As Clayton says, it’s so hard to find the right words in a review to make sure your doing one of your favorite podcasts justice. But what I can say is in a world of downers, this is an amazingly fun and uplifting podcast that makes you feel connected to a network of friends who love what you love without wild abandon! I love listening to these two wonderful humans chat in the most unapologetic way about one of my favorite slices of life. THANK YOU Erin and Clayton for this wonderful part of my week and to anyone who is considering diving in? DO IT! You won’t regret it ❤️❤️🔥

I listen to a ton of podcasts and a lot of them are dark and heavy or require a lot of thought. I needed something light, fun, and easy to listen to and this is exactly what I needed.

Knew about this podcast, but I actually finally stopped and listened to these two, and I adore this duo!. First episode I listened to was Dreaming of You by the queen Lisa Kleypas and after that episode I became an instant fan. Love this podcast!!

I am a romance novel virgin, and finding this podcast was one of the best things to happen to me in 2022. I will be forever grateful to Clayton and Erin for introducing me to Derek Craven and teaching me things like what a “cinnamon roll” hero means in the world of romance reading. I can’t wait to read more of their recommendations in 2023! Romance besties for life!

I agree with the other listeners. Erin and Clayton feel like the friends I wish I had to dish about romance novels with. They’re witty, open minded, and not afraid to talk about the sex scenes! I dearly wish they will one day consult on a set somewhere for a Ravennel’s series. 🙏Or invite me on as the other perspective, the Vixen?

This podcast is consistently excellent. Clayton and Erin are like the best friends you wish you had to share your Lisa Kleypas obsession with. I enjoy listening so much that I’ve found myself reading books that I wouldn’t have otherwise read, just so that I can process them along with the podcast. Thanks for extending my one-click author list!!

Genius! Absolutely brilliant! Bringing in the male perspective takes this podcast straight to the TOP! Lisa Kleypas brought me here and here I am to stay. Clayton and Erin… Great chemistry! Thank you for a great listen.

I’m a Clayton, standing in front of an Erin, asking her to explain the tropes to me – or at least that’s how it feels with this lovely and hilarious podcast. I stopped reading romance in college (now in my 40s) because of snobs and The Patriarchy. My New Years Resolution was to fix past wrongs by reading 5 romances this year. I’m 131 over that now, and sleep deprived, but I refuse to apologize. I binged books because of this podcast and who led me here, the gals of Fated Mates. Learning the Tropes is a perfect 101 course to get me back into the thick of it, while also snort laughing and nodding along in agreement. Beyond the content for virgins and the veterans that love them, there are excellent book recs, interviews, and chat about the way romance fits into the world we live in (and often want to escape from.) Give this pod a go if that sounds like your jam! For the record: GOAT: Derek Craven Cam > St. Vincent all day, every day, stop me mid-swoon

What prissiness.

As a newly obsessed romance reader, I searched for romance podcasts because I wished I had someone to discuss these books with, and I really love this podcast. Great banter, funny jokes - love it!

I have been looking for a fun romance book podcast forever. This one really has all the best qualities! I have so much fun listening to Clayton and Erin and they make me feel like we are just having a fun chat about the most recent romance we read. Such a diverse group of romance and it’s a ton of fun to listen to.

I’ve really been enjoying this podcast! In my opinion, the best book podcasts do not simply recap the book; they dive in much deeper. I like Erin and Clayton‘s discussions on the various themes and tropes in the books. I also really enjoy how they are not afraid to give an opinion on a particular theme/trope (e.g. Clayton is DONE! with romcoms!).And frankly, it’s interesting to have a male opinion. You don’t see that too often in the romance world. Keep doing what you’re doing!

I am loving the witchy reads episodes! Also, I didn’t think the pod could possibly give me more cozy vibes than it already does, but the bake off episodes on patreon are PEAK comfort content.

I found this podcast through Fated Mates and love it. Erin and Clayton are fun to listen to and offer great perspectives on romances.

I found this podcast through Fated Mates and am nearing the end of my binge-listen of past episodes. Not only do Erin and Clayton make talking about romance enjoyable and insightful, their amazing rapport as friends makes the whole experience like an inside joke that they are bringing you in on because they don’t want you to feel excluded. Here’s to many more seasons!

I have never been really into podcasts but I LOVE listening to Erin and Clayton. I do not have a book club because not many of my friends want to read Bridgerton and romance novels the way I do (although I truly believe they’re missing out). This podcast is like listening to two people I’d love to be friends with and they give such great insight. I love hearing their thoughts on all the same things I read/watch/listen to and I continue to laugh and appreciate their dialogue. Also, shout out for the Taylor Swift podcast that was thoroughly enjoyable as a Swiftie since 2006! :)

Started listening recently. Every romance reader or romance-curious reader should check out this podcast. What I like about it: (1) Erin and Clayton are not afraid to talk about what they don’t like. Another romance podcast I enjoy keeps it always positive and I get why, but it’s refreshing and useful to hear E & C be honestly critical. (2) They’re pretty funny. Clayton in particular has a quick wit. Also I picture him looking like Ryan Reynolds, so don’t burst my bubble. (3) I enjoy their systematic approach to discussing a book by talking about the cover, then the plot and characters (the usual book dissection) and ending with “Would you **** them?” and whether the book belongs on the Goodreads lists that it’s on.

