We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

We Read Smut
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Finally, a home for the spice you love and the representation you deserve. We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, builds a judgment-free zone for readers who crave spicy plots and substance. We celebrate high-heat stories and inclusive casts. If you want open-door romance that features every body, you found the right show. What to expect: Trope Breakdowns: We dissect the best (and hottest) tropes in the genre.Author Interviews: Hear the story behind the spice from your favorite creators.Shelf Help: Expert guidance to help you conquer your TBR pile.Inclusive Stories: We prioritize representative leads and diverse voices. Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. We leave the shame at the door and celebrate the power of a well-written romance. Join the Circle: Want personalized book picks and a private chat with Alesia? Join the After Dark Circle on Substack. Supporters get full access to every post and our private community of romance fans. Connect with us: Follow @WeReadSmut on Instagram and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your current read.

  1. 11h ago ·  Video

    Katie Duggan on Giving Marginalized Characters the Spicy Happily-Ever-Afters They Deserve

    Who says that romance is only for able-bodied or thin characters? In this episode, Northern Virginia romance author Katie Duggan joins the microphone to look at how we can take regular contemporary romance tropes and subvert them to center fat, neurodivergent, disabled, and queer representation. We discuss her journey from high school creative writing magazine editor to falling into the romance genre during lockdown, how she uses her day job at a massive chain bookstore to advocate for diverse shelf placement, and the intense process of moving past childhood religious shame to find your true identity. Katie Duggan is a New England transplant currently living in Northern Virginia. She writes romances that give fat, neurodivergent, and queer characters spicy happily-ever-afters. When Katie is not writing or being kept up at night by her characters, she can be found drinking iced chai lattes, going to therapy, convincing people to read her favorite books, and doing whatever hobbies give her brain the most dopamine at the moment. In this episode, we're discussing: How to build a romance plot around an autistic lead by addressing the sensory challenges of intimacy through an explicit sex curriculum.Why relying purely on factual research falls short when writing disabilities like Type 1 Diabetes, making sensitivity readers vital for capturing lived experiences.When navigating purity culture clouds your understanding of your sexuality, and how uncovering demisexuality in therapy helps reframe sex positivity.How to challenge the toxic expectations of bounce-back culture by writing mid-size mothers dealing realistically with postpartum depression.Why the traditional third-act breakup serves as a necessary mechanism for character growth, forcing partners to choose emotional maturity over comfort.This conversation serves as an essential reminder that true happily-ever-afters are built on the gritty reality of being believed and accepted for exactly who you are. CONNECT WITH KATIE DUGGAN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedugganwrites/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/katieduggan  BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: From the Start by Katie Duggan (Amazon | Bookshop) Back to Me by Katie Duggan (Amazon | Bookshop) On My Side by Katie Duggan (Amazon | Bookshop) Beloved by Toni Morrison (Amazon | Bookshop) Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (Amazon | Bookshop) Scribbles Bookshop Friends to Lovers  Romancelandia Amazon Kindle Unlimited Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Katie Duggan on Giving Marginalized Characters the Spicy Happily-Ever-Afters They Deserve

