We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Wow! Season Two has been incredible, and we're closing it out with a deep dive into the core question of this podcast: What is smut, exactly? I’m breaking down my personal spice rating scale, defining the difference between romance and erotica (hint: it's all about the plot!).

Plus, I’m looking back at my most memorable 2025 reads, sharing my Top 5 Audiobooks, Spiciest Reads, and Overall Favorites, and revealing my terrifying 2026 reading adjustments—including joining a book club!

Episode Key Takeaways: 

• Smut vs. Erotica Defined
• The We Read Smut Spice Scale
• Top Overall Reads of 2025
• 2026 Reading Adjustments

Top 5 Overall Reads of 2025

• Hear My Heart by Tay Mo'Nae
• Streams and Schemes by Rebecca Kincaid
• A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe
• Outdrawn by Deanna Gray
• All Superheroes Need Photo Ops by Elizabeth Stephens

Top 5 Audiobooks of 2025

• They Call Him NAS by KC Mills
• Yours for Now by Leonor Soliz
• Lilith by Alexandria House
• Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
• The MurderBot Diaries by Martha Wells

Top 5 Spiciest Reads of 2025

• Intrigued by Danger by Endiya Carter
• Don't Run by SHON
• You Hide I'll Seek by ML Bash
• Huntsman by Naima Simone
• Toxic by Kenya Goree-Bell

Other Books Mentioned:

Guava Flavored Lies by J. J. Arias

Mentioned Episodes: 

Tay Mo'Nae  

Naima Simone

Carla is Reading

Alexandria House

Weekend Reader 

Elizabeth Stephens 

Leonor Soliz

Sarah in Wanderland 

Unsuccessful Book Club 

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

If you've been listening to We Read Smut for any amount of time, you know I love grumpy female main characters! Today, I'm joined by author Jen Trinh to discuss why flawed, nuanced characters make for the most compelling stories, using her popular book Coming Clean as an example.

We dive into the importance of authentic storytelling and why strong Asian American representation is vital in romance. Jen shares her journey from burnout to publishing before turning 30, and why her experience with Hollywood and public personas inspired her to write a delicious secret relationship. No boring characters over here—these characters have depth, nuance, and, quite frankly, some flaws that make them so relatable.

Jen Trinh is an award-winning novelist who writes sexy books for nerds and weirdos. Previously a physicist/tech worker on the West Coast, Jen now lives in a pile of blankets near a pretty nice Wawa, along with her husband, his mini-him, and a medley of very sad plants. 

Key Takeaways

• Flaws Make Better Characters: Jen intentionally writes characters who are not bland ("toast characters"), arguing that flaws, trauma, and rich cultural lives create genuine depth and authenticity that keep readers engaged.
• Writing the Grumpy Heroine Fantasy: Jen reveals that her grumpy female main character in Coming Clean is a fantasy of who she wishes she could be: someone who can set boundaries and say "no" without having to smile or apologize.
• The Hollywood Paradox: We discuss how the setting of Hollywood allowed Jen to explore themes of authenticity versus public persona, drawing parallels to the parasocial relationships authors face online.
• The Author Peer Problem: We tackle the tough bookish hot take on reviewing fellow indie authors, agreeing that maintaining a boundary (like not reviewing/rating every book) is crucial to protect your peers and avoid backlash.

If you're ready for romance with rich cultural representation and grumpy heroines you can root for, start with Jen Trinh's Coming Clean!

CONNECT WITH JEN TRINH:

Website

Instagram

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
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This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Ever wondered about the person behind the mic? Today, I'm turning the tables and putting myself in the hot seat for a fun, rapid-fire Q&A. On We Read Smut, I'm answering all your burning bookish questions about my personal preferences, reading habits, and sharing a few hot takes along the way. Get ready to find out my favorite tropes, why I'm a "villains only" girl, and which romance books I think everyone should read.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Reading Habits: I’m a multi-book reader, often juggling an audiobook, an ebook on my phone, and another on my Kindle at the same time.
• Format Preferences: When it comes to books, I prefer reading ebooks over physical books and have a strong preference for paperback over hardback.
• Spicy vs. Sweet: I'll take a spicy romance over a sweet one any day, and when it comes to characters, I'm definitely on Team Villain.
• Hot Takes: I believe the amnesia trope is lazy, don't read trilogies, and will always judge a book by its cover.

