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

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:
Storygraph

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)

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:
Storygraph

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

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:
Storygraph

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