There is something absolutely delicious about rivals to lovers, and I am not talking about enemies to lovers. While the two often get lumped together, a true rivalry focuses on competition and the drive for success. Whether it is a workplace promotion, a sports tournament, or a professional title, I LOVE IT! Today, I explore why this is my all-time favorite trope and share a curated list of recommendations ranging from office competitions to professional wrestling, including several titles currently on my TBR.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between rivals to lovers and enemies to lovers in romance
• Why I love the one-sided tension that is sometimes created in rivals-to-lovers
• Multiple recommendations for the rivals-to-lovers trope

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Naima Simone (Podcast)

Leigh Carron (Podcast)

Deanna Grey (Podcast)

Scribbles Bookshop

Storygraph Read What You Own Challenge

Storygraph Diverse Trope Challenge

Bookshop.org Rivals to Lovers List

The Huntsman by Naima Simone (Amazon)

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa (Amazon)

The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson (Amazon)

Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (Amazon)

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey (Amazon)

Sweatpants Season by Danielle Allen (Amazon)

Guava Flavored Lies by JJ Arias (Amazon)

My Curvy Rival by Leigh Carron (Amazon)

Offtrack by Esha Patel (Amazon)

From the Top Rope by Tamara Lemus (Amazon)

Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (Amazon)

Public Rivalry by Rebecca Kincaid (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

In this episode, Sabina Nordqvist shares her journey as a disabled author, discussing the importance of authentic disability representation, the impact of internalized ableism, and how to create meaningful characters with lived experiences. We delve into tropes to avoid, the significance of own voices, and practical tips for writers and readers alike.

Key Topics:

• Sabina’s author journey and the decade-long path to publication
• Challenges and stigmas around self-publishing and traditional routes
• The concept of “spoonies” and how chronic illness affects energy and daily life
• The importance of accurate and complex representation of disability in fiction
• Harmful tropes in stories about disabled stories or characters
• Building community and support systems in disabled and chronically ill communities
• Practical tips for authors to handle sensitive representation conscientiously
• Sabina’s upcoming novel, It’s All in Your Head, featuring chronic illness and fake dating tropes
• Recommendations for other authors with authentic disability representation

This episode is a crucial listen for writers aiming to depict disability accurately and for readers seeking stories that mirror real, lived experiences. Let’s continue to elevate authentic voices and foster more inclusive storytelling.

Connect with Sabina:

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

It's All in Your Head

Christine Miserandino (Spoon Theory)

Talia Hibbert

Melissa Whitney

Sonora Reyes

Kennedy Ryan

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Have you ever opened a book only for your tracking app to tell you that you’ve already read it? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia is joined by productivity coach and host of the Positively Living podcast, Lisa Zawrotny, to discuss book amnesia. We dive into the science of why our brains filter out repetitive plot patterns, how to use "active recall" to remember your favorite stories, and why rereading a book is actually a productive form of self-care.

Lisa Zawrotny is the founder of Positively Productive Systems and the host of the Positively Living Podcast. As a productivity coach, she specializes in shame-free systems for multi-passionate creatives, caregivers, and individuals navigating life transitions or ADHD. Lisa believes that doing fun things—like reading romance—is a vital part of a productive, joy-filled life.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Filtering Brain: Why the "Reticular Activating System" helps us avoid sensory overload by filtering out repeat patterns in the tropes we binge-read.
• The 4 D’s of Reading: Lisa’s framework for managing your TBR: Delete what doesn't belong, Delay/Defer (the soft DNF), Delegate (audiobooks), and Do (the actual reading).
• Active Recall Strategies: Tips for remembering standout moments, from specific tagging in Story Graph to picking out "key plot points" that differentiate similar stories.
• The Power of the Reread: Why returning to a "comfort book" provides reassurance and allows distracted readers to catch details they missed the first time.
• Palate Cleansers: How switching sub-genres, spice levels, or formats can break a reading fog and make your next book more memorable.

CONNECT WITH Lisa:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

• Debt by Nina G. Jones (Dark Romance/High Heat)
• All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens | Episode (Superhero/Monster Romance)
• Huntsman by Naima Simone | Episode (Diverse Snow White Retelling)
• Far From Neverland by River Hale (Dark Peter Pan Retelling)
• Sunny Disposition by Deanna Grey | Episode (Amnesia/Hockey Romance)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

What do you do when your corporate job feels like a dead end during a global pandemic? You bet on yourself. This week on We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with Deanna Grey, the author of Outdrawn and the Mendell Hawks series, to discuss her leap from a terrible office job to becoming a successful indie author. We dive into why she focuses on the New Adult genre, her journey from writing MF pairings to Sapphic romance, and how she managed to make Alesia actually enjoy an amnesia trope.

