We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

From grumpy sunshine to force proximity, the world of romance is filled with incredible patterns that we can't get enough of. Today, we’re talking about tropes.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Understanding the difference between tropes and micro-tropes and how they work together to create compelling romance stories
• Exploring popular trope categories, including character tropes, relationship tropes, and plot tropes
• My top six favorite tropes, with detailed book recommendations for each

By the end of this episode, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the role of tropes in the romance genre and a list of must-read recommendations to explore these beloved narrative patterns. Dive in and discover your new favorite trope-filled romance!

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

She’s Grumpy Roundup (Instagram)

Been About You by A.C. Taylor (Amazon)

Naked in Your Bed by Tuesday Harper (Amazon)

Just for the Cameras by Viano Oniomoh (Amazon)

Ep 9 with Margherita Scialla  

Make Room for Love by Darcy Liao (Amazon)

Back to Me by Katie Duggan (Amazon)

Chaos by Jack Whitney (Amazon)

Ep 4 with Jack Whitney

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann (Amazon)

Roaming Holiday by Marina Hill (Amazon)

Bossed by the Orc by Saam King (Amazon)

Dark City Omega by Elizabeth Stephens (Amazon)

Ep 8 with Elizabeth Stephens

Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (Amazon)

Sweethand by N.G. Peltier (Amazon)

Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon (Amazon)

Finding My Bodyguard by A. Blossom (Amazon)

Let Me Free You by Alexandria House (Amazon)

Ep 10 with Alexandria House

Butterfly Effect by Ruby Rana (Amazon)

Ep 6 with Ruby Rana

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb (Amazon)

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (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.

As a devoted fan of Alexandria House's work, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with this captivating author and delve into the stories that have captivated readers. Alexandria's ability to weave complex narratives that explore the nuances of human emotion, from the most tender connections to the darkest desires, has made her one of my favorite authors. In this fund conversation, we unpack Alexandria's unexpected journey to literary success, the driving force behind her commitment to diverse representation, and the powerful themes that permeate her expansive catalog.

A true southern girl, 3x Audies finalist Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall Black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real Black love. Her books have been featured on Shondaland, BookRiot, Cosmopolitan, Ebony Mag, Oprah Daily, and many other online platforms.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Alexandria's unexpected path to becoming a successful romance author, coming from an academic family
• The importance of writing exclusively Black romance and reflecting her own upbringing in a predominantly Black community
• The depth and complexity of Alexandria's characters, often dealing with trauma and real-life issues
• Powerful representation of mental health, albinism, and adoption in the "St. Louis Sires" series
• Alexandria's foray into dark romance with the "Three Kings" series and her plans to challenge herself in new genres

Alexandria's stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of representation, reminding us that love, in all its complexities, is a universal language that deserves to be heard.

CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRIA:

Website

Instagram

Amazon

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Love After (Amazon)

Them Boys (Amazon)

McClain Brothers (Amazon)

Romey University (Amazon)

St. Louis Sires (Amazon)

Three Kings (Amazon)

St. Louis Cyclones (Amazon)

The Strickland Sisters (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.

Romance isn't just about happily ever afters - it's about exploring the full spectrum of the human experience, including sexuality and identity. In this episode, Alesia sits down with author Margherita Scialla to dive deep into the nuances of aromanticism, asexuality and how these identities are represented in literature. Through their insightful conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities within the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of diverse representation in romance and beyond.

Margherita is a Gen-Z author born and raised in Italy with a passion for stories of all kinds and a talent in procrastinating. Xe writes under the names Margherita Scialla and Robin Jo Margaret.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Margherita's author journey and the distinction between her Margherita and Robin Joe Margaret pen names
• The importance of including diverse LGBTQIA+ identities in her writing
• Understanding the differences between aromanticism and asexuality and how they are often misunderstood
• Exploring the representation of asexual and allosexual characters in Margherita's books
• The Diverse Baseline Challenge and the importance of reading diversely

We encourage you to assess your reading habits, seek out diverse authors and continue learning about the nuanced experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. Amplifying these voices can create a more inclusive and representative literary landscape.

