Smart Women Read Romance
233 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 281 ratingsNiece and aunt duo, Jessen Judice and (author) Juliette Cross, bond over their shared love of romance novels, and want to include fellow romance enthusiasts in on the conversation. We started this podcast as a big middle finger to the stigma associated with reading and loving romance novels. We love to fangirl about our favorite books, authors, and characters and are challenging people to think of romance novels as more than just "mommy porn" - though there's nothing wrong with a copious amount of sexy times. Bring that *ish on!
This one goes out to all the fangirls! Life's better with a little HEA.
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Episodes
Ep. 24 - The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
May 22, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBBefore we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about Juliette trip to a comic book store and her own honeymoon in Maui (1:11). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Unhoneymooners (5:59). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (10:41). Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY detai...
Ep. 23 - The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
May 15, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 30.9 MBBefore we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about book taste testers and book reviewing etiquette (1:04). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The Viscount Who Loved Me (2:57). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (9:25). Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of...
Ep. 22 - A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
May 08, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 30.6 MBBefore we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about book taste testers and book reviewing etiquette (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Dirty Exes (7:56). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns supreme (14:16). Then, take a deep dive into all the SPOILERY details of one of this love ...
Ep. 21 - Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken
May 01, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 31 MBA woman scorned, Blaire has made a business out of exposing cheaters. When she and her best friend are hired by a socialite convinced that her estranged husband is cheating, she runs into The One That Got Away. While gathering intel for her new client, she meets a flirty bartender that she can't help but banter with. This love triangle will have you at the edge of your seat wondering which guy is the RIGHT guy for Blaire. Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-...
Ep. 20 - Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
April 24, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 33.4 MBMythology, magic, shifters, vampires - you name it, Magic Bleeds has it! Welcome to the world of Kate Daniels - our favorite urban fantasy romance series! Before we deep dive into the story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about The OA and The Umbrella Academy (00:59). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Magic Bleeds (4:46). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer...
Ep. 19 - Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
April 17, 2019 04:00 - 56 minutes - 25.7 MBWho doesn't love a good accent? Juliette and Jessen sure do - especially if it's Scottish! Get ready for this hilarious secret identity, friends-to-lovers themed romance - it's gonna be a fun ride! Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about unusual names - like Jessen - and Juliette's trouble with shutting off her writer brain (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of T...
Minisode 7 - Game of Thrones: Ships and Predictions
April 12, 2019 12:00 - 34 minutes - 15.7 MBCall the banners because Winter Is Here! We've got our fangirl t-shirts, wine, and decorations all ready for Sunday. Before the premiere of Game of Thrones, Jessen and Juliette discuss their favorite romance ships, their most anticipated character reunions, and predictions on who will be the last man/woman standing by the end of the final season! Support the show
Ep. 18 - Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas
April 10, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBYou've heard us drool over Sebastian St. Vincent in Episode 6, now meet his daughter Phoebe in this wonderful historical romance filled with out favorite tropes. You'll see quite a few cameos from Kleypas' other series, including Sebastian and Evie themselves! Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette talk about the musical Hamilton (01:26). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Devi...
Ep. 17 - The Opposite of You by Rachel Higginson
April 03, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 29.9 MBNeed any salt with that burn? Vera, a food truck owner, and the renowned head chef of Lilou - Killian Quinn - go head to head, when Vera parks right across from his restaurant. Sparks fly and these rival chefs become something more during the course of their friendly (oftentimes hilarious) competition. One of our favorite enemies-to-lovers plots! Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about their major anticipation o...
Minisode 6 - I Instalove You
March 29, 2019 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.57 MBSome romances keep you on your toes - dragging out the story and making our characters work for their HEA. And then there are INSTALOVE romances, where the hero and heroine know that something is special right from the first. Jessen and Juliette discuss what they find makes instalove romances more realistic, and give examples of book that get it right! Support the show
Ep. 16 - Torn by Carian Cole
March 27, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 35.1 MBThe ultimate journey of friends to lovers - Torn will tear you up and put you back together again. Age-gap romances are hard to do well, but Carian Cole has got the magic touch and tackles the tough-to-tell stories in a way that feels completely realistic. Kenzie and Toren have a unique relationship and it grows and changes throughout the years. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the Starz adaptations of Ph...