Now that you've gotten to know me a little better, I want to hear from you! Pick one of the questions I answered and let me know your take in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #WeReadSmut. Don't forget to follow and subscribe so you don't miss any of our upcoming episodes!

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

All Super Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens

Xiveri Mates Series by Elizabeth Stephens

Almost Maybes by Anna P

Church Girl by Naima Simone

Venomous by Penelope Fletcher

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

Work Song by Danielle Allen

Lilith by Alexandria House

Sunny Disposition by Deanna Grey

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

From gritty contemporary to fantastical shifters, today's guest is a USA Today Bestselling author with a dual identity. On We Read Smut, we're exploring the incredible worlds that Jade Hernández, who also writes as Aleera Anaya Ceres, creates under both of those names. Join us as we discuss Jade's journey from a disappointing publishing experience to the freedom of indie publishing, and how she writes diverse characters that break stereotypes and reflect the world we live in.

Jade Hernández is a proud Mexican-American woman who strives to bring more Latinx stories to life within the contemporary romance genre. You may know her as Aleera Anaya Ceres, the USA Today Bestselling Author of diverse fantasy and paranormal works. Under this new penname, she aims to represent her culture by writing sweet, dark, gritty, and fun stories for all. As an introvert, Jade prefers to stay inside with a good book, collect tarot cards, and she's recently found a love for book boxes! She currently lives in Tlaxcala, Mexico with her husband and children.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• How a small press whitewashed her character on a book cover, leading her to discover the creative freedom and control of self-publishing.
• The importance of using Spanish in books to reflect character authenticity, and why readers need to be more understanding.
• The physical toll of signing thousands of books and how readers can be more conscious of authors' capacity and personal circumstances.
• Jade's fantastical shifter romance, where she creates a unique and badass world of mermaid motorcycles and gargoyle demons.

Jade's journey is a powerful reminder of why representation matters, and how authors fight to bring their authentic stories to life. We're so excited to see the worlds she creates, especially her new gargoyle romance!

CONNECT WITH JADE:

Website

Jade Instagram

Aleera Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Ink by Jade Hernández

Queenie and the Krakens by Aleera Anaya Ceres

Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Katherine Moon

Steel Demon Series by Crystal Ash

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of attending a book convention or author signing? Do you want to meet your favorite authors but feel anxious about how to prepare or what to do? On We Read Smut, we're tackling the anxiety of attending bookish events with our special guest, Ricki of Ricki Reads. Ricki and I share our personal strategies for everything from finding the right events to attend, to what to pack, and how to interact with authors without spiraling afterwards.

Ricki is a 24-year-old fat queer biracial romance reader. She focuses on reading and uplifting romances that feature BIPOC, queer, fat, and disabled leads.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Importance of Intentionality: Choose events that reflect your values by looking for diverse author lists and attendees.
• Prep and Pack Strategically: Use a book cart to make transporting your books easier, and don't forget to pack comfortable shoes, snacks, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to manage overstimulation.
• Respect Boundaries: Always get consent before touching authors or cosplayers, and refrain from sharing intimate details about your personal life with authors. They are not props.
• Manage Your Social Battery: Recognize that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Plan for a mix of big and smaller events, and allow yourself to take breaks and recharge when you need to.

Whether you're a seasoned event-goer or a first-timer, preparing for bookish events is key to having a positive and fun experience.

CONNECT WITH RICKI:

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Scribbles Bookshop

SteamyLit

Temptation in the Triangle

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Have you ever dreamed of a small town where every love story feels fresh, emotional, and perfectly real? Today on We Read Smut, we're joined by Ambar Cordova, who masterfully crafts these worlds in her small town multicultural romances. Join us as Ambar shares her incredible journey from avid reader to a romance author who writes relatable, messy, and realistic love stories with happy endings.