CONNECT WITH MARGHERITA:

Website

Instagram

Substack

Asexuality and Aromanticism Are Not The Same (Substack Post)

The Diverse Baseline Challenge

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Pillow Forts and Hurricanes (Amazon)

The Romantic Agenda (Amazon)

Role Playing (Amazon)

Books by Margherita (Amazon) | Robin (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.

Prepare to be swept away to magical realms and epic love stories as we dive into the enchanting world of diverse sci-fi and fantasy romance with the incredible author, Elizabeth Stephens. In this fun conversation, Alesia and Elizabeth explore the unique approaches, character dynamics, and powerful representation that make Elizabeth's books stand out in the genre.

Elizabeth Stephens is an author of dark SciFi and fantasy romances, and specializes in sizzling, diverse reads starring characters of color.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Elizabeth's writing journey and the inspirations behind her innovative storytelling
• The nuanced way she handles the concept of fated mates, creating believable and complex relationships
• The fascinating dystopian power hierarchies and diverse characters in her Omega Verse series
• The importance of representation and inclusivity in Elizabeth's worlds, and the challenges and rewards of traditional publishing

Elizabeth Stephens' books are a must-read for anyone seeking immersive, empowering, and genre-bending sci-fi and fantasy romance. Dive into her captivating worlds, where diverse characters navigate intricate relationships and power dynamics, all while showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. Be inspired to explore Elizabeth's expansive bibliography and connect with her online to stay up-to-date on her latest releases.

CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH STEPHENS:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Population Series (Amazon)

Beasts of Gatamora Series (Amazon)

Xiveri Mates Series (Amazon)

His to Claim by Taylor Vaughn (Amazon)

Venomous by P. Fletcher (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.

Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books - they're vibrant community hubs offering a wealth of resources and experiences. In this episode, we're joined by the book-loving duo from the Medium Lady Reads podcast, Jillian and Erin, to uncover the hidden gems and insider tips for maximizing your library experience.

Jillian O'Keefe is an Instagram content strategist who helps authors and the businesses that serve them gain visibility by embracing and showing their unique story to grow their community on Instagram. Jillian is also the cohost of the podcast Medium Lady Reads where she talks about books and reading as self-care.

Erin Vandeven is the creator of the Medium Lady community and host of two podcasts: Medium Lady Talks and Medium Lady Reads. She helps burnt-out mothers and millennials rediscover themselves and empowers them to find their place in the world. Erin is also the Associate Chief of Nursing Practice at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where she creates safe spaces for the nursing workforce. She has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Nursing from the University of Toronto. Erin reads over 100 books a year and is always available for book recommendations!

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Personal journeys into adult reading, including how the pandemic reignited their love for fiction and inspired them to read more diversely.
• Childhood memories of the library, from story hours and talent shows to the unique smells and librarians that left a lasting impression.
• Integrating the library into their children's lives, highlighting the wealth of programs, resources, and digital tools available to foster a love of reading.
• Leveraging digital library resources like Libby and Hoopla, as well as lesser-known offerings such as Chromebook and Wi-Fi hotspot lending, community events, and more.
• Top tips for managing library holds, including the power of the "deep search" feature on Libby and the benefits of requesting books before they're officially cataloged.

Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just rediscovering the joys of reading, your local library holds a world of possibilities. Tune in to this episode to unlock the secrets of your community's literary treasure trove and find inspiration to make the library an integral part of your reading journey.

CONNECT WITH GUESTS:

Jillian Instagram

Erin Instagram

Medium Lady Reads Podcast

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (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.

Do you love the enemies-to-lovers trope as much as I do? Author Ruby Rana joined us to share her unique take on this beloved romance trope, diving into the emotional depth and nuanced character dynamics that make it so captivating.

