Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast
Episode: 07.22: Adriana Herrera on the Power of Historical Romance: When We’re Up Against a Corner, Baby, Let’s Fight
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Fated Mates, hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop welcome special guest Adriana Herrera. The trio delves deep into the transformative power of historical romance, exploring how the genre serves as a formidable tool in combating patriarchy and advocating for women's rights—all while maintaining a commitment to non-judgmental storytelling.
Adriana Herrera’s Latest Work: A Triumph in Historical Romance
Adriana Herrera discusses her latest novel, which has been lauded as one of the sexiest in her series and received accolades such as a Kirkus star. Herrera describes the creation process as "the hardest revision I've ever done" (02:06) due to the intricate topics she tackled. Despite the challenges, she expresses immense satisfaction with the outcome:
“I felt like I told my agent yesterday...I wanted to finish it strong. And I feel like I did that.” — Adriana Herrera (02:06)
Her protagonist, Apollo, embodies intensity and depth, reflecting a hero who evolves through his experiences and relationships.
Historical Romance as a Vehicle for Feminist Themes
The conversation shifts to the role of historical romance in feminist discourse. Adriana emphasizes the importance of setting her stories in diverse historical contexts:
“There's not a place in the genre really where we're written in that way... Spanish speaking women from, you know, the colonized Americas were not present in Historical.” — Adriana Herrera (12:03)
She highlights how historical romances can naturally incorporate themes of women's autonomy, agency, and power dynamics, offering readers narratives that celebrate and empower women.
The Current State of Historical Romance: Is It Dying?
A significant portion of the episode addresses concerns that historical romance is on the decline. The hosts and Adriana analyze factors contributing to this perception, such as evolving cover designs, shifts in reader preferences, and challenges within publishing houses. They discuss the impact of genre competition from fantasy and contemporary romance, questioning whether historical romance is being deliberately sidelined or naturally adapting to modern tastes.
“We knew kind of right away that illustrated covers weren't going to necessarily change the game in historical the way that they did in contemporary.” — Sarah MacLean (48:10)
Despite these challenges, Adriana remains optimistic about the genre's resilience, pointing to a burgeoning indie scene and a wealth of emerging authors who are revitalizing historical romance with fresh, diverse perspectives.
Debunking Myths About Historical Romance
The hosts tackle several persistent myths that deter potential readers from exploring historical romances:
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Historical Romance is Monolithic and Unrelatable:
- Adriana Herrera argues that historical romances encompass a wide array of experiences and backgrounds, emphasizing that modern writers are expanding the genre beyond traditional stereotypes.
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The Writing Style is Clunky and Inaccessible:
- They clarify that while some historical novels employ elaborate language to evoke a different era, many contemporary authors like Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas use dynamic and straightforward prose that enhances relatability without sacrificing historical ambiance.
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Power Imbalances Render Relationship Dynamics Unfeminist:
- Adriana Herrera and Sarah MacLean discuss how modern historical romances thoughtfully negotiate power dynamics, ensuring that relationships evolve toward equity and mutual respect, thereby maintaining feminist principles.
Recommendations: Embracing Diverse and Dynamic Historical Romances
The episode is rich with recommendations for both new and seasoned readers looking to explore the depths of historical romance:
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Adriana Herrera
- An Island Princess Starts a Scandal
- A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke
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Jen Prokop
- Recommends The Duchess Hunt by Lauren Heath for its accessible language and familiar romance dynamics.
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Sarah MacLean
- Suggests The Bride by Julie Garwood and The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt for their intense and engaging storylines.
Additionally, the hosts encourage listeners to explore works by diverse authors such as Alyssa Cole, Joanna Shoup, and Courtney Milan, who bring fresh perspectives and inclusive narratives to the genre.
Fighting the Stereotypes: Empowerment Through Storytelling
A recurring theme is the empowerment derived from historical romance. Adriana emphasizes that romantic narratives provide a blueprint for resistance and strength:
“If romance is where women go for comfort, we can't hide from the truth of what's happening to us. We have to find strength in it.” — Adriana Herrera (10:58)
By portraying strong, resilient female protagonists and advocating for feminist ideals, historical romances inspire readers to envision and strive for a more equitable world.
Closing Thoughts: The Future of Historical Romance
As the episode winds down, the hosts reaffirm their commitment to nurturing and revitalizing historical romance. They acknowledge the genre's challenges but remain hopeful that through innovation and dedication, historical romance will continue to thrive as a powerful medium for storytelling and social change.
“The moment that we are in is not a moment to hide from the realities of our life. And still, again, we are hopeful.” — Adriana Herrera (21:59)
Conclusion
This episode of Fated Mates serves as both an insightful exploration and a rallying cry for historical romance enthusiasts. By addressing prevalent myths, highlighting the genre's feminist potential, and showcasing the work of dynamic authors like Adriana Herrera, Sarah MacLean, and Jen Prokop, the podcast underscores the enduring relevance and transformative power of historical romance.
Notable Quotes:
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Adriana Herrera on writing challenges:
“I think it's because I was taking on a lot of topics that I didn't get wrong or, you know, mishandle.” — 02:06 -
On historical romance and feminism:
“It's about proximity to power... it's not the soft life.” — 24:39 -
Addressing historical romance myths:
“Historical romance is not historical fiction. It is not nonfiction about history. It is romance that is set against the kind of trappings of history.” — 89:10
Note: Timestamps are referenced in square brackets and correspond to the position in the provided transcript.