Smart hosts with witty banter who provide thoughtful and fun to listen to reviews. The best.

If you love romance novels, you’ll enjoy this podcast! The hosts have good chemistry and interesting insights, and a decent feel for sensitivity. I will say that some of the critiques of the romance genre (white dominated, hetero focused, lack of neurodiverse representation, etc.) applies here too. The hosts are great, but sometimes it feels like they lack perspective.

After binge watching the Netflix series -- which surprised me because I don't typically like this genre, I started reading the books and WOW, I love them too. I'm actually going in sequence and am currently on Book 7. I found this podcast and it has been wonderful to get another perspective and some backstory and fun facts. I have now binge listened to all your Bridgerton podcast episodes. I love your voices (I'm sensitive to voices), thoughts, personal stories and chemistry.

This is my favorite reading podcast, if not my favorite podcast, period. Love Erin and Clayton’s sense of humor/camaraderie! I found you guys about a year ago when I read Dreaming of You for the first time and was desperate to talk about it. Obviously that episode made me a LTT fan for life! I don’t have anyone to talk with IRL about my Kleypas love so I settle for this podcast. :) I also share your love for Virgin River and genuinely LOL at those episodes. Please consider reading Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase and Indigo by Beverly Jenkins for the pod. I think you guys would love them! (Nine Rules still needs to happen too!)

Reading romance novels and listening to podcasts. I knew this podcast was a keeper for me when I listened to Erin and Clayton discussing my favorite author Lisa Kleypas. I’ve loved for about 25 years now, and it made me snort-laugh listening to Clayton rhapsodize about Derek Craven. I’m right there with you, buddy! I started at the beginning, so I’m like 2 years behind, but I’m listening to all the podcasts on books I’ve already read (and reread multiple times because Julia Quinn and Laurann Dohner are also much beloved authors in my library) and listening to the rest of the catalogue as I’ve read the new-to-me authors. Erin and Clayton are smart and funny, always good for a laugh.

The premise is simple: each week, a longtime Romance reader and a Romance “virgin” read and discuss a Romance novel. They identify the tropes each book uses (Enemies to lovers? Fake relationship? ONLY ONE BED!?), what they enjoyed and what didn’t work for them, and, ever importantly, whether they’d bang the chosen story’s leads. The material is always treated with respect (see that, lit fic? Everything doesn’t have to be about you!) even if the book doesn’t quite hit the mark, and the hosts, Erin and Clayton, have a great rapport and are continually cracking one another up. In addition to the book-focused episodes are a handful of discussions centered on a romcom they watch, and these are a blast. I’m not sure which I prefer: a heated debate over the lust-worthiness of Darcy vs. Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones’ Diary or their collective bafflement at the “twist” in Last Christmas, but they’re all worth a listen! Learning the Tropes also has a super engaged Facebook group where listeners continue each week’s conversation, post book recommendations, and, in the case of the aforementioned Last Christmas bafflement, recommend a superior and more coherent heart donation plot movie, by which I am of course referring to the 2000 classic Return to Me which is the most charming thing ever. Whether they’re questioning the painting skills of Red from Get a Life, Chloe Brown, or trying to determine whether an obscure Goodreads bookshelf applies to Love Lettering (oooh! Check out the mini-episode about Taylor Swift songs they did with author Kate Clayborn!), this is a must-subscribe for any appreciator of Romance.

Been reading romance for several years but new to the podcast and loving it! I laugh out loud every episode. Erin and Clayton are great - charming, witty, and I love their dynamic together. My husband won’t read the books but he will listen along to the podcast (Clayton, he also loves MTV’s The Challenge). Feels like the best kind of chat with your friends.

You guys are amazing. Love your point of view on these romance novel !

As a long time contemporary reader, I recently discovered I DO like historicals! Thanks Bridgerton.. ha! It is great to find this podcast to learn about them and revisit other books I’ve loved. Listening puts me right in the room with Clayton and Erin and gives me two new book friends!

