Babe in Library on Second Chance Recs You’ll Actually Love 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.

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.

All Episodes

We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

Babe in Library on Second Chance Recs You’ll Actually Love

April 17, 2026 • We Read Smut • Season 3 • Episode 15

0:00 | 53:16

Second Chance Romance usually gets a meh from me. I am a fool me once, shame on you type of reader, so reruns in romance rarely make my list. But today, Lisa from Babe in Library joins the podcast to flip the script on its head. She shares why this trope sits at the top of her favorites and how it offers a unique sense of safety. We also announce a big project coming this September for the We Read Smut community.

Lisa, better known as Babe in Library on Instagram and YouTube, is an avid reader and content creator. She builds deep, meaningful conversations around diverse romance and prioritizes intentional reading. Lisa fosters a community that celebrates authentic representation and provides nuanced reviews that help readers find their next favorite story.

Key Takeaways

The YouTube Advantage: Why long-form video beats short-form clips for nuanced book discussions.
The WRS Virtual Event: Details on the first We Read Smut virtual event scheduled for the weekend of September 5.
The Frontal Lobe Theory: How maturity and growth make a second chance work when the first attempt failed.
Safety and Comfort: Why returning to a familiar love feels like finding a safe corner in a chaotic world.
WRS Approved Recommendations: A massive list of diverse titles ranging from hockey players to dark romance.

CONNECT WITH Lisa @ BabeInLibrary:

YouTube

Instagram

Books Mentioned

Rudy Jones’s New Year’s Novella by Aria Days (Amazon)

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan (Amazon)

St. Louis Series by Alexandria House (Amazon)

Winter’s Eve, Then Now Always by AE Valdez (Amazon)

Reclaim Me by JL Seegers (Amazon)

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (Amazon)

Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola (Amazon)

August Lane by Regina Black (Amazon)