Deanna Grey is a new adult romance author who is a huge fan of yearning, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and finding hiking trails that don't make her feel like she has to watch her back. All her books feature plenty of pining, a bit of spice, and happily-ever-afters. 

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Leap of Faith: Deanna shares how she saved a year’s worth of funds to quit her job and learn the ropes of self-publishing during the pandemic.
• Market Trends vs. Creative Voice: How Deanna started with market-researched small-town novellas before finding her true voice in New Adult and Sapphic romance.
• Flipping the Script on Tropes: A look at Sunny Disposition and how placing the amnesia trope at the beginning of the story created a delicious slow-burn experience.
• New Adult Representation: Why Deanna is dedicated to creating college-age stories for Black girls who are no longer kids but aren't yet fully adults.
• Therapizing Through Writing: How Deanna uses her characters to explore personal experiences, including oldest daughter syndrome and the pressures of being a breadwinner.

CONNECT WITH Deanna Grey:

Signed Copies: Scribbles Book Shop and Daylit Tales

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Outdrawn (Amazon)

Mendell Hawks Hockey Series (Amazon)

They Wouldn’t Dare (Amazon)

The Case of Elmwood Ranch (Amazon)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Are you reading for the heart, the mind, or the coochie? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia is joined by Shelbey Monae, the powerhouse behind Shelbey and the Book Club and co-host of The League of Extraordinary Readers podcast. Shelbey shares her journey from an English major trained to strictly analyze literature to finding the radical joy and healing power of Black indie romance.

Shelbey Monae is a bookish content creator, YouTuber, and community leader dedicated to diversifying reading habits with an emphasis on Black and brown authors. After a transformative health journey involving open-heart surgery, Shelbey has rebuilt her platform as a space for deep critique, laughter, and intentional reading.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Shelbey discusses how stepping outside the mediocre canon of college literature led her to discover the vibrant world of Black indie romance and Kindle Unlimited.
• A hilarious and honest look at why regular Tuesday sex on the page isn't enough, and why exploring sexual fluidity and fantasies in books is a vital safe space for Black and brown women.
• Shelbey explains the importance of moving beyond feelings as facts to understand genre, style, and technique, even when a book scares or triggers you.
• Why creatures and aliens (specifically Venom) are sometimes more attractive than men in the real world dating scene.
• How to navigate the celebrity effect of podcasting by setting conscious boundaries with yourself on what to share—and what to keep just for the cousins.

"Multiple things can be true at once. You can be well-read and read coochie books." This week, we challenge you to pick up a book that challenges your lived experience and find the art in the fun.

CONNECT WITH Shelbey Monae:

YouTube

BookClub

Instagram

Podcast

Books & Authors Mentioned

A Virgin Surrogate & A Underboss (Amazon)

Jesmyn Ward

Natasha Bishop

ML Bash (specifically for poly romance)

KC Mills (The Collective series)

Nikki Payne

Shon (Don't Run)

Jessie Redmon Fauset

Sadeqa Johnson

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Does the book haul culture of social media make you feel like your shelves (or your wallet) aren't enough? While curated, exclusive hardcovers are beautiful, romance is for everyone, regardless of your budget. This week on We Read Smut, Alesia breaks down a complete toolkit for keeping your TBR full and your joy high without breaking the bank. From insider digital strategies to maximizing your library card, learn how to access thousands of stories at little to no cost.

Key Takeaways

• The Digital Goldmine: Your library card is essentially a free subscription to nearly every book ever through the Libby and Hoopla apps. For public domain or historical classics, check out Project Gutenberg and Standard Ebooks.
• Stuff Your Kindle (SYK) 101: Learn how to navigate massive 24-hour events where authors discount books to $0.00. Alesia highlights the best events for 2026, including the Black Readers Appreciation Event (BRAE) and Romance Bookworms.
• Follow the Curators: Save hours of scouring lists by following "bookish besties" like Kayla @BookBabeHub and @BestieAndTheBookish, who curate the best deals so you don’t have to.
• The Reviewer’s Path: Discover how to use NetGalley to access Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) or Advanced Listener Copies (ALCs). Remember: an honest review is the "currency" that pays for these early copies.
• Community Swaps: Use local "Buy Nothing" Facebook groups or find Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood to swap physical books with fellow readers.

