We Read Smut: Bookish Conversations for Romance Readers

The Ultimate Romance Beginner’s Guide: Spice Levels, Bookish Terms, and 2026 Reading Challenge

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 SotoYou Never Forget Your First by Millie PerezThe Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna RobinsonRoadside Attractions by Mara Quinn Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up by Cherish ReidCurvy Girl Summer by Danielle AllenStreams and Schemes by Rebecca KinkadeSweet Surrender by Viano OniomohDiverse Reading Challenge hosted by bookasaurusbex Storygraph | Instagram PostDiverse Trope Challenge 2026 Instagram | Storygraph Running list of books mentioned (Doc)Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

My Top Reads & Audiobooks of 2025 + What is Smut?

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 DefinedThe We Read Smut Spice ScaleTop Overall Reads of 20252026 Reading AdjustmentsTop 5 Overall Reads of 2025Hear My Heart by Tay Mo'NaeStreams and Schemes by Rebecca KincaidA Notorious Vow by Joanna ShupeOutdrawn by Deanna GrayAll Superheroes Need Photo Ops by Elizabeth StephensTop 5 Audiobooks of 2025They Call Him NAS by KC MillsYours for Now by Leonor SolizLilith by Alexandria HousePlus Size Player by Danielle AllenThe MurderBot Diaries by Martha WellsTop 5 Spiciest Reads of 2025Intrigued by Danger by Endiya CarterDon't Run by SHONYou Hide I'll Seek by ML BashHuntsman by Naima SimoneToxic by Kenya Goree-BellOther Books Mentioned:Guava Flavored Lies by J. J. AriasMentioned Episodes: Tay Mo'Nae  Naima SimoneCarla is ReadingAlexandria HouseWeekend Reader Elizabeth Stephens Leonor SolizSarah in Wanderland Unsuccessful Book Club Thank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Grumpy Heroines, Authentic Storytelling, and Flaws That Make Us Relatable with Jen Trinh

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 TakeawaysFlaws 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:WebsiteInstagramThank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

100 Days of Queer Fantasy + Cozy Recs with Ally's Shelf

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 TakeawaysCozy 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:InstagramThank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.

Midlife Romance and a Hallmark Movie Deal with Sarah T. Dubb

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:WebsiteInstagramThank you for listening to the We Read Smut Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag @WeReadSmut. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast.Connect with Alesia: StorygraphThis podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.