Unsuccessful Book Club on A Beginner's Guide to Historical Romance Artwork

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Finally, a home for the spice you love and the representation you deserve. We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, builds a judgment-free zone for readers who crave spicy plots and substance. We celebrate high-heat stories and inclusive casts. If you want open-door romance that features every body, you found the right show.

What to expect:

Trope Breakdowns: We dissect the best (and hottest) tropes in the genre.
Author Interviews: Hear the story behind the spice from your favorite creators.
Shelf Help: Expert guidance to help you conquer your TBR pile.
Inclusive Stories: We prioritize representative leads and diverse voices.

Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. We leave the shame at the door and celebrate the power of a well-written romance.

Join the Circle: Want personalized book picks and a private chat with Alesia? Join the After Dark Circle on Substack. Supporters get full access to every post and our private community of romance fans.

Connect with us: Follow @WeReadSmut on Instagram and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your current read.

All Episodes

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Unsuccessful Book Club on A Beginner's Guide to Historical Romance

April 30, 2025 • WeReadSmut • Season 1 • Episode 20

0:00 | 1:03:43

What makes historical romance more than just bodice-ripping stories? Historical romance is a genre far more complex and diverse than many readers realize. Far from being limited to Regency-era England and stereotypical duke narratives, this genre offers rich storytelling that explores complex social dynamics, personal growth, and diverse experiences across different time periods and cultures.

Clare from @UnsuccessfulBookClub is a life-long bookworm with a penchant for science fiction, fantasy, and romance. She has recently developed a deep interest in historical romance. When she isn't reading, she enjoys cooking, eating, and taking her children to soccer games, often while neglecting her laundry.

In this episode, we're discussing:

How historical romance spans multiple eras, from medieval times to the 1970s
Ways the genre has evolved to include diverse representation, including LGBTQ+ and characters of color
How modern historical romances tackle important themes like consent, social justice, and personal empowerment
How some authors like Beverly Jenkins and Alyssa Cole are transforming the genre with nuanced, inclusive storytelling
Ways that tropes like marriage of convenience and forbidden love add depth and tension to historical narratives

Join the "Queering Historical Romance" challenge in June and discover the incredible diversity of historical romance. Follow @UnsuccessfulBookClub on Instagram for recommendations and start your journey into this dynamic genre today!

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BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

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Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta (Amazon)

Lisa Kleypas (Amazon)

Jilie Anne Long (Amazon)

The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Amazon)

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall (Amazon)

Spindle Cove Series by Tessa Dare (Amazon)

Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James (Amazon)

The Brothers Sinister by Courtney Milan (Amazon)