Alyssa on Stories & Spoilers, Sapphic Romance, and Book Reviews

If you read across genres and love picking apart the deeper mechanics of a story, this conversation is for you. This week, I am sitting down with Alyssa, the brilliant host of the Stories & Spoilers podcast. As a self-proclaimed mood reader who hops from dark romance and monster smut to Indigenous horror and graphic novels, Alyssa brings a beautifully diverse perspective to the reading community. We dive into how our reading tastes evolve as we grow up, the structural importance of thorough book reviews over superficial aesthetics, and how dark romance serves as a safe space to process trauma and communication. Alyssa is the creator and host of Stories & Spoilers, a diverse podcast featuring author interviews, anonymous community confessions, and deep-dive spoiler discussions across multiple genres. She also runs Cozy Soul Reads, a personal blog dedicated to summarized, chaotic book reviews and real life updates. Alyssa uses her platform to heavily champion diverse storytelling, with a dedicated monthly segment spotlighting Black authors and book creators. In this episode, we're discussing:How our real-world perspective shifts our views on classic teenage reads when we revisit them as adults.Why the performative nature of bookish social media has pushed out authentic book reviews in favor of hyper-edited aesthetics and consumerism.When reading diverse representation, specifically Black and queer stories, shifts from a passive hobby to a deeply healing lifestyle change.How the horror and dark romance genres overlap by using extreme situations to explore power dynamics, absolute consent, and female rage.Why we need to support independent, Black-owned brick-and-mortar and online bookstores to keep the romance community genuinely inclusive.CONNECT WITH ALYSSA:Stories & Spoilers PodcastInstagram - Stories & Spoilers | Cozy Soul ReadsYouTubeBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:Check out the Bookshop LinksA Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams (Amazon)One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston (Amazon)Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon)A Pack for Winter by Eliana Lee (Amazon)Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger (Amazon)Lilith & Memphis by Alexandria House (Amazon)Huntsman by Naima Simone (Amazon)Club Petal Series by Eden Emery (Amazon)Spite House by Johnny Compton (Amazon)Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson (Amazon)You Gotta Be You by Brandon Kyle Goodman (Amazon)The Librarian's Gargoyle by Evelyn Sola (Amazon)Never Whistle at Night - Indigenous Horror Anthology (Amazon)Fallen Too Far – Abby Glines (Amazon)The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Amazon)Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Amazon)Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan (Amazon)All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stevens (Amazon)Welcome to the Dark Side by Giana Darling  (Amazon)Down South Bayou by Aricka Alexander (Amazon)Outdrawn by Deanna Gray (Amazon)Thunder Thighs by Evie Mitchell  (Amazon)Kimberly Lemming (Amazon)Hans by S.J. Tilly (Amazon)Jay's House WebsiteSteamy Lit WebsiteSupport the showJoin 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. Connect with Alesia:StorygraphInstagramRunning list of books mentioned (Doc)This podcast was produced by Galati Media.Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.