Shit We've Read

Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and Emma Skies
  • 5.0 (12)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Shit We’ve Read is a sci-fi & fantasy book podcast hosted by geeky friends Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero. 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-host Emma Skies. 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. After Dark: Savage Blooms

    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...

    1h 51m
  2. The 2025 SWR Holiday Special

    12/24/2025 · BONUS

    The 2025 SWR Holiday Special

    It's the final episode of 2025, and we're wrapping things up with our 3rd annual Secret Santa book exchange! Join Bella, Emma, Jason, and Laura for our coziest, messiest holiday tradition as we exchange books, hot takes, and answer the following questions: Did the right books go to the right recipients this year? Which one of us didn’t finish their book, and what went wrong? Which host picked their Secret Santa book during an active criminal investigation? And which current Emma obsession led us on a ten-minute tangent? Thank you so much for listening and supporting us this year. We’re endlessly grateful for you. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2026!   Buy the Books! Jason’s Book: Amazon.com | Libro.fm Laura’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm Bella’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm Emma’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other media mentioned in this episode: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Warehouse 13 The SCP Foundation The City We Became by NK Jemisin The Magnus Archives Podcast House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid   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 ou...

    1h 41m
  3. Author Interview: R.A. Basu

    11/12/2025 · BONUS

    Author Interview: R.A. Basu

    In this special author interview, Bella and Jason sit down with the effortlessly charming R.A. Basu to talk about her debut novel, TO BARGAIN WITH MORTALS—“a stunning reflection on politics and purpose, blood and allegiance—and what we do with the histories we inherit.” Join us as R.A. spills the chai on the chaotic journey her book took to publication, including the incredible lengths publisher Emma Skies went to acquire it. She also shares how her original inspiration began with Jimin from the K-pop sensation BTS, and how she drew upon her own South Asian identity to infuse the story with cultural depth. Plus, R.A. shocks with a (in hindsight, fairly obvious) revelation about the TV series House, M.D. You can grab your copy of TO BARGAIN WITH MORTALS now wherever books are sold!   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned R.A. in this episode: Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite Jade City by Fonda Lee   Guest: R. A. Basu is an Indian Canadian author from Ontario who works in digital development by day and binge reads novels by night. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing on the Nintendo Switch, fighting for her life in a Pilates class, or looking for the best matcha in her city. She is represented by Allegra Martschenko at BookEnds Literary Agency. You can find her on Instagram @rabasuwrites   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

    1h 15m
  4. After Dark: Sing Me to Sleep

    10/29/2025

    After Dark: Sing Me to Sleep

    You voted, and we listened! Your choice for our Halloween After Dark pick is SING ME TO SLEEP by R.M. Virtues—a dreamy tale of a sleep demon who falls for the woman he was meant to haunt. ⁣ This episode has everything: tipsy hosts, personal encounters with sleep paralysis (we’ll let you guess if any demons were involved), and a passionate discussion about the need for editing in self-publishing. Plus, a moment so tense that Emma and Jason almost come to blows. Remember, listeners, you brought this upon yourselves! Happy Halloween!   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! Amazon.com (unfortunately, the only place to purchase)   Other books mentioned in this episode: Drag Me Up by R.M. Virtues Desperate Measures by Katee Robert Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson Angels Before Man by Rafael Nicolás Savage Blooms by S.T. Gibson 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 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! #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 Emma Skies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Halloween Theme 1 by Alexande...

    1h 32m
  5. 40: The Library at Hellebore (w/ Emma Skies)

    10/15/2025

    40: The Library at Hellebore (w/ Emma Skies)

    We’re celebrating spooky season with THE LIBRARY AT HELLEBORE by Cassandra Khaw—a fantasy horror about a group of magical students who seek refuge in the school’s library when the faculty go on a ravenous rampage. Listen as Laura and Emma try to keep track of the many characters and their unique abilities, discuss the idea of monstrosity—specifically how women are made monstrous by monstrous men—and… Jason is there, too! Plus, Emma wonders whether this book is truly part of the dark academia genre. Happy Halloween!   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Katabasis by RF Kuang The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw Critical Role: Bells Hells - What Doesn't Break by Cassandra Khaw The Poppy War by RF Kuang A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu Sing Me to Sleep by R.M. Virtues   Support SWR! PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch

    1h 30m
  6. 39: A Cruel Thirst

    09/24/2025

    39: A Cruel Thirst

    Spooky season is officially here! In this episode, we’re celebrating both our favorite time of the year and Hispanic Heritage Month with A CRUEL THIRST by Angela Montoya—a YA fantasy full of vampires, forbidden romance, and Mexican folklore. Join us as we explore how the book draws on Latin American culture to make vampires feel fresh, why this tale about bloodsucking monsters gives off cozy vibes, and what we think of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Zorro” comparison. Plus, find out how A Series of Unfortunate Events helped Bella with the Spanish vocabulary in this book!   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Final Six by Alexandra Monir The Life Below by Alexandra Monir Little Thieves by Margaret Owen Holy Terrors by Margaret Owen Blood Moon by Jillian Graves Titan: A Gargoyle Daddy Dom Romance by Jillian Graves A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier 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...

    1h 33m
  7. After Dark: Bull Moon Rising

    08/27/2025

    After Dark: Bull Moon Rising

    In this episode of After Dark, Bella is back and bringing the chaos with her pick, BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon. Join us as we explore this steamy romantasy set “in a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, [where] a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner.” Along the way, Bella reveals which co-hosts are the most (and least) fabulous, Jason makes a connection to The Mummy (1999), and Emma explains how the book suffers from what she calls the Fourth Wing Phenomenon. Listen now to discover why this book left the hosts so divided! 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: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon Deep End by Ali Hazelwood Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper Railed by the Krampus by Dalia Davies A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab 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 commiss...

    1h 32m
  8. 38: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame (w/ Fictional Tiff)

    07/30/2025

    38: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame (w/ Fictional Tiff)

    We’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more dragons! In this episode, we discuss BRIGHTER THAN SCALE, SWIFTER THAN FLAME by Neon Yang, a queer, Asian-inspired fantasy novella about a renowned dragon slayer who never takes their armor off in public. Joining us for this discussion of identity, duty, and the power of love is multi-hyphenate guest host Fictional Tiff—musician, queer activist, and leader of the Sacramento Silent Book Club. Listen as we celebrate the queer-normative worldbuilding and how it allows for exploration of personal identity, Laura draws parallels between the book and blind religious devotion, and Tiff shares why sometimes friendship means saying, “I love you, but you suck.” Plus, find out which of us is hoping for a sequel full of dragon smut.   Guest Host: Fictional Tiff is a book blogger turned many things over the years. From heading up the Sacramento Silent Book Club to being a musician, gogo dancer, queer activist, weightlifter, and writer. She keeps her mind busy and shines bright and loud for her community. Reading books is what set Tiff on the course to being passionate about so many things, and she owes them her life. So ask her what she’s currently reading and be prepared for nonstop chatter. You can find her on Instagram @fictionaltiff and listen to her music on Spotify here.   Buy the Book! Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz You Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise Outdrawn by Deanna Grey We Solve Murders by Richard Osman The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid Death’s Country

    1h 3m
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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 Bella Romero. 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-host Emma Skies. 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?

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and Emma Skies
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021-2024
  • Show Website
    Shit We've Read