We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

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?

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers is a arts podcast hosted by We Read Smut, with 74 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

We Read Smut hosts We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers, a arts show with 74 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  Frederick Smith on Black Queer M/M Romance, Higher Ed, and Authentic Representation

  Sep 3, 202646 minS4

  Today on the podcast, we have a very special treat: our first man on the show, and someone who writes deeply authentic, Black queer M/M romance! I am sitting down with author and higher education administrator Frederick Smith to discuss his seven-novel journey, writing queer love stories set across California, and navigating a full-time university career alongside a prolific writing schedule. We dive into the importance of own voices in the M/M romance space, paying homage to trailblazers like E. Lynn Harris, the three non-negotiable rules for an ethical second-chance romance, and why authors and readers alike must show up in spaces where Black and queer voices need greater visibility. Plus, Frederick shares the real-life inspiration behind One and Done and teases his upcoming 2027 mismatched age-gap romance! Originally from Detroit, Frederick Smith is the author of seven romance novels set in L.A. and San Francisco that feature Black LGBTQIA+ characters. His 2024 novel, One and Done, is described as a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area romance. It was published on Bold Strokes Books. His forthcoming novel, Love Is A Contact Sport, is a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance out June 2026 on Bold Strokes Books. A higher education professional by day, Frederick does Student Affairs and Diversity & Inclusion work at San Francisco State University. In this episode, we're discussing: Balancing a full-time university administration role in student life and DEI with writing full-time M/M romance. How a UCLA extension writing class launched a two-book deal with Kensington and a 20-year publishing career. Honoring the legacy of E. Lynn Harris and the vital importance of own voices storytelling in gay romance. The three essential elements needed to make a second-chance romance work without toxicity. The hilarious, real-life university accreditation meeting that inspired the workplace romance One and Done . Practical ways emerging authors can build community locally through independent bookstores and public libraries. CONNECT WITH FREDERICK SMITH: Website Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Love is a Contact Sport by Frederick Smith ( Amazon | Bookshop ) One and Done by Frederick Smith ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Play it Forward by Frederick Smith ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Right Side of the Wrong Bed by Frederick Smith ( Amazon ) E. Lynn Harris ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Terry McMillan ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Eric Jerome Dickey ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Beverly Jenkins ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Kennedy Ryan ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Rebekah Weatherspoon ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Adib Khorram ( Amazon | Bookshop ) On Thin Ice by S Rena ( Amazon ) Monique Fisher ( Amazon ) Karmen Lee ( Amazon ) Meka James ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Julian Winters ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Rashid Darden ( Amazon | Bookshop ) 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. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. 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 .

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  Episode #9

  Curvy Girls Read Romance on The Best He Falls First, Down-Bad Heroes, and Plus-Size Rep

  Aug 27, 202652 minS4

  There is something so delicious about the "he falls first" romance trope. This week, I am sitting down with my friend Aimee from Curvy Girls Read Romance for a trope deep dive into down-bad heroes, pining, and why this trope shines so brightly in plus-size romance. We discuss body neutrality vs. body positivity in bookish spaces, moving past 2000s media toxicity, and why we will never get tired of heroes who fall fast and hard for their women. Plus, we share a massive stack of recommendations spanning contemporary, historical, sports, and monster romance. Aimee is a trained historian and the creator behind Curvy Girls Read Romance on Instagram and StoryGraph. She highlights plus-size representation across romance genres, including contemporary, historical, dark, and monster romance, with a focus on bringing body neutrality to the bookish community. In this episode, we're discussing: The shift toward body neutrality in romance and pushing back against toxic beauty standards. Why the "he falls first" trope works so well alongside friends-to-lovers, wife guys, and pining heroes. Why down-bad heroes hit differently in plus-size romance by turning old media tropes on their heads. How body neutrality in books creates validating, real-world relationship representation. A curated reading list of top "he falls first" book recommendations across multiple romance subgenres. CONNECT WITH CURVY GIRLS READ ROMANCE: Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Goal by Alexandria House ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Let Me Love You by Alexandria House ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Lilith by Alexandria House ( Amazon | Bookshop ) A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop ( Amazon | Bookshop ) The Catch (Seattle Strikes series) by Leonor Solis ( Amazon | Bookshop ) The Game (Seattle Strikes series) by Leonor Solis ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Almost Maybes by Anna P. ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Taken to Voraxia by Elizabeth Stevens ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Pursued by the Orc by Saam King ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Center of Attention by Daisy Wren ( Amazon ) First Comes Amor by Cynthia A. Rodriguez ( Amazon ) You Hide, I'll Seek by M.L. Bash ( Amazon ) Who You Belong To by M.L. Bash ( Amazon | Bookshop ) For the Plot by Emily B. Rose ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Just Joshing by Evie Mitchell ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Cocky by Taahesi B. Williams ( Amazon ) Tasty by Taahesi B. Williams ( Amazon ) Big Trouble in a Little Mafia by Tanvier Peart ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Danger Family Series by Endiya Carter ( Amazon ) Luv Shuv in New York by N.M. Patel ( Amazon | Bookshop ) 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. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. 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 .

