Wow! Season Two has been incredible, and we're closing it out with a deep dive into the core question of this podcast: What is smut, exactly? I’m breaking down my personal spice rating scale, defining the difference between romance and erotica (hint: it's all about the plot!).

Plus, I’m looking back at my most memorable 2025 reads, sharing my Top 5 Audiobooks, Spiciest Reads, and Overall Favorites, and revealing my terrifying 2026 reading adjustments—including joining a book club!

Episode Key Takeaways: 

• Smut vs. Erotica Defined
• The We Read Smut Spice Scale
• Top Overall Reads of 2025
• 2026 Reading Adjustments

Top 5 Overall Reads of 2025

• Hear My Heart by Tay Mo'Nae
• Streams and Schemes by Rebecca Kincaid
• A Notorious Vow by Joanna Shupe
• Outdrawn by Deanna Gray
• All Superheroes Need Photo Ops by Elizabeth Stephens

Top 5 Audiobooks of 2025

• They Call Him NAS by KC Mills
• Yours for Now by Leonor Soliz
• Lilith by Alexandria House
• Plus Size Player by Danielle Allen
• The MurderBot Diaries by Martha Wells

Top 5 Spiciest Reads of 2025

• Intrigued by Danger by Endiya Carter
• Don't Run by SHON
• You Hide I'll Seek by ML Bash
• Huntsman by Naima Simone
• Toxic by Kenya Goree-Bell

Other Books Mentioned:

Guava Flavored Lies by J. J. Arias

Mentioned Episodes: 

Tay Mo'Nae  

Naima Simone

Carla is Reading

Alexandria House

Weekend Reader 

Elizabeth Stephens 

Leonor Soliz

Sarah in Wanderland 

Unsuccessful Book Club 

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.

If you've been listening to We Read Smut for any amount of time, you know I love grumpy female main characters! Today, I'm joined by author Jen Trinh to discuss why flawed, nuanced characters make for the most compelling stories, using her popular book Coming Clean as an example.

We dive into the importance of authentic storytelling and why strong Asian American representation is vital in romance. Jen shares her journey from burnout to publishing before turning 30, and why her experience with Hollywood and public personas inspired her to write a delicious secret relationship. No boring characters over here—these characters have depth, nuance, and, quite frankly, some flaws that make them so relatable.

Jen Trinh is an award-winning novelist who writes sexy books for nerds and weirdos. Previously a physicist/tech worker on the West Coast, Jen now lives in a pile of blankets near a pretty nice Wawa, along with her husband, his mini-him, and a medley of very sad plants. 

Key Takeaways

• Flaws Make Better Characters: Jen intentionally writes characters who are not bland ("toast characters"), arguing that flaws, trauma, and rich cultural lives create genuine depth and authenticity that keep readers engaged.
• Writing the Grumpy Heroine Fantasy: Jen reveals that her grumpy female main character in Coming Clean is a fantasy of who she wishes she could be: someone who can set boundaries and say "no" without having to smile or apologize.
• The Hollywood Paradox: We discuss how the setting of Hollywood allowed Jen to explore themes of authenticity versus public persona, drawing parallels to the parasocial relationships authors face online.
• The Author Peer Problem: We tackle the tough bookish hot take on reviewing fellow indie authors, agreeing that maintaining a boundary (like not reviewing/rating every book) is crucial to protect your peers and avoid backlash.

If you're ready for romance with rich cultural representation and grumpy heroines you can root for, start with Jen Trinh's Coming Clean!

CONNECT WITH JEN TRINH:

Website

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

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Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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

Do you love romance but feel intimidated by long fantasy series? Are you looking for diverse queer representation beyond the typical male/male romances? This episode of We Read Smut is your cozy guide! I'm joined by Ally of Ally's Shelf, the creator of the viral "100 Days of Queer Fantasy" series, to discuss how to dive into fantasy without the huge commitment. We cover amazing standalone and interconnected series recommendations, the definition of cozy fantasy, and how Ally uses her reading to track diversity across sapphic, asexual, and achillean representation.

Ally is a queer and disabled bookstagrammer who strives to promote BIPOC, queer, disabled, and indie voices in literature. From adult to YA, series to standalone, cozy to epic, she'll read just about any fantasy book you recommend. Her content consists of book reviews, short form videos, challenges, readathons, and book recommendations, but her favorite part is her yearly "100 Days of Queer Fantasy Series." In addition to her own Instagram she is a writer for Readin' Magazine. When she's not reading, you can find her gaming with her husband, hanging out with her four cats, or making music.