For years, I’ve had a subscription to the New York Review of Books (bear with me, it’s relevant to this review, promise). I used to read the reviews and pile the books that sounded fascinating onto my TBR (to-be-read) pile. But over time I realized that the reviews captured the gist of the book, sometimes even better than reading the book myself ever could. And now I enjoy the NY Review as like, the cliff notes version of literature and rarely read any of the books after enjoying the reviews. Since I discovered Learning the Tropes, I now have the same kind of resource with respect to romance. That’s right—in my life, Learning the Tropes is to romance what the NY Review is to other books. The hosts are insightful, clever commentators and I enjoy the way they express what they find (or don’t find) compelling in the titles they review. I’ve rarely read the books they feature and though once or twice they’ve enticed me to note a book to find later, for the most part I’m content just to listen to smart, funny people discuss the tropes, structure, and themes of a genre I love. I recommend the podcast all the time! Thanks, Erin and Clayton. ❤️❤️❤️

I just love this podcast. Erin and Clayton are both just charming. I’ve been going through all of them — I’ve read most of the books but love to reread. Erin’s excitement when Clayton likes the book makes me so happy. Eyes of Silver would be an amazing 100th episode.

This is the podcast that gets me strange looks while I’m listening on my earbuds because I’m always laughing and nodding along.

I started listening recently and am really enjoying hearing Erin and Clayton's perspecitve on all things romance. I especially love the variety of books they select to cover. Overall it's a great listen.

During quarantine (parts 1, 2, and onwards) I was on a real reading streak. I’m talking 20+ books a month, just rapidly consuming all the romance I could find. It was lovely except for the fact that I was locked in reading for 10+ hours a day much to the detriment of my dirty laundry, unwashed dishes, and unwalked dog. It wasn’t sustainable. Now thanks to Learning the Tropes, I get to hear about romance books - reminiscing on my favorites and discovering new books - along with the amazing and hilarious commentary of Erin and Clayton while actually being a functioning human being. One thing I didn’t expect was the care and thoughtful insight y’all both put into your analysis of each and every book. Even the books you didn’t necessarily enjoy are treated with respect and you examine not just what you didn’t like, but what might have impacted your reading. I’ve laughed, I’ve evaluated my own reading biases, and I’ve felt wildly validated when my opinions align with yours. Please keep them coming! Y’all have kept me company in the laundromat, on the road, and even during some muted Zoom meetings. Please, by all means, hit me with your car at your earliest convenience! (And for my euphemism contribution: al dente love noodle)

Love this podcast. The hosts are great - funny, smart, so entertaining and fun

I just started the series and have listened to five or six of the episodes. I am now super invested in finding out if Clayton finds his own personal HEA.

I stumbled upon this podcast after I had finished all of The Bridgerton series and was looking for other perspectives on the books. I absolutely love their witty banter. Even their use of “um hm” I find oddly endearing. I’d love a cocktail hour episode with these two.

Long John silvers galore!

Recently discovered this Podcast and I can’t get enough! Listening to Erin & Clayton is like listening to your best friends.

I love this podcast! As someone with anxiety, it’s sometimes very hard for me to just pick up a book and start it with little information. I think Erin said something like this, but it really helps me know what to pay attention to and what to expect; therefore, making it much easier to enjoy. I really love listening to this podcast when I just need to relax. I definitely 10/10 recommend it!!

Love both of the hosts and cannot get enough of their commentary on my favorite romance novels. Thank you both for producing such fun and entertaining content! Please do more episodes on Lisa Kleypas. Specifically the Ravenels! I love Chasing Cassandra - Tom Severin is my new #1!

I love this podcast, I love the dynamic, I love that you guys covered every book and then every episode of Bridgerton. Thank you for keeping me company on my quarantine walks during this lonely holiday season.

Like a lot of people, I found out about this podcast because I wanted to learn more about the Bridgerton series. I read the first book, and to be honest, I didn't really like it, but after listening to the podcast, I now want to check out Anthony's and Colin's books. Thanks for the book recommendations.

Worth the time and headspace. ❤️

I did not think I needed a podcast as much as I do yours. I love your detailed reviews of these books and how open you two are when it comes to the sensual/sex scenes. Great job! love the rapport and fun you two have with each other. You keep me entertain during this epidemic. Thank you, stay safe.

Just binged the Bridgerton series and books and needed someone to talk about them with - was so grateful to find this podcast! Feels like talking with good friends, very funny, and good insights into the books!

So much fun!

I am new to this podcast, and catching up on many back episodes. And apparently, they’re going on hiatus for a few weeks. I find Erin and Clayton to be engaging. I don’t always agree with them, think they miss some key points, and catch myself talking back to them. In the QuaranTimes where I’m starved for company, that’s a good thing.

Funny and smart!

Love y’all...but...we got a lil beef (lol). I’ve been listening to a few romance podcasts (really just you guys and FATED MATES), I’ve yet to hear a Mary Balogh episode/review. Her level of awesomeness is BEYOND!!! The Bedwyn series is my favorite. Get 👏🏾into👏🏾it👏🏾!!!

The hosts are funny without being snarky, and break down the structure of different tropes to satisfy my inner literary nerd, without shying away from discussing all the streamy (and character-driven) scenes that make readers love romance.

Such a smart and funny way to approach romance! Love the podcast.

Fun podcast with great reads and an interesting perspective.