Ep. 15 - Lingus by Mariana Zapata
March 20, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 29.6 MBBeyond excited for this review because Lingus needs a whole hellavalot more love than it gets. It's one of our top three Zapata books and we are here to share the love. And yes, the title means exactly what you're thinking! Buckle up for this unconventional friends-to-lovers romance. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about appendectomies and grand-parent names - we were very random in this round of chit-chats (00...
Ep. 14 - Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
March 13, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 36.7 MB***TRIGGER WARNING*** This episode will discuss scenes depicting sexual assault and violence, which may be upsetting to listeners. "I'd play you at the five." Que major swoon, because August West is taking a shot at winning the heart of Iris - but the play isn't that simple. It's not an easy road to their HEA, but the journey is raw and real. Before we deep dive into their story, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the wonders of synesthesia and...
Ep. 13 - The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Byrne
March 06, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 30.8 MBPirate-historical romance? Yes, please! The harrowing story of the survivors of Newgate Prison continues in Kerrigan Byrne's latest installment which focuses on The Rook. He may not remember his past, but fans of the Victorian Rebels series are sure to connect a few dots to discover his identity! Before we get into the fangirling zone, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Jessen's moving struggles and the new role that Juliette's husband is playing...
Minisode 5 - With Love from Louisiana
March 01, 2019 05:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBTo celebrate the Mardi Gras season, Juliette and Jessen give listeners a glimpse of what life is like living in the Acadiana area of Louisiana! They clear up common misconceptions popularized by Hollywood, explore the different cultures around Acadiana, and have a mini lesson in Cajun lingo. Stick around for a small sample of zydeco music to cap off the episode! Support the show
Ep. 12 - Beard Science by Penny Reid
February 27, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 37 MBYou all knew this one was coming. We have waxed poetic about our favorite sexual lumbersnack and the not-so-Banana-Cake-Queen in previous episodes as well as our Book Boyfriend and Girlcrush minisodes. Now you get an entire episode dedicated to Cletus Winston and Jennifer Sylvester! We also have a special segment where you get Juliette's live reaction to reading selected parts of Dr. Strange Beard. Before we get into the fangirling zone, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and J...
Ep. 11 - Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
February 20, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 34.9 MBThe book that started it all! Darkfever was the catalyst that sparked our fangirly bookclub of two. Is this a romance? Why, yes...yes it is - even though the romance element is on the slowest of slowburns, we stan for Mac and Barrons! Before we go nuts on our obsession with this series, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the Game of Thrones S8 teaser, upcoming minisodes, and John Bernthal (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes d...
Minisode 4 - Our Top Book Girlcrushes
February 14, 2019 05:00 - 21 minutes - 9.97 MBHappy Galentines Day! Our Valentine's minisode focuses on our top book Girlcrushes - those leading ladies in romance that we just can't get enough of and aspire to be like. Show some love to your favorite romance girlcrush! Who would make your list? Support the show
Ep. 10 - 99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
February 13, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 31.4 MBThis book is 100% worth the wait and the perfect selection for a buddy read book review episode. Before we go Valeska on this episode, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about Mardi Gras season in South Louisiana, who has the best King Cakes, and city vs rural Mardi Gras celebrations (00:50). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of 99 Percent Mine (5:29). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a ...
Minisode 3 - Our Top Book Boyfriends
February 08, 2019 05:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBWhat's your favorite flavor of Book Boyfriend? Alpha with a capital "A", sweet and vulnerable, the boy who brings all the laughs to the yard, or a combination of all three? Jessen and Juliette are sharing each of their top five book boyfriends and what makes them stand out from all the rest! Support the show
Ep. 9 - Play by Kylie Scott
February 06, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 31.8 MBDrum roll please! Mal Erickson is in the house and he is determined to play his way into your heart. Before we Stage Dive into this rockstar romance, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the romance-podcast community, their 2019 reading goals, and two new series that Juliette is writing (00:47). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Play (7:00). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Show...
Ep. 8 - Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
January 30, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 33.3 MBIs it hot in here? Mad Rogan must be near! *grumbles about cheesy rhyming* Ignore that... back to the important stuff - MAGIC. Specifically an epic urban fantasy romance set in a world where magic is power and the Houses rule. Nevada Baylor is just trying to keep her family business afloat, but gets roped into a dangerous game of cat and mouse between the powerful families of Houston. Before we begin swooning over all things Mad Rogan, listen to a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Jul...