  2. 6d ago ·  Video

    Alyssa on Stories & Spoilers, Sapphic Romance, and Book Reviews

    If you read across genres and love picking apart the deeper mechanics of a story, this conversation is for you. This week, I am sitting down with Alyssa, the brilliant host of the Stories & Spoilers podcast. As a self-proclaimed mood reader who hops from dark romance and monster smut to Indigenous horror and graphic novels, Alyssa brings a beautifully diverse perspective to the reading community.  We dive into how our reading tastes evolve as we grow up, the structural importance of thorough book reviews over superficial aesthetics, and how dark romance serves as a safe space to process trauma and communication.  Alyssa is the creator and host of Stories & Spoilers, a diverse podcast featuring author interviews, anonymous community confessions, and deep-dive spoiler discussions across multiple genres. She also runs Cozy Soul Reads, a personal blog dedicated to summarized, chaotic book reviews and real life updates. Alyssa uses her platform to heavily champion diverse storytelling, with a dedicated monthly segment spotlighting Black authors and book creators.  In this episode, we're discussing: How our real-world perspective shifts our views on classic teenage reads when we revisit them as adults.Why the performative nature of bookish social media has pushed out authentic book reviews in favor of hyper-edited aesthetics and consumerism.When reading diverse representation, specifically Black and queer stories, shifts from a passive hobby to a deeply healing lifestyle change.How the horror and dark romance genres overlap by using extreme situations to explore power dynamics, absolute consent, and female rage.Why we need to support independent, Black-owned brick-and-mortar and online bookstores to keep the romance community genuinely inclusive. CONNECT WITH ALYSSA: Stories & Spoilers Podcast Instagram - Stories & Spoilers | Cozy Soul Reads YouTube BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Check out the Bookshop Links A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams (Amazon) One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (Amazon) Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon) A Pack for Winter by Eliana Lee (Amazon) Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger (Amazon) Lilith & Memphis by Alexandria House (Amazon) Huntsman by Naima Simone (Amazon) Club Petal Series by Eden Emery (Amazon) Spite House by Johnny Compton (Amazon) Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson (Amazon) You Gotta Be You by Brandon Kyle Goodman (Amazon) The Librarian's Gargoyle by Evelyn Sola (Amazon) Never Whistle at Night - Indigenous Horror Anthology (Amazon) Fallen Too Far – Abby Glines (Amazon) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Amazon) Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Amazon) Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Amazon) All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stevens (Amazon) Welcome to the Dark Side by Giana Darling  (Amazon) Down South Bayou by Aricka Alexander (Amazon) Outdrawn by Deanna Gray (Amazon) Thunder Thighs by Evie Mitchell  (Amazon) Kimberly Lemming (Amazon) Hans by S.J. Tilly (Amazon) Jay's House Website Steamy Lit Website Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Alyssa on Stories & Spoilers, Sapphic Romance, and Book Reviews

  3. Jul 10 ·  Video

    Regina Black on Soap Opera Romance Tropes and Writing Authentic Character Choices

    How much do your childhood experiences or the way you were raised dictate the choices you make as an adult? This week, I am sitting down with the incredible Regina Black, author of The Art of Scandal and her latest paperback release, August Lane. Regina has a masterful way of creating fully fleshed characters who make deeply human, interesting choices based entirely on their past structures. We discuss how growing up on daytime soap operas influenced her angsty voice, her winding path from writing online fan fiction to securing traditional publication, and the complex real-world realities she weaves into her small-town romance settings. Regina Black is a former civil litigator, current law school administrator, and life long romance reader who has always been passionate about the depiction of Black women in popular culture. She currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband and daughter. In this episode, we're discussing: How her childhood of watching summer soap operas shaped her love for forbidden romance tropes.Why Regina chose traditional publishing because she preferred staying in her creative writing cave over running a business from scratch.When she learned how to revise a manuscript through the Pitch Wars mentorship program, which led to thirty agent requests.How she combined her Arkansas upbringing with the musical history of Helena-West Helena to construct a claustrophobic small-town setting.Why Regina intentionally writes through the heavy real-world realities of intergenerational trauma, recovery, and invisible illness. CONNECT WITH REGINA BLACK: Website Instagram Substack BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Charish Reid (Episode | Website) Denise Williams Website The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (Amazon) August Lane by Regina Black (Amazon) The King of Scandal by Regina Black (Coming in 2027 in trade paperback!) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Regina Black on Soap Opera Romance Tropes and Writing Authentic Character Choices