The 2026 "Stuff Your Kindle" Roadmap. Mark your calendars for these upcoming free book events:

• Dark Romance Stuff Your Kindle Day - This is specifically around Dark Romance and is hosted from Feb 13-15, 2026. You can find more information on their website.
• Romance Bookworms - This includes about 2000 free books with filters for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors. Hosting on April 28th and July 28th in 2026. You can learn more on their website.
• BRAE - The Black Readers Appreciation Event focuses on Black authors. You will want to check out their website for when the next stuff your kindle day is being hosted.

Your time is the only thing you're paying with, so don't waste it on a story that you are not actually enjoying. If a free book isn't sparking joy, give yourself permission to DNF (Did Not Finish) and move on to the next one in your pile!

I want to hear from you! What is your favorite way to snag a free book? Send me a DM on Instagram @wereadsmut or leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube!

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Episode with Medium Lady Reads

Dark Romance Stuff Your Kindle: Website

Romance Bookworms: Website

BRAE (Black Readers Appreciation Event): Website 

BookBub

Freebooksy

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Why settle for a boring reality when you can have a Space Daddy who is actually obsessed with you? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with MFA poet and speculative fiction author Nikki Clarke to discuss her mission to center Black women in the stars. We dive into why Nikki trades contemporary drama for expansive alien worlds, the anthropological roots of her unique world-building, and why her heroes are unapologetically soft and in love.

Nikki Clarke has always loved a good love story in books and on film. Her favorite on-screen love declarations, in no particular order, are Darius and Nina under the viaduct, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in the field (Knightley and MacFadden version), and Dwayne and Whitley at the wedding. Nikki doesn't mind a little weird (or raunch) mixed in with her romance and hopes to contribute to more Black women love stories. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing.

Key Takeaways

• The Flexibility of Speculative Fiction: Nikki prefers speculative worlds over contemporary ones because reality relies on drama that can feel boring; speculative fiction allows her to focus on culture and linguistics as the primary drivers of the story.
• Grounding in Tropes: Nikki uses fated mates as a grounding concept ,which then gives her the freedom to improvise and explore complex character dynamics.
• Unique World-Building: Nikki’s aliens are anything but stereotypical; they feature unique physical traits like gold wings and long, gray tongues.
• The "Soft" Hero Requirement: Nikki is incapable of writing a hero who doesn't immediately adore and want to care for the female main character, ensuring her books stay cushy and sweet.
• Creative Sovereignty: A proponent of writing the stories she wants to read, Nikki often changes established genre rules—like allowing her vampires to walk in the sun—to better serve her specific romantic plots.

"If aliens come down here and they’re fine, it’s for us. We deserve it." This week, we challenge you to step out of the real world and pick up a speculative romance that centers Black joy and otherworldly love.

Connect with Nikki: 

Website

Instagram

Alien Reading Order

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Is there actually a reading comprehension problem in the bookish community, or is it an expectation problem? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia welcomes back Lynell (aka The Weekend Reader) to dive deep into her viral Substack article on literacy, the evolution of content creation, and why reading diversely is the ultimate tool for expanding your perspective. Whether you're a creator struggling with the algorithm or a reader looking to get more out of your favorite tropes, this conversation is a must-listen.

Weekend Reader is a book blogger and bookstagrammer who enjoys sharing recommendations with busy readers. Weekend Reader reads and reviews contemporary fiction, specifically romance, but enjoys reading widely. Additionally, Weekend Reader is committed to supporting indie authors with an emphasis on authors of color in her recommendations. When the Weekend Reader isn't reading or reviewing, she's baking and snacking. 

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Comprehension vs. Expectation: Lynell argues that while literacy issues exist, the real "crisis" in the book space is the clash between long-form analysis and short-form algorithms that reward shock value over critique.
• The Value of Intentional Reading: Reading isn't just about self-insertion or relating to a character; it's about curiosity and understanding the "what if" behind an author's choices.
• Diversity as a "Window": Following the philosophy of authors like Kennedy Ryan, Alesia and Lynell discuss how diverse books act as windows into adjacent cultures (like Chilean or Mexican traditions) that broaden empathy and reading skills.
• The "Mojo" of Content Creation: Many creators feel burnt out trying to "stay the same." Lynell and Alesia emphasize that it is okay to evolve, change your favorite tropes, or shift toward more analytical content.
• Romance as a Resilience Tool: Romance often pushes back against the idea that certain people aren't capable of being loved, providing a vital counter-narrative to formulaic storytelling.