Key Takeaways

• Cozy Fantasy is Your Entry Point: If high stakes and world-saving epics overwhelm you, cozy fantasy is the solution. These books focus on mundane life, like an adventurer opening a coffee shop (like Legends and Lattes), rather than complex world-building.
• Standalones for the Commitment-Phobe: Stop worrying about starting a seven-book saga! Look for fantasy standalones or interconnected series (where books can be read in any order) to ease yourself into the genre.
• The Nuance of Queer Representation: Ally ensures her reading goes beyond surface-level representation by tracking specific identities, including sapphic (femme-presenting love stories), achillean (male-presenting love stories), and the asexual spectrum (ace, aro, demi).
• How to Score ARCs/ALCs: Learn Ally's best strategies for getting advanced reader copies (ARCs) and advanced listener copies (ALCs), including using NetGalley, applying through indie authors' Google Forms, and signing up for author newsletters.

It's time to read for a window and a mirror by exploring diverse identities across all genres! If you're ready to start your queer fantasy journey, check out Ally's series on Instagram or TikTok by searching Ally's Shelf.

CONNECT WITH Ally:

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.

Are you looking for an inspiring midlife romance that celebrates self-discovery and second chances? This episode is for romance readers and birders alike! On We Read Smut, we're talking with author Sarah T. Dubb about her debut, Birding with Benefits, and her upcoming small-town romance, Honey Bee Mine.

We dive deep into the journey of women in their forties finally turning their love and care onto themselves, the power of fierce female friendships, and the unexpected moment Sarah's book was optioned and picked up by Hallmark.

Sarah T Dubb is a writer, librarian, parent and activist living Tucson, Arizona. Her debut romcom, Birding with Benefits, was an NPR pick for 2024 Books We Love and is being adapted into a movie for the Hallmark Channel. Her second book, Honey Bee Mine, will be out in February, 2026.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Power of Midlife Romance: Sarah intentionally wrote her heroine, Celeste, who is in her forties and navigating perimenopause and a divorce, to show that midlife is a "second twenties," a time for new careers, new relationships, and self-discovery.
• Turning Caregiving on Yourself: We discuss how the heroine is challenged to stop being "shitty at doing that for ourselves" and instead turn the fierce care and amazing friendship she gives to others back onto herself.
• Hallmark Movie Instant Gratification: Sarah shares the wild process of her book being optioned before it was even released, and how she learned the rights were purchased just ten days before filming started—making it one of the most instantly gratifying author experiences.
• Writing for Joy: Discover how writing low-stakes, spicy novellas under her pen name, Eliza McClain, helped Sarah reconnect with the joy of writing and escape the pressure of the traditional publishing machine.

If you need a fun, heartwarming romance that encourages you to be curious and discover new interests (like birding!), start with Birding with Benefits! Be sure to look out for Sarah's next small-town romance, Honey Bee Mine, coming in February 2026!

CONNECT WITH SARAH T DUBB:

Website

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.

Are you a fan of Black romance across multiple genres, from cozy contemporary to spicy dark romance? This week on We Read Smut, I'm joined by author Tay Mo'Nae to discuss her unique journey writing across urban romance, dark romance, and contemporary romance. We dive into what gives her books that signature "Tay Mo'Nae feel," why she writes unlikable, hyper-independent female characters, and what makes her book Hear My Heart (featuring a deaf heroine) so special.

Tay Mo’Nae is a 30-year-old urban romance author who loves writing about black love. She fell in love with reading in the fifth grade and grew a love for writing her freshmen year of high school. Since then she’s written a plethora of unpublished short stories, until 2017 when she published her first novel. 

With five years of writing under her belt, Tay Mo’Nae has published over 70 books with more in the chamber. With her books, she wants to create movies in her reader’s minds and gain a new reader with each release. She enjoys writing about complicated characters who grow through the pages to find their HEA. 

When she’s not writing she’s binge-watching anime, baking, reading, & being a dog mom. 

Key Takeaways

• Tay Mo'Nae shares the surprising challenge of switching mindsets between dark romance (binging true crime and thrillers) and lighter contemporary romance, and why she releases them alternatingly to satisfy her core readers.
• Tay Mo'Nae purposefully writes hyper-independent, headstrong, and sometimes "bratty" female main characters who are often unfairly criticized by readers. She sees this as a reflection of real-life women who fight for what they want.
• Learn about the inspiration behind her popular book, Hear My Heart, which features an almost entirely deaf female main character who deserves a hero who is willing to do the work.
• Tay Mo'Nae shares how her personal lack of a close "Sex and the City" style friend group influences her books, ensuring her characters always have a strong, supportive network of found family or close connections.