  4. Jul 3 ·  Video

    How to Find Bookish Friends and Romance Community Outside Social Media

    Making new friends as an adult is notoriously difficult, and when your primary hobby is reading high-heat romance novels, it can feel even harder to find your people. As an introvert who gets overstimulated quickly, the thought of trying to build a community through endless social media scrolling can feel exhausting. In this solo season premiere, I am breaking down easy, low-pressure ways to find bookish friends who match your energy and your favorite tropes (both virtually and in real life) without relying on algorithms.  In this episode, we're discussing: Why traditional social media platforms can lead to doom scrolling rather than authentic connection, and how to pivot to dedicated spaces like Discord, Patreon, and Substack.How joining a structured buddy read helps you build deep, long-term friendships over shared chapter analysis rather than surface-level comments.Simple ways to navigate your local community, including the brilliance of Silent Book Clubs where you can read in parallel without the pressure of forced small talk.How to use indie bookstores, local author talks, library events, and even Little Free Libraries to signal your favorite tropes to nearby readers.A simple action step to reach out to one person this week and ask about their current read to break the ice.Don’t forget to follow over on Substack and join the paid community for fun perks. BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Shelbey Monae on the Podcast (S3E6) Shelbey’s Discord Community Shamoya’s Romance Reads (Substack) Weekend Reader (Substack) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    How to Find Bookish Friends and Romance Community Outside Social Media

  5. May 29 ·  Video

    Organizing My Physical & Digital Library as a Mood Reader

    Organizing your bookshelves or Kindle starting to feel chaotic? In this Season 3 finale, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I organize my physical and digital romance library without making it a full-time job. We’re talking sapphic shelves, BIPOC-only shelves, signed books, Kindle collections, Handy Library, StoryGraph, and how it all works together so I stop double-buying books and always know what to read next. In this episode, you’ll learn: How I organize my main bookshelf on camera (Elizabeth Stevens, Kennedy Ryan, Katie Robert + a dedicated sapphic romance section that reflects my values)The structure of my office bookshelves, including a BIPOC-only shelf and a separate shelf for everything else (contemporary, dark, queer romance, etc.)Why I use the Handy Library app to catalog my physical books, avoid duplicates, and even track my husband’s and kids’ booksHow I organize my Kindle collections for mood reading: Up Next, KU, physical TBR, podcast prep, Free Black, BIPOC, ARCs, anthologies, dark, contemporary, etc.How Handy Library, Kindle, and StoryGraph each play a different role in my reading lifeMy system for reading three books at once (physical/audio + Kindle + Kindle app) without getting plots confused Things Mentioned:  Handy Library Kindle Unlimited Buy a Kindle Tasty by Taahesi B. Williams (Amazon) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Organizing My Physical & Digital Library as a Mood Reader

  6. May 22 ·  Video

    Adrienne Thurman on Finding Yourself at Every Phase of Life and Don’t Tell Me How It Ends

    Reconnecting with your creative identity after a massive life shift is challenging, especially when that shift is motherhood. Today, I am talking with debut author Adrienne Thurman about her new contemporary rom-com, Don't Tell Me How It Ends. We have an incredibly honest conversation regarding the isolation of the first year of parenting, processing postpartum depression, and how navigating those heavy phases of life can actually spark the desire to write gloriously unlikable women who get the happy endings they deserve.  Adrienne Thurman writes romance and commercial fiction where gloriously unlikable women get the happily ever afters—or revenge plots—of their dreams. As a BIPOC creator, she writes stories with a diverse cast of characters that makes her readers feel seen. Don't Tell Me How It Ends is her debut novel.  In this episode, we're discussing: Reclaiming Identity Through Fiction: Adrienne shares how the isolation of the pandemic and the challenges of early motherhood led her back to writing as a way to fill her own cup separate from parenting.A Vulnerable Look at Postpartum Depression: A raw discussion on the physical and emotional toll of the first year of motherhood, processing postpartum depression, and how that heavy phase inspired her to create complex, authentic characters.Sibling Case Studies: An analysis of the sibling dynamics in her debut—how two sisters raised in the exact same household can develop completely opposite coping mechanisms and perspectives on love.Grounded Humor Over Ridiculous Scenarios: Why the best rom-coms build humor directly from a character's sharp personality and a true crime obsession rather than forcing them into absurd situations.Heavy Realities in Romance: Adrienne discusses balancing a hopeful romance narrative with real-world gravity, including the representation of a parent living with early onset dementia. CONNECT WITH ADRIENNE THURMAN: Website Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Don’t Tell Me How It Ends (Amazon) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Adrienne Thurman on Finding Yourself at Every Phase of Life and Don’t Tell Me How It Ends

