Shit We've Read

Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Brittney Wong, Bella Romero, and Emma Skies

Shit We’ve Read is a sci-fi & fantasy book podcast hosted by geeky friends Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Brittney Wong. Each month, we get together to discuss a new-to-us book or graphic novel, sometimes giving it a spicy, adult twist with our After Dark episodes featuring co-hosts Emma Skies and Bella Romero. Along the way, we’re joined by occasional guest hosts and noteworthy authors for insightful interviews, along with other fun surprises. So, join us on our latest book journey and tell us - what shit have you been reading?

  1. 4d ago

    42: She's a Doll

    This spooky season, we’re getting dolled up! In SHE’S A DOLL by Barbara Truelove, we’re talking about female rage, murderous dolls, and why sometimes the best way to deal with a killer is to become his worst nightmare. Plus, Brittney gives us a crash course in the Maasverse, and Jason compares this book to a certain bubbly beverage. What beverage? You’ll have to listen to find out. Happy Halloween! CONTENT WARNING: Given the book’s themes and recent news stories involving sexual violence, this episode includes a discussion of sexual assault. That discussion runs from 33:59–44:36. Please take care of yourselves and feel free to skip ahead if needed.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm Other books mentioned in this episode: Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove Ascension by S.T Gibson Evocation by S.T. Gibson House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses series The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu The Wedding People by Alison Espach Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly Strange Love by Ann Aguirre Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits: Shit We've Read

    42: She's a Doll
  2. Sep 30

    After Dark: Dark Lover

    This month, Emhma, Laurha, Rhico, and Bhella are sinking their teeth into J.R. Ward’s DARK LOVER, the first book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Before romantasy took over BookTok, paranormal romance was serving leather-clad vampires, tortured alpha males, and… ninja stars?! Listen in as we untangle the mythology, examine the book as a fascinating study of masculinity, and realize one important element of the book was so lackluster, we almost forgot to even bring it up. So, pour yourself your favorite Kraken Rum cocktail (Kraken, you know where to find us) and get ready for some early 2000’s nostalgia. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other media mentioned in this episode: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole Twilight by Stephenie Meyer The Blood Books/Victory Nelson series by Tanya Huff Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson Strange Love By Ann Aguire The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee Twilight (2008) Queen of the Damned (2002) Blood Ties (2007) The Matrix (1999) Blade (1998) Heroes (2006-2010)   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits: Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Catalyst by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChord...

    After Dark: Dark Lover
  3. Jul 29

    After Dark: She Came for the Pack

    Pour yourself a glass of Barefoot Wine, get cozy, and join us as we take our first bite of Season Six! In this After Dark episode, we’re discussing the sapphic werewolf romance SHE CAME FOR THE PACK by Darva Green! Vibe out with us as we discuss content warnings and who they benefit, unpack the book’s sapphic take on Alpha/Omega tropes, and decide whether this is a satisfying standalone or leaves us wanting more. Plus, Emma schools us (not for the first time, and probably not for the last time) on the intricacies and origins of the Omegaverse. For more on the Omegaverse, listen to our After Dark discussion of Dark City Omega! Check out the list of Ao3’s most written Alphas & Omegas of all time! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux Maneater by Emily Antoinette Dark City Omega by Elizabeth Stephens A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole She Came From the Swamp by Darva Green Railed by the Krampus by Dalia Davies The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson Sing Me to Sleep by R.M. Virtues Desperate Measures by Katee Robert Dark Lover by J.R. Ward The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today!

    After Dark: She Came for the Pack
  4. Jun 24 ·  Bonus

    Minisode: Meet Brittney

    Meet Brittney! In this Season Six premiere minisode, we shoot the shit with the newest co-host of Shit We’ve Read to talk about books, pets, and everything she’s bringing to the podcast. Listen in as we reveal the sad story behind Laura and Brittney's first meeting, we go on yet another mini Heated Rivalry tangent, and Jason comes to the surprising defense of an author he’s never read. Plus, we discuss the language of cults, so join us in welcoming Brittney to our own! About Brittney: Brittney grew up in a small town with busy working parents, so her constant companions were her books. When she is not deep in the pages of a fantasy or contemporary romance, you can catch her spending time with her four dogs, camping, paddle boarding, or hanging out at a brewery with her book club. Follow her on Instagram @nghtreadrslibrary   Books mentioned in this episode: Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove The Last Adventure of Constance Verity by A. Lee Martinez Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard Tempest by Victoria Aveyard (On Sale Sept. 8, 2026) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Winterveil by Ava Reid (On Sale Sept. 15, 2026) Galaxy’s Edge series by Jason Anspach & Nick Cole Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits: Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Brittney Wong, with editing by Jason Rico, and music by Joshua Chilton.

    Minisode: Meet Brittney
  5. Mar 25

    After Dark: House of Rayne

    We’re closing out Season Five with the gothic sapphic romance HOUSE OF RAYNE by Harley Laroux! Join us as we find out if it’s a worthy After Dark finale, compare it to Laroux’s Her Soul to Take, which we previously read on the show, and watch Jason discover the power of the mute button. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux Savage Blooms by S.T. Gibson Desperate Measures by Katee Robert To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits: Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    After Dark: House of Rayne
  6. Jan 28

    After Dark: Savage Blooms

    We’re kicking off 2026 with a tale of "mind games, kink, and ancient enchantment," because we read SAVAGE BLOOMS by S.T. Gibson! Join us as we spiral into yet another Heated Rivalry tangent, compare the novel to one of its inspirations (Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë), and debate whether it lives up to the other Gibson books we’ve covered. Plus, find out which After Dark pick Laura chose that has Emma absolutely hyped. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Long Game by Rachel Reid Naughty or Ice by Sylvia Pierce Pucking Around by Emily Rath Game Misconduct by Ari Baran A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Evocation by S.T. Gibson An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The Cruel Prince by Holly Black A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert House of Rayne by Harley Laroux To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits: Shit We've Read...

    After Dark: Savage Blooms

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Shit We’ve Read is a sci-fi & fantasy book podcast hosted by geeky friends Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Brittney Wong. Each month, we get together to discuss a new-to-us book or graphic novel, sometimes giving it a spicy, adult twist with our After Dark episodes featuring co-hosts Emma Skies and Bella Romero. Along the way, we’re joined by occasional guest hosts and noteworthy authors for insightful interviews, along with other fun surprises. So, join us on our latest book journey and tell us - what shit have you been reading?

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