Ambar Cordova is a romance author of heartfelt multicultural stories. With a focus on raw, emotional storytelling, she creates relatable worlds with flawed characters that feel real. She grew up in the Dominican Republic and brings the diversity as inspiration to her stories. Ambar writes books that readers not only escape into, but also find themselves in. Her debut series, Baker Oaks, features a cozy small town in Florida showing multicultural stories that bring butterflies and sometimes tears to her readers. When Ambar is not writing she’s teaching, spending time with her family and reading. Ambar enjoys boat rides, traveling, and spending time outside.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• From Reader to Author: Ambar's journey began with a COVID-19 book swap, which led her to discover the joy of romance novels and their guaranteed happy endings.
• The Power of Lived Experience: Ambar's books are a reflection of her personal experiences, from growing up in the Dominican Republic to living in a small town in Florida. She believes that good character development can make anyone feel seen in a story, regardless of their background.
• Reclaiming the Small Town Trope: Ambar challenges the stereotypical depiction of small towns in romance by creating progressive, diverse, and realistic communities like her fictional Baker Oaks.
• Celebrating Imperfect Characters: Ambar is confident in writing "messy" and emotional characters that may frustrate readers but are always true to themselves. She embraces the miscommunication trope, believing it adds depth and realism to her stories.

Feeling seen in a story is a powerful thing, and Ambar's work is a testament to the healing power of romance. We're so excited to see her bring more diverse, messy, and wonderfully emotional stories to life. 

CONNECT WITH AMBAR CORDOVA:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Baker Oaks Series

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

You might think book banning is a thing of the past, but it is happening now in communities all over the United States. Today on We Read Smut, we're pulling back the curtain on this critical issue with a special guest, Rachel of Reads with Rachel. Join us as we demystify what book banning really is, who it targets, and what we as parents, readers, and lovers of smut can do to make a difference in our local communities.

Rachel is a passionate book content creator and the force behind Reads with Rachel. Her journey into advocacy began when she saw books being challenged in her own county, prompting her to use her platform to fight back against censorship. With a direct, no-nonsense approach, Rachel educates her audience on the insidious tactics used to limit access to books and empowers them with actionable ways to defend the freedom to read.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• What "book banning" truly means and how it's a slow, incremental process of removing access, not just a federal ban.
• The insidious link between banning books and trying to erase the existence of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ people.
• Examples of the kinds of books being targeted, from queer picture books to poetry and even young adult fiction.
• How these censorship efforts, while starting in schools and libraries, will eventually impact adult readers and smut books.

Feeling fired up and ready to fight back? Listen to the full episode for concrete actions you can take to support your local libraries and defend the freedom to read! Follow Rachel on YouTube at Reads with Rachel, and join her Julie Hates This Book Club for more conversation and fun.

CONNECT WITH READS WITH RACHEL:

YouTube

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson (Amazon)

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (Amazon)

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson (Amazon)

Milk and Honey by Ruby Carr (Amazon)

Ban this Book by Alan Gratz (Amazon)

Katie the Catsitter 2 by Colleen AF Venable (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Romance novels are an incredible way to navigate all aspects of our lives, including grief. Do you find yourself struggling to process loss or looking for stories that reflect the complexities of healing? Today on We Read Smut, we have a special interview with author Rae Shawn, who shares her personal journey of healing after loss and how she beautifully integrates themes of grief into her romance novels. Join us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation on processing grief and finding love on the other side.

Rae Shawn is a candle-buying, night-owl, who overthinks everything, but manages to get things done. She writes contemporary Black romances that’ll have you up in arms for the heroes, and sometimes, even the villains. When she isn’t writing, she’s dancing around her living room or watching reruns of Supernatural and all the anime she can find. Rae lives on the East Coast but will never forget her summer-living Los Angeles days. 

