As a creative, I very seldom leave critical reviews because I know how much effort is output for creative endeavors. But after listening to several episodes in order to form a balanced opinion, I must share some, hopefully constructive criticism. After rebooting my teenage love for historical romance in the past year, I have listened to many romance review podcasts, and of all of them, this is my least favorite. Most podcasts tend to have enthusiasm for the things they are reviewing. But this show tends to lean heavily into lambasting the books and authors they review. Many times I’ve had to DNF an episode because the criticizing and misunderstanding of a novel was so egregious. Understandably, opinions are subjective, so I won’t fault them for not liking everything I enjoy, but it’s absolutely puzzling to me that they so often misremember or completely misrepresent situations that were clearly stated in the book. I’ll also admit that I rarely read contemporary or fantasy romance, so perhaps these hosts prefer those novels and review them more positively than historicals, but they are constantly judging 17th and 18th century characters through a 20th century lens, and admonishing characters for not being as enlightened as they are. Maybe the author in a book may point out the wrongs of a societal norm, but I do not expect a character from 1876 to act like a modern day man or woman. I would not expect them to look at “diet culture” or “body image” (thoroughly 20th century concepts) the way we do now. There are many other romance review podcast that actually share my enjoyment for the genre that I will continue to listen to. Maybe I will jump back in on this one in the future to see if their opinions have turned more to the lighter side of literature, because reading should be enjoyable.

I love this show so much. I have been binging since I started listening because romance never gets old! Especially appreciate the care you take with spoilers and how your format prevents wandering into distractions that plague some other podcasts.

It is so so fun and refreshing to listen to these summaries after reading these books! I laugh and nod along every time. Love love every episode. Thank you for making this delightful podcast!

All they do is find anything and everything to criticize. If I was an author (even seasoned & established) I would quit writing after hearing this very harsh critical podcast. It would be worth it if they did an objective review before the knit-picking begins. They would complain how the author did not explain a given situation even though it’s in the book. For example in one book review they spent time criticize the heroine’s choice to reach behind a settee rather than moving it thus preventing the odd ‘meet cute’ , while in the book it is explained the said settee was bolted down. This is just one minor example.. a lot of time is spent in complaining about minor things rather than reviewing the arc of the story. I listed to 9 podcasts and only one was somewhat positive and could be considered constructive. They will make you hate your favorite book.

I’m biased. I agree with these two all the time. So smart and insightful. Love Meg and Laine!!

I usually hate to listen to podcasts but I’m making an effort now (I am trying to also get into history, so why not start at ones that focus on shared interest in the same book). I am laughing and I can do this as I’m organizing my Goodreads or whatnot and not get bored!

This podcast is like chatting with your kindred friends about adult fairy tales known as historical romance novels. Especially if your friends are a bit catty and brutally honest. These two are fun!

Meg and Laine’s plot talks are so enjoyable. I learn a ton about storytelling and tropes and plot. I also love their frank assessments of sex, offensiveness, quality, and more. Such a fun and informative show!! It’s like an on-demand book club with two of your favorite girlfriends.

There are several good podcasts on historical romances out there but very few podcasters who speak with so much style. Wish Meg and Laine had an “about us” somewhere. My guess: they majored in English literature and truly love language and ideas. They also do a great job at editing their episodes. Great podcast!

I’m really glad I came across this podcast. I am new to romance novels but am finding they are a great form of escapism during the pandemic. I really enjoy the candid, thoughtful breakdowns of different books. These ladies are smart and funny, and enjoyable to listen to.

What’s in a name? Well, if you ask that about Plot Tryst, you’ll find that the witty and creative thoughts that went into this podcast title are doubly presented in each episode. This isn’t a podcast of two avid-readers just babbling on aimlessly about their random thoughts on a novel without any sense of direction or forethought. Meg and Laine give you a structured, thoughtful, and intentional review that draws out the emotions and reactions that we all have when reading fiction. They are opinionated, with good reason, about the characters and content and they deliver humorous and insightful commentary on the plot lines and character development, or lack thereof. If you’re looking for a conversationally-driven, thoughtful and humorous book review podcast, of a reasonable duration, look no further than Plot Tryst.

After listening to the review of Mr. Impossible, I purchased it from kindle to read (sadly it was not available through my rural library.)I loved the humor and banter in the novel and enjoyed it so much I am bingeing on the remaining Carsington series! I am heading to the beach next week and will use Plot Trysts as a resource to find FUN beach reads. Meg and Laine obviously have fun producing this entertaining blog. My only suggestion is to slow down when reading their “random number” synopses, it is sometimes hard to catch the whole phrase or sentence.