Ruby Rana is an elder millennial who writes spicy, funny, and heartfelt romance about sassy brown girls. She excels in sending messages where autocorrect has gone terribly wrong. When she's not battling typos, you can find her explaining Midwestern slang to her East Coast-raised husband, being used as a jungle gym by her young children, or experimenting in the kitchen.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• How Ruby Rana's debut novel "Snapshot" expertly blends the enemies-to-lovers trope with a hockey romance backdrop, creating a story of childhood friends turned adversaries.
• The importance of portraying realistic emotional scars and growth, highlighting how past traumas can shape a character's present-day actions and perceptions.
• The value of supportive female friendships in Ruby’s books, providing a safe space for her characters to be their authentic selves.
• Insights on how the enemies-to-lovers trope allows for meaningful character development, as the characters learn to love each other despite their differences.
• The athleticism and camaraderie within the world of professional hockey, which serves as an engaging setting for Rana's stories.

Feeling inspired to dive into Ruby Rana's unique take on the enemies-to-lovers trope? Discover her novels and connect with the author on social media to continue the conversation. Romance readers won't want to miss this insightful discussion!

CONNECT WITH RUBY RANA:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Snap Shot (Amazon)

Butterfly Effect (Amazon)

Played by Naima Simone (Amazon)

Scribbles Book Shop

Steamy Lit

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.

As readers, it's important to diversify our bookshelves and seek out stories that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. In this episode, Alesia sits down with Carla Is Reading to discuss the significance of Latinx representation in romance novels. Carla shares her personal journey of discovering diverse authors and the importance of empathy and authenticity in literature.

Carla is a plus-size Boricua who discovered her love of reading through romance novels and later delved into the world of diverse romance, particularly Latinx and Black Romance. She finds joy in platforming, reviewing, and uplifting marginalized authors and their books. Through this work, she has learned about community and experiences outside of her own.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Carla's evolution from casual reader to active book reviewer.
• The impact of discovering Latinx-centered stories.
• The value of reading across cultures to foster empathy and broaden perspectives.
• Understanding the nuances between Latinx and Hispanic heritage.
• Best practices for addressing stereotypes and misrepresentation in books.
• Carla's recommendations for must-read Latinx romance authors.
• Strategies for intentionally diversifying your reading habits throughout the year.

Diversifying our reading choices is a powerful way to celebrate the richness of Latinx culture and amplify underrepresented voices. By supporting Latinx authors, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and continuously expanding our literary horizons, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic reading community. Remember, there's a world of smutty, heartwarming, and empowering Latinx stories waiting to be discovered.

CONNECT WITH CARLA:

Instagram

TikTok

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Alexis Daria (Amazon)

Adriana Herrera (Amazon)

Ofelia Martinez (Amazon)

Alexandria House (Amazon)

Mia Sosa  (Amazon)

Natalie Caña (Amazon)

Jade Hernández (Amazon)

Aleera Anaya Ceres (Amazon) 

A.H. Cunningham (Amazon)

All podcast books/authors mentioned (Doc)

Diverse Baseline Challenge

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 wondered how romance novels can tackle tough topics like trauma and healing?

Today, we're diving deep into the world of trauma-informed romance with author Jack Whitney. Jack writes romantic suspense with elements of dark romance and paranormal romance, and her books offer a unique perspective on healing and finding love amidst challenging circumstances. We discuss her Rockstar series (Young Decay), where characters navigate past traumas and find solace and strength in each other.

This episode contains the following potential triggers:

• Discussions of parental addiction, emotional neglect, and childhood trauma
• Mentions of suicidal thoughts and struggles with depression
• Brief mentions of stalking and past substance abuse

Jack Whitney is a dark, romantic suspense author from North Carolina, USA. She writes emotionally dark and high-angst stories with a twist. Her books explore themes of trauma, healing, and the power of love.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Trauma-informed romance: How this subgenre allows for exploration of healing and healthy relationships in the context of past trauma.
• Characters who exist outside their romantic relationships: Jack emphasizes the importance of her characters having independent lives and not being solely defined by their romantic partners.
• The power of music: How music can be a source of comfort and connection for those who have experienced trauma.
• Neurodiversity representation: Jack discusses incorporating her own experiences with ADHD into her characters and the importance of authentic representation.
• Addiction and recovery: The Rockstar series touches on addiction and recovery with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the importance of support systems and personal choice.
• Romance as a tool for healing: How romance novels can offer hope and empowerment to readers who have experienced trauma.