"Reading diversely can actually improve our reading comprehension, but we can also read for fun—and that’s okay too." This week, we challenge you to find a window book—something outside your lived experience—and see the world through a new lens.

CONNECT WITH Weekend Reader:

Blog Post

Substack

Instagram

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

In a world that often feels bleak, can a romance novel be more than just a fluffy distraction? This week on We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author and sex culture critic Ella Dawson to discuss her podcast, Rebel Ever After, and the vital role of progressive romance in modern society. From debunking consumerism in book collecting to exploring why we need diverse stories now more than ever, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of the genre.

Ella Dawson is an NYC-based sex and culture critic and the author of But How Are You, Really, a romance novel about college reunions and millennial angst. She is also the host of the Rebel Ever After podcast about progressive romance novels. She was once internet famous for having herpes, but that’s a whole other story. Ella is proudly bisexual, anxious, and addicted to Diet Coke. Follow her on social media as @brosandprose.

Key Takeaways:

• The Buying Books Hot Take: Ella and Alesia tackle the idea that overbuying books is evil consumerism. They argue that being intentional with your money—like supporting Black debut authors or indie bookstores—is a net good for the industry.
• The Power of Progressive Romance: Romance isn't just escapism; it is a space to envision a world where everyone gets a happily ever after, regardless of marriage or children.
• Reading as a Window or Mirror: Alesia shares how reading diversely isn't a hardship but a way to learn about adjacent cultures and see oneself reflected in stories, moving away from boring high-level algorithm picks.
• Historical Romance as Political Commentary: Ella highlights how historical settings allow authors to engage with heavy topics like suffrage, classism, and colonialism with a unique sense of freedom.
• A Millennial Cranky Romance: Ella discusses her debut novel, which explores the specific generational experience of coming of age between the Obama and Trump eras while navigating burnout and economic precariousness.

"How you spend your money has a huge impact on what type of authors are given opportunities." This week, we challenge you to skip the major algorithm recommendation and pick up a book by a diverse indie or debut author!

CONNECT WITH Ella Dawson:

Website

But How Are You, Really (Book)

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Are you new to the world of romance and feeling overwhelmed by the endless acronyms and specific spice ratings? Whether you’re trying to figure out if a book is sweet and subtle or scorching, or you simply don't know your HEA from your HFN, this episode of We Read Smut is for you. Host Alesia Galati breaks down the essential romance terms, explains her signature 5-level spice scale, and shares how to find the best diverse recommendations from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the 5 Spice Levels: Alesia categorizes books from Level 1 (Sweet & Subtle/Fade to Black) to Level 5 (Scorching/Heavy Kinks), helping you know exactly what level of graphic content to expect before you open the first page.
• Decoding Romance Acronyms: Master the terms of the bookish world, including character identities (MC, MMC, FMC), reading statuses (TBR, DNF), and genre requirements like HEA (Happily Ever After) and HFN (Happily For Now).
• Navigating Consent Dynamics: Learn the crucial differences between NonCon (non-consent), DubCon (dubious consent), and CNC (consensual non-consent roleplay), terms that are vital for informed and safe spicy reading.
• Archetypes You’ll Love: Discover common character types like the Alpha-hole, the Cinnamon Roll, and the Stern Brunch Daddy (a mix of disciplined, dominant, and doting).
• The 2026 Diverse Trope Challenge: Join Alesia’s annual reading challenge focusing on a different trope each month (like Fake Dating or Secret Identity) written exclusively by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors.

Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy, so don't be afraid to use that DNF button! No matter what kind of reader you are, there is a perfect romance out there waiting for you.

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

And Everything Nice by Ada Maria Soto

You Never Forget Your First by Millie Perez

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson

Roadside Attractions by Mara Quinn 

Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up by Cherish Reid

Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen

Streams and Schemes by Rebecca Kinkade

Sweet Surrender by Viano Oniomoh

Diverse Reading Challenge hosted by bookasaurusbex Storygraph | Instagram Post

Diverse Trope Challenge 2026 Instagram | Storygraph 

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Instagram

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.