Ep. 7 - The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
January 23, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 31.6 MBThere is a fine line between love and hate... Lucy and Josh can attest to that. This steamy office romance will have you at the edge of your seat screaming "Stop toeing the line and kiss already!" But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they talk about the interesting things each have found while digging into their ancestry - Notre Dame organist and moonshine makers (00:52). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of The ...
Minisode 2 - Reylo: A Star Wars Love Story
January 18, 2019 05:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBYes, we are those people and we don't care who knows it! Reylo is a thing and we are still rooting for them. Jessen & Juliette discuss all of the clues from both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi to convince you that this love will not be silenced. We know we aren't alone out there, and have a Pinterest board filled with Reylo art to prove it! Support the show
Ep. 6 - Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
January 16, 2019 05:00 - 1 hour - 30.6 MBIt's historical romance time! Our wallflower, Evangeline Jenner, has her hands full with the notoriously rakish Sebastien St. Vincent. Humor, intrigue, and moments so sweet you will melt - this book has it all! First, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they rave about Lore Olympus - a free serial comic and retelling of a modern day love story between Hades and Persephone (00:51). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Devil...
Ep. 5 - Kulti by Mariana Zapata
January 09, 2019 09:00 - 57 minutes - 26.3 MBLittle snails, German chocolate cake, and tacos! Seems random, right? WRONG! Gather around schneckes because we are reviewing Kulti! But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they laugh about a raunchy weather app (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of this slow-burn romance (2:42). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scene to see which one reigns s...
Minisode 1 - Hot Dumbledore
January 04, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBJude Law is Dumbledaddy and we are here for it! Take a trip into the wizarding world as we talk about swoon-worthy characters and show our House pride. Can you guess what house Juliette and Jessen were sorted into? *Minor spoilers for Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald* Support the show
Ep. 4 - Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
January 01, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 28.4 MBTime-traveling Highlanders, oh my! The Keltar's will worm their way into your heart, but we've only got eyes for Cian in this book review. First, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they discuss a glittery car-catastrophe and Netflix's Daredevil (00:57). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Spell of the Highlander (3:05). Spoiler Section: Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite sce...
Ep. 3 - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
January 01, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 33 MBJoin us as we review the #1 Romance book of the 2018 Goodreads Choice awards, The Kiss Quotient! But first, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they discuss This is Us and their anticipation for the final season of Game of Thrones (00:54). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Helen Hoang's debut novel (4:31). Then, take a deep dive into all of the book's full SPOILERY glory (9:14). Support the show
Ep. 2 - Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
January 01, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 35.1 MBFirst up, a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they discuss their favorite things about Halloween (00:53). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Kiss of Snow (2:20), and *BONUS* Juliette and Jessen talk about their first time meeting Nalini Singh in the flesh (3:30). Then, take a deep dive into all of the book's full SPOILERY glory (11:24). Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite sce...
Ep. 1 - Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
January 01, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 35.3 MBWe are officially official, peeps! Start off with a brief chit-chat/check-in with Jessen and Juliette as they discuss current TV shows: AHS and Survivor (00:58). Get to know the characters, setting, and tropes during their spoiler-free discussion of Penny Reid's 'Truth or Beard' - the first book in the Winston Brother series (3:27). Then, take a deep dive into all of the book's full SPOILERY glory (14:28). Juliette and Jessen compete in a Showdown where they each offer up their favorite scen...
Ep. 0 - Get to Know Us
December 26, 2018 10:00 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MBJessen and Juliette bond over their shared love of romance novels, discuss favorite tropes, and their romance origins. We started this podcast as a big middle finger to the stigma associated with reading and loving romance novels. We love to fangirl about our favorite books, authors, and characters and are challenging people to think of romance novels as more than just "mommy porn" - though there's nothing wrong with a copious amount of sexy times. Bring that *ish on! Support the show
Smart Women Read Romance Trailer
December 17, 2018 10:00 - 1 minute - 626 KBGet ready for a fun book review podcast where Jessen and Juliette fan-girl over their favorite romance novels. Support the show