Ready to experience the signature "Tay Mo'Nae feel" for yourself? Tay Mo'Nae provided a quick start guide for each genre:

• Urban Romance: Start with Tattoo My Name on Your Heart or Drunk in Love.
• Dark Romance: Start with Captured Beauty.
• Contemporary Romance: Start with Hear My Heart or The Sweet Spot.

Go find Tay Mo'Nae on social media at @_authortaymonae and tell her which book you're starting with!

Website

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 a mood reader who feels stressed out by a traditional TBR? Are you ready to ditch the clunky layout of Goodreads for a superior, user-friendly reading tracker? On this solo episode of We Read Smut, I'm going to tell you why I am obsessed with StoryGraph. I'll explain how this app completely changed the way I track my reads, discover new books, and enjoy my hobby—especially as a data and graph lover.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Mood Reader’s Savior: StoryGraph allows you to pause reading a book and easily delete your entire TBR in just a few clicks—essential features for readers who struggle to stick to a reading plan.
• Data & Discovery Power: The app's core features—including mood, pacing, and genre tags—plus its personalized recommendation system help you find your next perfect read based on books you already love.
• Custom Data for Intentional Reading: The pro version allows you to create custom graphs to track things like author ethnicity (BIPOC/White/Unknown), character representation (LGBTQIA+, disability, mental health), and book source, helping you be more intentional about where you spend your money and time.
• Female & BIPOC Founded: StoryGraph is a female and BIPOC founded and run company, offering a great ethical alternative to the Amazon-affiliated Goodreads.

If you're still on that clunky, outdated platform, the question is: When are you leaving Goodreads? Join me over on StoryGraph! You can find the link to friend me in the show notes and the YouTube description.

Also, I'm planning more solo episodes for Season Three of We Read Smut! Send me your topic ideas—whether it's a trope roundup, book reviews, or anything else you're dying to hear!

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 searching for monster romance that features curvy heroines and truly inclusive fantasy worlds? If you love a good Orc romance but are tired of the same old characters, this episode is for you! On We Read Smut, I'm talking with Indie Author Saam King about her wildly fun and diverse Kingverse series. Saam and I discuss why it’s crucial to have diversity in monster romance, how she creates her unique universe, and the sheer joy of reading about big, beautiful Orcs falling hard and fast for women of color.

Saam King is a romance author who writes about sexy, alpha monsters and their sassy, badass mates. She's been a voracious reader and writer of all things romance since she was way too young to be reading it. Saam lives in Ontario, Canada with her supportive and loving family, stressing everyone out with her crazy schedule. She writes happily ever afters with a heaping tablespoon of spice. 

Key Takeaways

• Saam explains that growing up, she never saw herself reflected in monster romance heroines, leading her to create a world where curvy women of color are loved and desired by powerful Orcs.
• In the Kingverse, Orcs are civilized, technologically inclined, and masters of enterprise—challenging the typical "uncivilized" and backward stereotypes often seen in the genre.
• Discover why the found family dynamic is essential in the Kingverse, especially for the male characters who may have lost their blood relations. It emphasizes that the closest people in your life do not have to be blood.
• Saam puts a fun spin on the fated mate trope, ensuring her Orcs fall first, fall harder, and faster every single time, leading to deliciously intense mutual pining.
  
  

If you love monster romance with a lighthearted, fun tone and heroines you can truly see yourself in, you need to check out the Kingverse series! Ready to meet your own big, beautiful Orc? 

CONNECT WITH SAAM KING:

Website

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.

Do you ever feel like you are drowning in your to-do list and then feel really guilty for picking up a book? You are not alone! Today on We Read Smut, I'm joined by my dear friend Lisa Zawrotny to talk all about how we can take a shame-free approach to reading. We discuss why it's important that we spend time enjoying our hobbies, finding micro-moments when life feels really overwhelming, and how reading can actually be beneficial for your productivity and mental health.