  7. May 15 ·  Video

    Swati Hegde on Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt and Second Chance Romance

    Second chance romance has been testing my boundaries lately. After years of avoiding the trope, I am finally seeing the appeal of a hard-earned reunion. Today, I sit down with Swati Hegde to discuss her new book, Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt. We explore the sharp tension of the courtroom, the massive differences between the Indian and US legal systems, and the importance of writing neurodivergent leads with depth and soul.  Swati Hegde is the author of Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt, Can’t Help Faking in Love, and Match Me If You Can, as well as the young adult romance As Long as You Loathe Me. She is also a freelance editor, mindset coach, and self-proclaimed coffee shop enthusiast who lives in Bangalore, India, and can often be found at the nearest café with a hot mug of tea or singing her favorite songs off-key at karaoke night. She looks forward to a long career bringing Indian stories and voices to light.  In this episode, we're discussing: Swati breaks down the procedural differences in the Indian legal system, including why they do not use juries and how civil law shapes the courtroom experience.A conversation regarding autism representation that prioritizes the internal life and personality of the character over a clinical diagnosis.Why second chance romance works best when the characters have spent years developing the maturity needed to handle a relationship.How Swati navigated the complexities of legal research to ensure her courtroom scenes felt grounded and realistic.The significance of reflecting Indian family structures and traditions in a way that feels natural and lived-in. CONNECT WITH SWATI HEGDE: Website Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt (Amazon) As Long as You Loathe Me (Amazon) Can’t Help Faking in Love (Amazon) Match Me If You Can (Amazon) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Swati Hegde on Love Beyond Reasonable Doubt and Second Chance Romance

  8. May 8 ·  Video

    Marina Hill on Subverting the Billionaire Trope in Romance

    The billionaire trope is a staple in romance, but what happens when the hero decides he doesn't actually want the money? Today, I’m talking with Marina Hill about her journey from writing fanfiction to crafting intricate stories that challenge genre standards. We discuss the anti-billionaire lead in Royal Pain, the vital importance of representing undiagnosed chronic pain, and why the enemies-with-benefits trope remains undefeated.  Marina Hill is a multifaceted author romance to historical fiction with an eventual path into fantasy. With over a dozen publications of short stories, her work has been hailed as fun comfort reads while managing to discuss important topics. A New Jersey native, Marina spends her days working around books and her nights writing them.  In this episode, we're discussing: A look at the inspiration behind the characters in Royal Pain, a heroine who inherits a fortune and chooses the radical act of giving it all away.A discussion on chronic pain representation, specifically the struggle of living with pain that lacks a formal diagnosis and the importance of partners who validate a heroine's lived experience.How representing curly hair and shared cultural backgrounds serves as a form of intimacy on the page, moving beyond surface-level descriptions.Marina shares her process for writing deep, believable sisterhood bonds despite being an only child.Why the physical tension between characters who hate each other creates a superior foundation for character growth and chemistry.CONNECT WITH MARINA HILL: Website Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Roaming Holiday by Marina Hill (Amazon) Royal Pain by Marina Hill (Amazon) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Support the show Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

    Marina Hill on Subverting the Billionaire Trope in Romance
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About

Finally, a home for the spice you love and the representation you deserve. We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, builds a judgment-free zone for readers who crave spicy plots and substance. We celebrate high-heat stories and inclusive casts. If you want open-door romance that features every body, you found the right show. What to expect: Trope Breakdowns: We dissect the best (and hottest) tropes in the genre.Author Interviews: Hear the story behind the spice from your favorite creators.Shelf Help: Expert guidance to help you conquer your TBR pile.Inclusive Stories: We prioritize representative leads and diverse voices. Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. We leave the shame at the door and celebrate the power of a well-written romance. Join the Circle: Want personalized book picks and a private chat with Alesia? Join the After Dark Circle on Substack. Supporters get full access to every post and our private community of romance fans. Connect with us: Follow @WeReadSmut on Instagram and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your current read.

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