fell joins the podcast to read DISCO WITCHES OF FIRE ISLAND. A multi-hyphenate writer of TV, theater, and novels, Blair set this story during the AIDS crisis in 1989 - a distinctive time period that he lived through. We discuss the point at which he realized he had written a historical romance, his creative journey from plays to novels, and how his story about 1989 resonates with today. Plus, he shares the romance rules he loves to break!

Olivia Waite joins to discuss the issue of book bans in the United States and their implications for romance readers. Olivia, a queer historical romance author and romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review, shares her insights on how these bans target predominantly queer and BIPOC stories. The episode also explores historical perspectives on censorship and highlights current opportunities for activism. To top it off, Olivia recommends several historical romance books that deal with themes of resistance and political change.

Misty Urban returns to the podcast to read from MISS GREGOIRE'S BEGINNING, her entry in the SUFFRAGETTE UPRISING series. We talk about themes of independence, feminism, and the historical context behind her characters. Misty also takes on the challenges of integrating feminist narratives into historical romance.

Ally Hudson joins the podcast to read from her latest release, THE SCOTTISH SCHEME. Hudson discusses her unique entry point to writing historical romance, transitioning from first to third person narrative, and her appetite for breaking traditional romance rules. Plus, we talk about our love of American Girl dolls!

Faye Delacour joins the podcast to read from A LADY'S GUIDE TO LONDON, her latest Regency romance! We talk about the themes of passion versus money, the pressure to want it all, and the reality of divorce in Regency Britain. Plus, we fangirl over some of our favorite authors and their "unlikeable heroines"!

Alice Murphy joins the podcast to read from her hot new release, 'A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love.' We talk about the book's dual timeline narrative intertwining a historical romance with a contemporary framework, the importance of the happily ever after, and body image over time. 

Welcome to this special episode of the Historical Romance Sampler podcast! This week, I (Katherine Grant) celebrate my latest release, IN THE WIDE OPEN LIGHT, with guest host Andrea Jenelle. We talk about themes of long-term relationships, working-class struggles, and the fight for civil liberties in historical contexts.

Sebastian Nothwell, author and co-host of the Right Here, Write Queer podcast, joins the podcast to read from MR. WARREN'S PROFESSION! Sebastian talks about the challenges of writing class difference romances, his hands-on research process, and his approach to sharing work and receiving feedback. Plus, he tells us the joys of Right Here, Write Queer podcast!

USA Today Bestselling Author Golden Angel joins the podcast to read a sample from A SEASON FOR TREASON! She talks about writing power dynamics in historical vs contemporary romances, how she approaches historical accuracy, and a fun research rabbit hole that inspired a subplot in this series.

Kat Sterling joins the podcast to sample WINNIE WEST HAS AN AGENDA. She shares the inspiration behind setting her historical romances in early 20th century Seattle and the inspirations behind Kat's writing and the balance between authenticity and fiction, and what makes a compelling hero.

Andrea Jenelle, HRS's first-ever returning guest, comes on to sample SPINE OF STEEL, the first installment of the Suffragette Uprising series. Andrea talks about her inspiration for the series, her writing process, and historical research. Learn about her connection to women's rights, her favorite writing techniques, and what makes her historical romances unique.

Carol Coventry joins the podcast to read from COUNTING ON LOVE. Carol, who transitioned from a career in the medical field to writing historical fiction as Susan Coventry and romance as Carol Coventry, shares her insights on writing historical fiction vs historical romance. Plus, we talk about her research process, her approach to ‘low steam’ romance, and her favorite romance rules to break.

Ella Leon joins the podcast to read from her first novel, THE SAPPHIRE HEIRESS. Ella talks about the intricacies of writing historical romantasy filled with pirates, treasure hunts, and supernatural elements. Plus, she talks about the significance of including a Filipina heroine and the balance between historical facts and lore, followed by a fun game of Love It or Leave It.

Anastasia Hayward joins the podcast to sample SOPHIA WHITE AND HER SEVEN PROMISES, a unique Regency-era retelling of 'Snow White.' Anastasia shares the inspiration behind the story, her writing journey, and her approach to incorporating psychological insights into her characters. Plus, she plays LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT and reveals the rule she breaks in romance novels!

