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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.
Episodes
Dec 16, 2025
Dec 16, 2025
32 min
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:
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Why romance heroes are idealized on purpose
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What fantasy bodies do (and don’t) mean about real people
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Whether idealized men create unrealistic expectations or safe emotional escape
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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.
Oct 22, 2025
Oct 22, 2025
30 min
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:
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Why authors love pitting characters against each other at first sight
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How a strong “hate” stake raises the emotional and romantic tension
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Examples of meet-hates in our books romance
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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. 🔥
Sep 23, 2025
Sep 23, 2025
34 min
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.
Mar 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025
33 min
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.
Feb 7, 2025
Feb 7, 2025
29 min
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.
Dec 17, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
28 min
What A Year! Skye & Sarah look back on 2024's highs and lows of author life.
- We Each Published a Hockey Series!
- Growth, Learning, & Disappointments. All Part of Our Journey!
Join us as we celebrate another year of friendship and romance. AND we're celebrating 5 years of Quick & Dirty Romance Podcast!
Thank you listeners, we love you!
Read Skye's New Holiday Novella Free on KU. CLICK HERE
Read Sarah's Books! CLICK HERE
Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
40 min
Sarah & Skye, both professional romance authors, dive deep on what it's like to write for a living. Join us as we discuss our daily schedule for cranking out word counts, how we juggle marketing and writing books, plus what we REALLY think about social media!
Read Sarah's DIRTY PUCKER now.
Oct 29, 2024
Oct 29, 2024
37 min
Should authors vent about their jobs on social media??
Skye & Sarah are ruffling feathers!
Hot takes on whether authors are doing themselves favors by bemoaning the publishing industry on social media. Warning-we don't hold back here!
**We both have new releases right now! And we're giving away a hockey themed book box!**
Hockey Book Box Rules & Submission: CLICK HERE
Read Skye's books! Click here.
Read Sarah's books! Click here.
Oct 9, 2024
Oct 9, 2024
32 min
Join Skye & Sarah for a discussion of why choose romance. From rebranding (reverse harem) to polyamory, from Adirondack chairs to upside down pineapples, we get quick and dirty on this trope and its rise in popularity!
Read Skye's books! Click here.
Read Sarah's books! Click here.
Jul 15, 2024
Jul 15, 2024
38 min
Skye and Sarah discuss the delicate dynamic between authors and ARC readers.
-Do authors have a right to request positive reviews only?
-Do readers have an obligation to communicate with an author if they're unable to meet expected deadlines?
Listen and learn! And the leave a review!