We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers
Podcast Description
We Read Smut, hosted by Alesia, empowers romance readers to embrace their love for smut and dive deep into the diverse world of this captivating genre. Tired of feeling judged for your love of steamy reads? Join us as we create a safe space to unpack the complexities and joys of smut, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the power of inclusive storytelling.We'll explore everything from trope deep dives and author interviews to thought-provoking discussions on topics like body positivity, LGBTQ+ representation, and reclaiming the word "fat." We'll also tackle reading challenges, offer "shelf help" for your TBR pile, and venture into the realms of fantasy romance, offbeat erotica, and the vibrant world of BookTube.Whether you're a seasoned smut reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @WeReadSmut and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your thoughts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a broad range of themes related to romance literature, emphasizing inclusivity and representation. Specific topics include discussions on body positivity, LGBTQ+ representation, and various romance tropes such as enemies-to-lovers and fantasy romance. Episodes may feature author interviews, challenges, and book recommendations to enrich the listener's understanding of the genre.
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.
Connecting with long-time romance readers brings such a deep understanding of genre conventions to the podcast. This week, I am sitting down with Jessica P. Pryde to discuss her transition from public librarian and Book Riot editor to founder of the Why Choose Pop-Up Romance Bookstore. We talk about the importance of curating shelves filled with systemically excluded voices, how to combat the algorithm by reading intentionally, and why romance tropes are conventions rather than copies of other books. Plus, we share a massive stack of character-forward recommendations, including urban romance doorstoppers and nerdy meta-fiction.
Jessica Pryde is a professional book person and Blerd currently living in Southern Arizona. A librarian for over 15 years, she has been pushing progressive romance onto unsuspecting readers for half of her life. She is a Contributing Editor at Book Riot, where she writes mostly about romance and libraries, and hosted the When In Romance podcast for nearly eight years (RIP). She is the editor of the essay anthology BLACK LOVE MATTERS: REAL TALK ON ROMANCE, BEING SEEN, AND HAPPILY EVER AFTERS and has written for Audible, Kobo, the Harlequin Ever After blog, and other places. She is the owner and Founder of Why Choose, a pop-up romance bookstore centering the work of historically and systemically excluded and marginalized creators. Read more at jessicapryde.com
In this episode, we're discussing:
- Transitioning from 15 years in public libraries to running an independent pop-up romance bookshop.
- Why romance readers rely on specific story conventions and why hitting trope beats is the entire point of the genre.
- How to intentionally diversify your reading habits when the algorithm keeps feeding you the exact same mainstream books.
- The mission behind Why Choose Bookstore and hand-selling diverse romance to new audiences in Tucson.
- A curated reading list featuring enemies-to-lovers urban romance, meta werewolf fiction, and campus mental health representation.
CONNECT WITH JESSICA P PRYDE:
Bookstore Instagram
Personal Instagram
Personal Website
BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:
Demon's Dream by Elle Kayson (Amazon | Bookshop)
Fan Service by Rosie Danan (Amazon | Bookshop)
Score by Kennedy Ryan (Amazon | Bookshop)
Big Trouble In a Little Mafia by Tanvier Peart (Amazon | Bookshop)
Please Don't Go by E. Salvador (Amazon | Bookshop)
Legend by Jude Deveraux (Amazon | Bookshop)
Beverly Jenkins (Amazon | Bookshop)
Cat Sebastian (Amazon | Bookshop)
Katee Robert (Amazon | Bookshop)
Chencia C. Higgins (Amazon | Bookshop)
J.L. Seegars (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
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Disclaimer
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