Jack Whitney's books offer a powerful and insightful look at how love and healing can intertwine. Be sure to check out her Rockstar series and other works on Amazon, and connect with her on Patreon, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook! Let's continue the conversation about the power of romance to help us heal and grow.

CONNECT WITH JACK WHITNEY:

Website

Instagram

Patreon

Amazon

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Dirty Texas Series by JA Low (Amazon)

Built to Fall by Julia Wolf (Amazon)

Captivated by Danger by Endiya Carter (Amazon)

Haunting Adeline by HD Carlton (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.

Ready to escape the everyday stresses and dive headfirst into a world of literary adventures? This week, we're joined by Lynell, the Weekend Reader, who has mastered the art of turning weekends into rejuvenating bookish retreats. Discover how she creates dedicated time for reading, balances her TBR list, and cultivates a vibrant online community around her love for books.

Weekend Reader reads and reviews contemporary fiction, specifically romance but enjoys reading diversely. Additionally, Weekend Reader is committed to supporting indie authors and authors of color in her recommendations. When the Weekend Reader isn't reading or reviewing she's baking.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Rediscovering the Joy of Reading: Lynell shares her journey back to reading for pleasure and the importance of choosing books that spark joy.
• The Power of Balance: Learn how Lynell balances different genres and reading challenges to keep her reading experience fresh and engaging.
• Creating Intentional Retreats: Discover Lynell's process for planning and executing weekend reading retreats, including setting the ambiance, minimizing distractions, and connecting with fellow readers.
• Prioritizing Self-Care: Explore how dedicated reading time can be a form of self-care and rejuvenation, and how to communicate your needs to loved ones.
• Embracing Your Reading Pace: Let go of pressure and comparison, and embrace your own unique reading rhythm.

Carving out time for intentional reading retreats can be a powerful way to recharge, reconnect with your love of reading, and show up as your best self in all areas of your life. Whether you dedicate a full weekend or just a few hours each week, prioritize creating a space for immersive reading and self-care. Embrace the joy of reading, connect with fellow book lovers, and allow yourself to be transported to new worlds through the power of storytelling.

CONNECT WITH WEEKEND READER:

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.

Ready to turn up the heat on your date nights? In this episode of We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author Anna P. to discuss the art of crafting the perfect date night in romance novels. They explore why dates are crucial for character development and building intimacy, delve into the elements that make a date truly swoon-worthy, and share some hilarious and cringeworthy date-night disaster stories.

Anna studied journalism and has a Masters in Creative Writing, and a love for music and writing got her jobs with Rolling Stone India and Sony Music, and after a couple of years of selling her soul to advertising, she’s finally following her childhood dream of writing books. She’s currently working as a freelance copy consultant and book editor, while sipping on copious amounts of black tea and white wine.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• The Importance of Dates in Romance: Discover why Anna believes dates are essential for creating believable relationships and building tension, especially in strangers-to-lovers stories.
• Elements of a Perfect Date: Learn about the key ingredients that make a date truly special, including understanding your partner's interests, keeping things casual and pressure-free, and incorporating meaningful conversations.
• Date Night Disasters: Alesia and Anna share their own dating horror stories and discuss red flags to watch out for, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and genuine interest.
• A Sneak Peek at Anna's Cricket Romance: Get excited about Anna's upcoming sports romance featuring a cricketer and learn why she chose this unique setting.

Don’t forget to check out Anna’s new novel, Stumped.

CONNECT WITH ANNA P:

Website

Instagram

THINGS MENTIONED:

Love In Wildes Series by Anna P (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.