Drama · Alli Mowrey

Your Mom's Romance Shelf

by Alli Mowrey

What happened to the romance books your mom read before BookTok existed? Welcome to Your Mom’s Romance Shelf, where we revisit the romance novels that shaped the genre from the 1970s through the early 2000s—and ask the question: do they still hold up today? Hosted by romance creator Alli Mowrey (@allireadstoomuch), each episode digs into the books, authors, tropes, and cultural moments that helped build modern romance. From Judith McNaught and Johanna Lindsey to Linda Howard and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, we’re revisiting the classics, talking about what made them so influential, and taking a very honest look at what has (and hasn’t) aged well. Along the way, Alli talks with authors, booksellers, editors, publishers, academics, and lifelong romance readers about the books that shaped the genre we love today. Nostalgia, romance history, questionable heroes, iconic heroines, and plenty of “did we really think this was romantic?” moments included.

Latest episodes

Showing 3 · updated from the feed

Susan Elizabeth Phillips on Sports Romance, Alpha Heroes, Epic Grovels & the Evolution of Romance

On this episode of Your Mom’s Romance Shelf, I’m joined by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times bestseller, RWA Hall of Fame member, and the Queen of Romantic Comedy.

Oct 21
52 min

Romance, Sexism & the Books That Shaped the Genre with Jodi McAlister

Why has romance been dismissed for so long—and what can the books of the past tell us about the genre today? In the first episode of Your Mom’s Romance Shelf, I’m joined

Oct 7
58 min

Introducing Your Mom’s Romance Shelf: A Nostalgic Romance Book Podcast

What can the romance novels women have loved for generations tell us about us? Welcome to Your Mom’s Romance Shelf, a new podcast exploring the books, authors, fantasies,

Oct 2
1 min

Chart trend

Position in the Drama chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#90#179Oct

#52

all-time peak

days in the top 100 since Oct 2026

Chart positions

Where Your Mom's Romance Shelf ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 28, 2026).

#79 ▼ 10 Drama US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

If you are a reader this podcast is super fun and gave me ideas of great books I haven’t read but should, new insights on old favorites and inspired me to keep reaching for a good book! Highly recommend.

wild428 · Oct 2026

Listening to this podcast made me want to jump back into reading and gave me great recommendations as to where I should start back up! I’d never really dabbled in the romance category but I look forward to reading many of the titles Alli has mentioned! I also enjoy the guest speakers as I learn so much more about the history of romance as a genre. This podcast has definitely given me a greater appreciation for romance.

B22G · Oct 2026

I appreciate how different this take is from all other book podcasts and Bookstagram accounts. Very fresh, and a fun thing to learn about for someone who loves romance.

Kalliferamos · Oct 2026

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.