687. RT Rewind: May 2016 Reviews and New Releases

687. RT Rewind: May 2016 Reviews and New Releases

Author: Sarah Wendell October 3, 2025 Duration: 1:00:16
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast
ArtsBooksFiction

Grab your carry on, your snacks, and a blanket, because we’re hopping in the time machine again to go back to the May 2016 issue of Romantic Times to look at the new releases and reviews!


This issue caused some big questions.


  • Coke or Pepsi?
  • Backstreet Boys or NSYNC?
  • Did you worry about spontaneous combustion?
  • Should I read the Midnight, Texas trilogy by Charlaine Harris?
  • How many erotic romance titles in this issue contain the word “dirty?”


We have lots to talk about so let’s get started!


We also mentioned:


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If you’ve ever felt a little defensive about loving romance novels, or just want to dive deeper into the books you can’t put down, Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast is your perfect companion. Host Sarah Wendell approaches the genre with a critic’s sharp mind and a fan’s enthusiastic heart, creating conversations that are as thoughtful as they are joyful. This isn’t just author interviews, though you’ll hear brilliant voices like Ilona Andrews, Sarah J. Maas, and the wonderfully unique Chuck Tingle. The scope of the podcast is deliberately wide, bringing in reviewers, librarians, editors, and publishing professionals to examine every facet of the romance world. You’ll get honest talk about tropes and trends, the business behind the books, and why these stories resonate so powerfully with millions of readers. Regular appearances from Amanda Diehl add another layer of camaraderie and insight. Listening feels like being part of a smart, welcoming book club where no opinion is dismissed and passion is a given. It’s a celebration of a genre that dominates fiction, explored with humor, intelligence, and genuine curiosity. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a curious newcomer, this podcast offers a rich, engaging, and deeply human look at the stories we love.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: A Romance Novel Podcast
Podcast Episodes
691. Romantic Times Memories with Heather Graham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:12
After mentioning Heather Graham, one of the Grande Dames of RT, so many times while recapping issues of Romantic Times, I got to sit down with her to talk about her career, the way the industry has changed, and of course…
690. Disability in Romance with Lux Raven [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:30
My guest today is Lux Raven, author of the Siren’s duology that starts with Siren’s Mark, which came out – together – in early October. Lux wanted to join me on the podcast to talk about disability portrayals in romance,…
689. RT Rewind: May 2016 Ads & Features [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:23
We’re going back to May 2016 to look at the Ads & Features in Romantic Times magazine. The kilts are kilting and the abs are ab-ing, and we’ve got some questions.How do we feel about the terms “book boyfriend” and “pre-c…
688. Rewind Replay: June 22, 2018 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:56
I’m bringing back a classic episode from the archives of the show, and because she has excellent taste, Amanda said it should be this one. When I originally published this episode, I focused on how silly we were – and we…
686. Ladies in Hating and Yearning with Alexandra Vasti [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:05
Alexandra Vasti is back, because her new historical romance Ladies in Hating is out this week!We are going to talk about:Good angsty yearningWhen a character is their love interest’s bitch eating crackersLesbians in hist…
685. RT Rewind: August 1996 Ads & Features [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:48
It’s the 90s so the Ads and Features from the August 1996 issue of Romantic Times are a treasure trove of confusion. We’ve got:A tour of Jude Deveraux’s Grade II Listed Home in SuffolkBarbara Cartland perfumesHow should…
684. Thief of Night with Holly Black [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:42
The second book in Holly Black’s Night duology, Thief of Night, is out now, and I was so excited to talk with her about it.We start right off by talking about creepy places – like, what kind of magic comes out of Jersey?…
683. RT Rewind: August 1996 Reviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
We’re going back to August 1996 – that’s a bit of distance – to take a peek at the new releases and the book reviews in Romantic Times magazine.We’re back in the era of time travel, a scifi imprint named Avonova, and pro…
681. RT Rewind: July 2016 Ads & Features [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
It’s July 2016, and we’re back in the time machine to check out the ads & features from this issue of Romantic Times Magazine!We spot an SBTB friend in the letters to the editor, and we talk about romances translated int…

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