Lisa Zawrotny is a compassionate productivity expert and the host of the Positively Living Podcast. She helps creative and multi-passionate people, especially women and caregivers, learn to work and live from a shame-free perspective . Lisa advocates for using energy management over time management and reframing hobbies like reading as a valuable tool for both personal satisfaction and achieving goals.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Reading is Productive: Reading for pleasure is not an unproductive waste of time. It reduces stress more than walks or tea, engages your imagination, and calms your nervous system out of "fight or flight" mode .
• Shift Your Mindset: Stop associating fun and ease with a lack of value. Your goal can be simply to take a break to avoid burnout or to be happy, which makes reading a worthy goal.
• Find Your Minimum Effective Dose: Start small to build your reading habit. Even six minutes of reading a day can provide significant stress reduction and eventually lead to finishing a 300-page book a month .
• Embrace Micro-Moments: Find small pockets of time throughout your day to read. This can include listening to an audiobook while cooking or commuting, or reading a physical book during appointments or lunch breaks .
• Give Yourself Permission: The number one rule is that there are no rules. Be flexible with your reading goals, stop comparing yourself to your past self or other readers, and give yourself permission to DNF (do not finish) a book if it's not working for you.

It's time to banish the shame and give yourself permission to pick up that book! Remember that reading is an act of self-care and a vital part of your overall energy management. Head to the comments and tell us what you're giving yourself permission to read today! 

CONNECT WITH Lisa Zawrotny:

Website

Instagram

Guided Monday Meditation

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 tired of these high stakes dramas and emotional angst in your books? I know I was! Today on We Read Smut, we're getting really cozy with author Leonor Soliz, who is going to be sharing all about her low-angst romances featuring healed heroes and rich found families. As a therapist by day, Leonor integrates well-developed characters into her stories, discussing why consent and setting boundaries is so important, and how creating these beautiful fantasies has made such an impact on her life and the lives of her readers.

Leonor's romance books are cozy and fun: low conflict, slow burn stories that will make you swoon… and will reward you with great spice. With a healthy dose of humor, these stories guarantee a happily ever after to her plus size and multicultural characters.

Leonor lives in Edmonton, Canada, where she works as a therapist during the day. Writing is her passion and self care, and she fits as much of it into her life as she can. She loves to illustrate too, making art for her characters and covers!

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Power of Found Family: Leonor shares how her personal journey with loneliness and moving countries has influenced her writing of deep, supportive found family bonds in her series.
• Healed Heroes & Low Angst: Learn how Leonor uses her background as a therapist to write male main characters who have done the emotional work, creating a low-angst space for readers who are tired of unnecessary drama.
• Billionaires with a Conscience: Discover how Leonor writes "filthy billionaires" who are committed to distributing their wealth fairly, challenging the real-world notion of ethical billionaires.
• Fantasy & Consent: Leonor discusses the complex relationship between fantasy and consent in romance, emphasizing that books provide a safe space for readers to explore boundaries and power dynamics.

If you're looking for low-angst, spicy romances with heart and depth, Leonor Soliz is your new go-to author! Check out her Latina Billionaire series, which is a love letter to her Chilean culture. To get first access to all her spicy art, epilogues, and news, subscribe to her newsletter! You can also connect with her on Instagram.

CONNECT WITH LEONOR SOLIZ:

Website

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 ready to take your monster romance and sci-fi romance reading to another level? This week on We Read Smut, we're joined by Ash Raven to talk about their unique author journey, their books, and why writing an eclectic variety of representation is so important to them. Ash and I dive into our shared hot takes on certain romance tropes and why we need more child-free and diverse characters in the genre.

Ash Raven is an indie author who specialises in spicy monster and alien romances that focus on plus-size and LGBTQ+ leads who get the love of a lifetime. 

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Problem with Second Chance Romance: Ash explains why they can't read this trope, believing that if a couple is meant to be together, they shouldn't break up. They also discuss why groveling needs to be paired with active growth from the main character.
• Why We Need Child-Free Romance: Ash and I discuss the importance of having more child-free characters in romance, particularly in sci-fi and paranormal subgenres, to offer a different kind of fantasy for readers.
• Diverse and Eclectic Representation: Ash shares how their experience living in London pushed them to be more intentional about writing and reading books that feature characters of all sizes, races, and sexualities.

Ash's books are a fantastic escape into worlds that are both wonderfully strange and filled with diverse representation. We loved diving into these conversations about tropes and writing. Be sure to check out Ash's books on Amazon and follow them on social media at @authorashraven!

CONNECT WITH ASH RAVEN:

Website

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Books by Ash Raven (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.