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  Episode #8

  Laura Chinn on Screenwriting vs. Novel Writing, Reproductive Timelines, and Adult Sisterhood

  Aug 20, 202639 minS4

  What happens when a Hollywood screenwriter and director steps out of the writer's room to write her very first fiction novel? Today, I am sitting down with screenwriter, director, and author Laura Chinn to talk about her debut novel, Counting the Days . We get into what it's really like transitioning from TV sitcom writer's rooms to solo novel writing, pre-midlife anxiety surrounding fertility and reproductive timelines, healing inner child trauma, and why she deliberately writes female friendships centered on genuine sisterhood rather than pettiness. Plus, Laura breaks down her screenwriting perspective on what actually makes a book adapt well to the screen! Laura Chinn wrote and directed the Searchlight feature film Suncoast, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won a jury prize. She created and starred in the half-hour comedy series Florida Girls and wrote the memoir Acne (Hachette) and the novel Counting the Days (Penguin Random House). Her other television writing and producing credits include High Potential, The Mick, and Childrens Hospital. In this episode, we're discussing: The realities of Hollywood writer's rooms versus the mental health perks of solo novel writing. Navigating 30s reproductive timelines, fertility panic, and the complex choices around motherhood. Writing an emotionally evolved male lead who works through his own childhood baggage. Why we need more stories featuring supportive adult sisterhood and women who actively champion each other. What a screenwriter looks for when evaluating whether a book can successfully translate to film or TV. CONNECT WITH LAURA CHINN: Instagram Counting the Days by Laura Chinn ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Suncoast (Film directed by Laura Chinn) BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver ( Amazon | Bookshop ) The Dutch House by Ann Patchett ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Running list of books mentioned ( Doc ) 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. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. 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 .

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #7

  Samantha Saldivar on Sapphic Sports Romance, Latina Representation, and Traditional Publishing

  Aug 13, 202637 minS4

  If you've been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know how much I love showcasing queer authors, queer stories, and sapphic romance. Today, we get a special bonus as I sit down with Sam Saldivar (Samantha Saldivar), a queer Latina author who writes high-stakes sapphic sports romance. We dive into the nitty-gritty of traditional publishing, navigating a surprise four-manuscript backlog, pitching authentic Latina representation in sports, and building long-arc, second-chance romances. USA Today bestselling author Samantha Saldivar is a corporate broadcast producer who has previously worked at the NBC affiliates KGW in Portland and KMTR in Eugene, where she won a regional Emmy award for Best Evening Newscast. During her time studying at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, she reported on college sports for campus television and interned at the now-defunct Comcast Sportsnet Northwest. She lives in Portland with her wife. Her debut novel, Play You For It , was a national bestseller. In this episode, we're discussing: How writing purely for the love of the story led to a surprise four-manuscript backlog and a two-book deal with Dell. The structural differences between self-publishing hustle and leaning into traditional publishing infrastructure. Grounding Latina representation in the authentic history and culture of sports—from D1 college basketball to softball. Why second-chance romance requires deep character growth over time for the reconciliation to actually feel earned. Teasers for Play You For It , Running Home To You , and her 2027 soccer romance, Giving Up The Game . CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA SALDIVAR: Website Instagram Substack BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Play You For It by Samantha Saldivar (Amazon | Bookshop) Running Home To You by Samantha Saldivar (Amazon | Bookshop) Giving Up The Game (Coming March 2027) by Samantha Saldivar (Amazon | Bookshop) Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake (Amazon | Bookshop) Anita Kelly (Amazon | Bookshop) 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. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. 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 .

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  Episode #6

  Aya Winter on How Trend Readership Is Ruining Character Arcs and Reader Expectations

  Aug 6, 202641 minS4

  Trend readership is a fascinating topic, especially when readers enter a new genre without understanding the underlying character arcs or structural conventions. This week, I am sitting down with multi-genre indie author Aya Winter to break down what happens when hype-driven reading trends take over the fantasy and romantasy spaces. We dive into the hero’s journey, why readers confuse long-standing genre conventions with plagiarism, the creative autonomy of indie publishing, and why we need to retire the pretty-ugly, inexperienced heroine trope once and for all. Aya Winter is a romance novelist, illustrator, and publishing professional with over 20 years of storytelling experience across fiction, poetry, visual art, and music-inspired narratives. She has also spent nearly a decade in children’s book publishing, working from manuscript to print as an illustrator, designer, creative lead, and publishing manager. Her background in communications, branding, and digital media informs a strategic, design-forward approach to her stories and author platform. Known for character-driven narratives with emotional depth, cinematic pacing, longing, and found family in high-stakes worlds, Aya authored the Hartgrave Tellers rockstar romance series. Her debut novel, Through the Glory and the Mess, was released in July 2025. Writing at the intersection of art and story, she views romance as a messy, meaningful craft and calling rooted in emotional truth. In this episode, we're discussing: How fear and early industry rejections stall creative output until life-altering events force a mindset shift toward publishing. Why hype-driven trend readership creates reader expectations that clash with standard fantasy conventions and story arcs. When the hero's journey gets mistaken for copycatting, and why formulaic character growth is essential for meaningful story payoffs. How the financial motivations of traditional publishing limit story variety compared to the creative freedom of indie authors. Why writing confident, experienced women who own their beauty and power makes for far better heroines than tired, self-deprecating tropes. CONNECT WITH AYA WINTER: Website Instagram Amazon BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Naima Simone Episode on the Podcast Ember by Naima Simone ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Huntsman by Naima Simone ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Behind Closed Doors by Shain Rose ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Lilac by B.B. Reid ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Crucible by B.B. Reid ( Amazon | Bookshop ) Kelley Armstrong ( Amazon ) Zoey Draven ( Amazon ) Alpha Breeds by Milana Jacks ( Amazon ) Fae-ted Kings by Milana Jacks ( Amazon ) A Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell ( Amazon | Bookshop ) https://youtu.be/W68Iqk8Kz4g 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. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. 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 .

  ListenShow Notes

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