Aricka Alexander on Exploring Black Sapphic Romance Artwork

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.

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Connect with us: Follow @WeReadSmut on Instagram and use the hashtag #WeReadSmut to share your current read.

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We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Aricka Alexander on Exploring Black Sapphic Romance

July 09, 2025 • WeReadSmut • Season 2 • Episode 2

0:00 | 36:29

Ready to dive into the captivating world of Black Sapphic Romance, where authentic representation takes center stage? In this episode of We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author Arii (they/she), also known as Aricka Alexander, to explore their unique author journey and commitment to crafting inclusive queer love stories. From writing about Black characters from a young age to creating an alternate reality where WNBA players receive equal pay, Arii shares the inspiration behind their beloved books and their dedication to showcasing diverse experiences.

Arii (Aricka Alexander) is a Louisiana native who loves to write stories about Black sapphics in love.

In this episode, we're discussing:

Arii's writing journey, which started when they were 15, was motivated by the lack of Black representation in books set in their hometown.
Their intentional creation of an alternate reality where WNBA players are highly paid and can be drafted at 18, challenging real-world inequities.
They exclusively focuses on writing Black sapphic and queer romance to address the underrepresentation of these stories.
Their preference for emotionally mature characters who communicate, leading them to avoid the miscommunication and third-act breakup tropes.
How they weaves in diverse character experiences, including pansexual and non-binary characters, and addresses issues like internalized lesbophobia within supportive narratives.

Ready to embrace more diverse love stories? Arii's books are available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, or you can find signed copies on their website.

CONNECT WITH ARII:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Sunflower (Amazon)

Azaleas (Amazon)

Down South Bayou (Amazon)

Deeply Loved Bayou (Amazon)

Always There Bayou (Amazon)

Sweet Like Honey (Amazon)

Amaranthine (Amazon)

Gorgeous Jade Heart (Amazon)