Whether you’re looking for your next read, want to geek out about the genre with like-minded fans, or just love hearing other people talk about romance as enthusiastically as you do, there’s a podcast for that. Romance podcasts have exploded in recent years, and the options now cover everything from deep-dive author interviews to episode-by-episode book discussions to hot takes on the latest releases.
Romance readers are, famously, the most passionate readers around — they read voraciously, they have opinions, and they will not stop talking about their favorite books (and I mean this as the highest compliment). These podcasts are made for exactly that energy, and they’re perfect for commutes, chores, or any time you need a little more romance in your day. Here are my picks for the best podcasts for romance lovers.
Smut Club
Two licensed therapists who also happen to love trashy romance novels walk into a podcast—and the result is exactly as fun as it sounds. Chelsea and Hannah do a deep dive into one book per episode, new episodes drop every other Thursday, and the day drinking is apparently non-negotiable. This is the podcast for when you want your romance discourse served with a side of professional credentials and zero shame.
Plot Trysts
Hosted by friends Meg and Laine, Plot Trysts is a love letter to historical romance. The duo discusses books with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you want to immediately add everything they mention to your TBR. New episodes drop Mondays and Thursdays, so there’s always something fresh to listen to. If you’ve ever wanted to dissect a Regency novel with your best friend, this is the next best thing.
Romance in Colour
Hosted by romance author Tatianna and psychologist Dr. Yaki, Romance in Colour covers everything from romance novels to movies to TV—all through a Black Xennial lens. The podcast regularly features author interviews, giving listeners an inside look at the writers shaping Black romance today. For anyone who wants a podcast that celebrates Black love stories with warmth, wit, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, Romance in Colour delivers.
Kissing Books
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Fantasy Fangirls
Sisters Nicole and Lexi built Fantasy Fangirls into one of the biggest fantasy book podcasts around—and for good reason. Each episode takes listeners deep into a single book with chapter-by-chapter recaps, character analysis, lore breakdowns, and plenty of theories and sisterly banter. With over 14 million downloads and a devoted community behind it, this is the podcast for romantasy readers who want to go all the way down the rabbit hole.
Hanukkah Erotica Book Club
The name is a bit of a bait and switch—and that’s exactly the point. There is no erotica and sometimes no Hanukkah in the Hanukkah Erotica Book Club. What there is, courtesy of stepsisters Raizel and Malya, is a warm, funny, and genuinely insightful biweekly dive into Jewish romance novels and movies. The duo brings their own very different Jewish upbringings to every episode, debating the books’ depictions of Judaism alongside the romance, and the result feels less like a podcast and more like getting to sit in on a book club with your funniest friends.
Bring Your Own
Hosted by three best friends who met on the internet—Brandi, Kendra, and Kayla—Bring Your Own is exactly what a podcast about romance books should feel like: fun, opinionated, and a little chaotic. Weekly episodes mix book discussions and author interviews with genuinely creative segments like bookish game nights, cover tier rankings, and head-to-head debates about which book did it better. There’s also a Patreon book club if you want to read along.
Learning the Tropes
Hosted by longtime friends Erin and Clayton, Learning the Tropes is a monthly podcast about books, with a particular love for romance. One of the show’s signature formats pairs a romance newcomer with an experienced reader, then has them report back after reading their first assigned book together. Past guests have included America Ferrera and author Danielle Jackson, and the interview episodes feature some of the biggest names in the genre. It’s a warm, curious podcast that takes romance seriously without taking itself too seriously.
Bonkers Romance
Hosted by romance authors Katee Robert, Jenny Nordbak, and Melody Carlisle, Bonkers Romance is exactly what it sounds like — a weekly celebration of romance that goes all the way there. Each episode, one host recaps a truly unhinged piece of romance media while the others react in real time, with plenty of book recs, hot takes, and commentary from guests who are themselves creators in Romancelandia. This is the podcast for readers who have realized their hard limits might just be guidelines.
Fated Mates
Hosted by romance editor Jennifer Prokop and romance author Sarah MacLean, Fated Mates is one of the most substantive romance podcasts out there—the kind that treats the genre with the same seriousness and enthusiasm it deserves. Episodes range from deep dives on specific books to trope discussions, quarterly new release previews, and a Trailblazer interview series with the authors who shaped romance history. With eight seasons and counting, this is the podcast for readers who want to go beyond the rec and really dig into what makes romance work.
Whether you’re a longtime romance devotee or just starting to explore the genre, there’s a podcast on this list for you. From deep literary dives to therapists day drinking their way through smutty novels, these shows prove that the romance community is as vibrant and enthusiastic as the books themselves. Pop in your earbuds and get ready to add approximately one thousand books to your TBR.
Make sure to check out our romance/erotica archives for reading recs and more. For more podcasts, catch up with our very own When in Romance, and all of Book Riot’s podcast offerings.
