Unfortunate Reads on Offbeat Romance, Sentient Objects, and More

Romance reading is evolving, and readers are discovering wild new genres that challenge traditional storytelling. In this podcast episode, Alesia sits down with Cassie from Unfortunate Reads to explore the fascinating world of monster and sentient object romance, breaking down stereotypes and celebrating diverse reading experiences.Cassie is a sex-positive, feminist, LGBTQIA+ ally who enjoys reading every type of smutty book - from slow burn and mafia romances to straight-up gingerbread man erotica — but what I’m known for is reading the extremely weird/off-the-wall ones (think…clippy/door/flamingo shifter/coronavirus/etc.)In this episode, we're discussing:Sentient object romance isn't just about weird sexual encounters; it's a nuanced genre exploring complex themesReading should be about joy, personal growth, and exploration, not just meeting societal expectationsMonster and unconventional romance genres provide safe spaces for readers to explore sexuality and identityIndie authors are creating incredibly diverse and inclusive narratives within these unique romance subgenresContent creators like Cassie are helping readers discover books they might never have found on their ownDon't judge a book by its cover—or its unconventional premise. Expand your reading horizons, challenge your assumptions, and remember that reading is ultimately about connection, understanding, and personal enjoyment.CONNECT WITH UNFORTUNATE READS:WebsiteInstagramBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:Jumping the Shark by Ash Raven (Amazon)Unhinged by Vera Valentine (Amazon)Squeak by Vera Valentine (Amazon)Stuffed by Sylvia Morrow (Amazon)Handle Me by Unfortunate Reads (Amazon)Unfortunate Reads (Amazon)Running list of books mentioned (Doc)Support the showJoin the After Dark Substack CommunityConnect with Alesia:StorygraphInstagramThis podcast was produced by Galati Media.Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.