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.
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 Saldivaris 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:
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
Running list of books mentioned (Doc)
This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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