In this episode, we're discussing:

• How Rae Shawn's personal experiences with grief have inspired her to write stories that showcase healing and reconnection.
• The importance of showing that grief is a lifelong journey, with moments that can still hit you years after a loss.
• Why it's crucial to portray a world with diverse characters, including queer and trans friends, reflecting the reality we live in.
• How romance novels can explore different kinds of loss, not just from death, but also the mental and emotional taxing of losing parts of yourself.

Ready to read stories that feel like a warm hug and a good cry all at once? Tune in to this amazing conversation with Rae Shawn. 

CONNECT WITH RAE SHAWN:

Website

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Beyond the steamy scenes, how do our favorite romance novels talk about sexual wellness? Are you tired of problematic language like "clean" or "dirty" when discussing sex and STIs in books? Today on We Read Smut, we're diving into the nuances of consent, communication, and ditching judgmental language around sexual health with Jillian of Only One Bookshelf. Join us for a frank and insightful conversation that will change how you think about sexual wellness in fiction and real life.

Jillian Carmichael is a virologist and romance enthusiast who rejects the notion that scientists must be always be serious. After growing up in evangelical purity culture and marrying her college sweetheart, Jillian promptly deconstructed and spent 6 years getting her PhD studying herpes. Yes, THAT herpes. Taking a big risk for her postdoctoral endeavors, Jillian, her spouse, and their two kids moved to a tiny apartment in NYC... 8 months before the COVID pandemic. Those hectic early pandemic days working as a virologist in NYC prompted her to search for an outlet of joy, and that's how she discovered romance novels. Now, Jillian and her family live outside DC and she spends her free time reading, going on family adventures, running, and advocating for science (especially public health and infectious disease) to anyone who will listen.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Why using terms like "clean" or "dirty" to describe sexual health or intimacy in romance novels is problematic and stems from purity culture.
• The importance of consent in romance and how positive examples in books can equip readers for real-life conversations.
• How romance novels can serve as valuable educational tools for sexual health, covering topics often missed in formal sex education or misrepresented elsewhere.
• The critical need to destigmatize STIs like herpes and HIV, moving away from portraying them as character flaws in fiction.

CONNECT WITH JILLIAN:

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

That Kind of Guy by Talia Hibbert (Amazon)

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Amazon)

Bottle Rocket by Erin McLellan (Amazon)

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters (Amazon)

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (Amazon)

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid (Amazon)

Almost Love by Anna P (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of publishing, or how authors navigate both traditional and indie routes? Are you craving a dark romance that pushes boundaries and reimagines classic tales? On We Read Smut, we're pulling back the curtain with USA Today Bestselling Author Naima Simone. Get ready for a candid conversation about the publishing process, the importance of BIPOC representation in literature, and a sneak peek at her incredibly anticipated new dark romance.

Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor, and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.” She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bulletproof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The realities of the publishing process, from editorial feedback to marketing strategies in both traditional and indie routes.
• The critical importance of BIPOC authors celebrating and amplifying their own stories and community.
• How Church Girl explores breaking free from strict religious expectations and finding personal truth while maintaining faith.
• Naima's exciting foray into dark romance with Huntsman, a gritty, unhinged Snow White retelling.
• How Naima challenges herself to write stories without limits, embracing unhinged female characters and darker themes.

Ready to get the inside scoop on publishing and discover your next favorite dark romance? Tune in to this amazing conversation with Naima Simone! Check out Church Girl and pre-order Huntsman wherever books are sold, or get exclusive pre-order perks from Eagle Eye Bookshop. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review the We Read Smut podcast!

CONNECT WITH NAIMA SIMONE:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Church Girl by Naima Simone (Amazon)

Ravaged by Naima Simone (Amazon)

To Conquer a Bride by Naima Simone (Amazon)

Preorder Huntsman at Eagle Eye Bookshop. Make sure you select the format including the preorder bonuses.

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.

Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.