In this special episode of the Historical Romance Sampler podcast, trailblazer, icon, and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins sits down for an interview. Jenkins shares her journey from her first book 'Nightsong' to her expansive career spanning 30 years. We talk about how she stays inspired to keep writing, the evolution of the genre, her research process, and future projects.

Debut author Jenna Bigelow joins the podcast to sample THE TRIBUNE TEMPTATION, set during the Roman Republic. Hear an excerpt of this marriage of convenience historical romance, and then find out what inspired Jenna to set her stories in Ancient Rome, her research, and the particular scenes she loves to write.

Sylvie Sinclair joins the podcast to read a sample of her Regency romance, THIS MARQUESS OF MINE. We talk about Sylvie's writing process, her love for Regency accessories, grounding scenes in physical objects, and her approach to dialogue and subtext. Plus, Sylvie shares insights into her favorite authors, research practices, and the importance of emotional depth in romance.

In this special edition of the Historical Romance Sampler, host Katherine Grant welcomes Meg and Laine from Plot Trysts to the show. They read an excerpt from 'Mr. Impossible' by Loretta Chase and discuss the book's setting, characters, and unique elements. The episode features an in-depth conversation about the evolution of historical romance, the impact of the genre's conventions, and the roles that adventure and progressive themes play in modern historical romance. Later, they play a fun 'Love It or Leave It' game, sharing their personal preferences and hot takes on common romance tropes. Tune in for a delightful and insightful episode on all things historical romance!

Award-winning and international bestselling author Eliana Piers joins the podcast to read from her Regency romance, GOOD DUKE GONE WILD. She talks about the importance of life experiences in writing, the influence of ethical philosophy, and the balance between historical accuracy and creative freedom. 

Ellie St. Clair reads a sample of her Regency romance, HER RUNAWAY DUKE, talks about Beauty and the Beast inspirations, and shares some of the research that has led her to writing interesting characters!

USA Today Bestselling author Julie Johnstone reads the prologue from her fairy tale-inspired historical Scottish romance, THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDER. We talk about fairy tales, researching historical periods, and how the industry has changed since Julie started publishing. Listen now!

Emily EK Murdoch reads from A FIGHTING CHANCE, the first book in her series about the Chance family. Then we talk about writing humor, what Emily has learned from publishing dozens of historical romances, and her latest venture into nonfiction. Listen now!

Louise Mayberry reads from THE SONG OF THE MAGPIE, a historical romance set in colonial Australia. We talk about redeeming villains with their own love story, writing in settings not often seen in historical romance, and more.

Annabelle Anders joins the podcast to read her award-winning novel, HELL’S BELLES. We talk about why we love Regency romance so much, Mary Balogh as our gateway author, and where Annabelle hopes to grow in 2025.

Annie R McEwen reads from her holiday novella, THE CHELSEA MILLINER. Then she shares about the Regency holiday tradition of Twelfth Night bonfires, how her career as a historian informs her writing, and why she keeps writing romances!

Christina Diane reads from THE EARL AND THE VIXEN, then talks about her inspiration for writing a series set within the same Regency house party, how she keeps track of her plots, and why she started writing romance in the first place!

Kate Bateman stops by to read SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM. Then we chat about her love of adventure in romances, her day job as an antiques excerpt, and her one rule for romance books!

Steffy Smith joins the podcast to read from HIS REGENCY GODDESS, a body positive Regency romance, and talks about writing across historical eras, the romances that most influenced her, and lessons she has learned so far.

Kelsey Painter joins the podcast to read from her Titanic historical romance, SHIP OF DREAMS! We talk about the challenges of writing a Titanic story (HEA guaranteed), fan fiction vs original romance novels, and the other eras she is interested in exploring!

I’m back to celebrate THE MISS WITHOUT A MISTER, and this time, my copyeditor Sara Israel joins as guest host to ask me about historical accuracy, metaphors, and more!