The Quick n Dirty Romance Podcast

Quick & Dirty Romance
  • 4.5 (15)
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A romance podcast for readers and writers who love tropes, steam, and emotionally satisfying happily ever afters. Hosted by bestselling contemporary romance authors Skye McDonald and Sarah Smith, Quick & Dirty Romance explores romance novels, writing, and the real-life desires behind the stories we obsess over.  Each episode blends smart analysis, honest conversation, and unapologetic love for the romance genre. We talk inspiration, publishing realities, character growth, self-love, and why love stories matter in real life. Perfect for romance readers, authors, and anyone who believes a good love story can change everything.

  1. 6D AGO

    The Valentine’s Day Love Myth

    Valentine’s Day sells grand gestures, expensive dinners, and picture perfect love. So why does it leave so many women feeling unseen? In this episode, we break down the biggest love myth behind the holiday and why romance novels deliver something far more satisfying. Real intimacy. Emotional accountability. Being chosen consistently, not just publicly. If you have ever rolled your eyes at roses but swooned over a fictional man who listens, grows, and shows up, this conversation will hit home. Let’s talk about why romance readers expect more and why we should. **Both Authors Have New Releases!** Sarah Smith's Amazon Page Skye McDonald's Amazon Page

    27 min

  2. JAN 27

    The Ones We Crawl Back To: Why Comfort Stories Never Get Old

    If you know exactly how it ends and still reread it anyway, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Quick and Dirty Romance Podcast, Sarah & Skye talk about comfort stories and why readers crawl back to the same stories again and again. From emotional safety and guaranteed happily ever afters to intentional rereads of favorite scenes, we explore how romance becomes a form of self-soothing, trust, and pleasure that never gets old. Sarah's new release is out now! CLICK HERE Skye has two books on preorder! CLICK HERE

    26 min

  3. JAN 15

    New Year, New (Wo)Man: Why Romance Loves Reinvention

    Romance loves a fresh start. Real life loves a mess. In this episode of The Quick and Dirty Romance Podcast, we unpack why romance loves reinvention and why the fantasy hits hardest in January. From fresh starts and glow-ups to the reality of change that is anything but tidy, we explore how romance stories let characters grow without erasing who they already are. Sarah's new release is out now! CLICK HERE Skye has two books on preorder! CLICK HERE

    25 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Big D Energy? Romance Fantasy, Ideal Men & Body Image

    Is his size really the point… or is it just shorthand for fantasy? In this episode, we start with a cheeky romance-reader favorite and dig into the deeper conversation underneath: why romance novels so often depict “ideal” men, how those ideals intersect with body image, and where readers (and writers) draw the line between realism and fantasy. We talk about: Why romance heroes are idealized on purpose What fantasy bodies do (and don’t) mean about real people Whether idealized men create unrealistic expectations or safe emotional escape And why romance doesn’t have to apologize for being fantasy It’s funny, honest, a little spicy, and ultimately about what romance is really offering us when we open the book. Check out Skye's books here. Check out Sarah's books here.

    32 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    Meet-Hate Magic: Turning Enemies into Lovers

    When a meet-cute becomes a meet-hate. Want to talk conflict, sparks, and all the delicious tension that comes when two people shouldn’t be meeting, yet absolutely do? In this episode, hosts Sarah Smith & Skye McDonald dive into the trope of the “meet-hate,” that moment when attraction isn’t instant, misunderstandings fly, and rivalry becomes the unlikely prelude to romance. We’ll unpack: Why authors love pitting characters against each other at first sight How a strong “hate” stake raises the emotional and romantic tension Examples of meet-hates in our books romance Reader reactions: what works, what flops, and when the hate flips to love Whether you’re a writer building your next meet-hate scene, or a reader who thrills at enemies-to-lovers in fast-forward, you’re going to want your headphones for this one. It’s quick, it’s dirty (romance-style), and we promise to leave you satisfied. Tune in and let’s stir up some tension. 🔥

    30 min

  6. 09/23/2025

    Romance Book Conventions Deconstructed: How Authors & Readers Connect

    Join Sarah & Skye for the Quick & Dirty ins and outs of Romance Book Conventions. In this episode, we dive deep into: 💖 What makes cons an amazing place for readers & authors to connect 🙅‍♀️The pitfalls, disasters, and behind-the-scenes drama of book conventions gone wrong ⁉️ A sneak peek at a possible bookish retreat with us (yes, it could really happen!) If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at a romance book convention—or you’re planning to attend your first—this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and insider secrets.

    35 min

  7. 03/26/2025

    The Science of Smut: What Readers Want in Romance Books

    Put the headphones in for this one! Sarah and Skye are talking about the steamy bits in books, and we are explicit!  Skye recently polled her newsletter and Facebook group to learn what readers want in their steamy romances. Do you agree? We break down the "dirty" data and discuss how it informs our writing.  Join Skye's the Limit by clicking here. Read Sarah's Books Here.

    33 min

  8. 02/07/2025

    Quick Fingers or Slow Hands? How Often Should Authors Publish Books?

    New Year, New Topic, Same Fascinating Conversations!  Sarah and Skye kick off 2025 by diving deep on how fast romance authors should publish books. In the Bookstagram/Booktok era of rabid fandoms, authors are working hard to make sure they give their readers more, more, more.  Is this a smart approach? Must you crank out a book a month to keep a fanbase? Should you push the speed of your publishing as an indie author? We tackle all these questions and more! Have an idea for an episode? Reach out! Thank you for leaving a review. Read Sarah's books here. Read Skye's books here.

    29 min
See All (55)

4.5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

A romance podcast for readers and writers who love tropes, steam, and emotionally satisfying happily ever afters. Hosted by bestselling contemporary romance authors Skye McDonald and Sarah Smith, Quick & Dirty Romance explores romance novels, writing, and the real-life desires behind the stories we obsess over.  Each episode blends smart analysis, honest conversation, and unapologetic love for the romance genre. We talk inspiration, publishing realities, character growth, self-love, and why love stories matter in real life. Perfect for romance readers, authors, and anyone who believes a good love story can change everything.

Information

  • Creator
    Quick & Dirty Romance
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Quick n Dirty Romance Podcast

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