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!

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!

Author Felicity Niven reads her latest release, VOLUPTUOUS, then chats with me about why she chose to write historical romance, the joy of brining characters together, and how her background in screenwriting influences her novels.

Author Sri Savita reads THE DEED WITH THE DUKE. Then we chat about the real Robin Hood’s Bay, how her experience as a cognitive psychologist informs her writing, and why it is so important to her to add authentic Indian culture to historical romance.