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? 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.

Podcasting since 2024 • 83 episodes

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Latest Episodes

Nikki Clarke on Centering Black Women in Sci-Fi, Monster Romance, and Urban Romantasy

Why should speculative fiction and monster romance rely on tired, reductive stereotypes when whole universes exist to be imagined? Today, for a special Birthday Bash release, I sit down with speculative romance author Nikki Clarke to discuss wo...

October 30, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 18 • 30:52

Cathy Yardley on Midlife Romance, Neurodiversity, and 25+ Years in Publishing

Why are we still measuring the value and desirability of women against the benchmark of youth? Today, I am joined by celebrated author and writing coach Cathy Yardley to pull back the curtain on more than twenty-five years of navigating the pub...

October 23, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 17 • 43:23

Tamara Lemus on Sapphic Wrestling Romance, Latinx Representation, and Indie Publishing

What happens when you look at live professional wrestling, see the electric tension between two fierce athletes in the ring, and wonder: what if they kissed? Today, I am joined by romance author Tamara Lemus to discuss her path into in...

October 16, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 16 • 29:50

The Ultimate Enemies to Lovers Guide: Categories & Book Recommendations with Chalon

Enemies to lovers is easily one of the most beloved tropes in romance, but the tag gets slapped on everything from gentle workplace competition to full-blown murderous vendettas. Today, I sit down with fellow reader and creator Chalon from Book...

October 09, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 15 • 46:02

Melissa Simone on Flipping Vampire Lore, Indie Craft, and Book Cons

With vampire romance surging in popularity, how do you take a classic paranormal creature and flip the rulebook completely on its head? Today, I am joined by North Carolina romance author and event host Melissa Simone to break down her unique p...

October 02, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 14 • 51:28