Shit We've Read

We’re closing out Season Five with the gothic sapphic romance HOUSE OF RAYNE by Harley Laroux! Join us as we find out if it’s a worthy After Dark finale, compare it to Laroux’s Her Soul to Take, which we previously read on the show, and watch Jason discover the power of the mute button. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux Savage Blooms by S.T. Gibson Desperate Measures by Katee Robert To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hey, friends! You may have noticed there was no new episode this month. That's because sometimes life gets in the way and, unfortunately, that's exactly what happened this month. As you may have already suspected, we're sorry to announce that we had to cancel February's planned discussion of DEATH OF THE AUTHOR by Nnedi Okorafor. At this time, we're unsure whether we'll reschedule it, but we will be back next month with our planned After Dark episode for the Season 5 finale.Thanks so much for your understanding and we'll see you next month! Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson and Jason Rico, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico.

We’re kicking off 2026 with a tale of "mind games, kink, and ancient enchantment," because we read SAVAGE BLOOMS by S.T. Gibson! Join us as we spiral into yet another Heated Rivalry tangent, compare the novel to one of its inspirations (Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë), and debate whether it lives up to the other Gibson books we’ve covered. Plus, find out which After Dark pick Laura chose that has Emma absolutely hyped. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Long Game by Rachel Reid Naughty or Ice by Sylvia Pierce Pucking Around by Emily Rath Game Misconduct by Ari Baran A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Evocation by S.T. Gibson An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The Cruel Prince by Holly Black A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert House of Rayne by Harley Laroux To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu The Archaeology of Falling Worlds by Megan Chee   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits:Shit We've Read...

It's the final episode of 2025, and we're wrapping things up with our 3rd annual Secret Santa book exchange! Join Bella, Emma, Jason, and Laura for our coziest, messiest holiday tradition as we exchange books, hot takes, and answer the following questions: Did the right books go to the right recipients this year? Which one of us didn’t finish their book, and what went wrong? Which host picked their Secret Santa book during an active criminal investigation? And which current Emma obsession led us on a ten-minute tangent? Thank you so much for listening and supporting us this year. We’re endlessly grateful for you. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2026!   Buy the Books! Jason’s Book: Amazon.com | Libro.fm Laura’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm Bella’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm Emma’s Book: Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other media mentioned in this episode: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Warehouse 13 The SCP Foundation The City We Became by NK Jemisin The Magnus Archives Podcast House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | Website Request transcripts on ou...

In this special author interview, Bella and Jason sit down with the effortlessly charming R.A. Basu to talk about her debut novel, TO BARGAIN WITH MORTALS—“a stunning reflection on politics and purpose, blood and allegiance—and what we do with the histories we inherit.” Join us as R.A. spills the chai on the chaotic journey her book took to publication, including the incredible lengths publisher Emma Skies went to acquire it. She also shares how her original inspiration began with Jimin from the K-pop sensation BTS, and how she drew upon her own South Asian identity to infuse the story with cultural depth. Plus, R.A. shocks with a (in hindsight, fairly obvious) revelation about the TV series House, M.D. You can grab your copy of TO BARGAIN WITH MORTALS now wherever books are sold!   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned R.A. in this episode: Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite Jade City by Fonda Lee   Guest:R. A. Basu is an Indian Canadian author from Ontario who works in digital development by day and binge reads novels by night. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing on the Nintendo Switch, fighting for her life in a Pilates class, or looking for the best matcha in her city. She is represented by Allegra Martschenko at BookEnds Literary Agency. You can find her on Instagram @rabasuwrites   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks

You voted, and we listened! Your choice for our Halloween After Dark pick is SING ME TO SLEEP by R.M. Virtues—a dreamy tale of a sleep demon who falls for the woman he was meant to haunt. ⁣This episode has everything: tipsy hosts, personal encounters with sleep paralysis (we’ll let you guess if any demons were involved), and a passionate discussion about the need for editing in self-publishing. Plus, a moment so tense that Emma and Jason almost come to blows. Remember, listeners, you brought this upon yourselves! Happy Halloween!   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book!Amazon.com (unfortunately, the only place to purchase)   Other books mentioned in this episode: Drag Me Up by R.M. Virtues Desperate Measures by Katee Robert Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson Angels Before Man by Rafael Nicolás Savage Blooms by S.T. Gibson A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Evocation by S.T. Gibson An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and Emma Skies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Halloween Theme 1 by Alexande...

We’re celebrating spooky season with THE LIBRARY AT HELLEBORE by Cassandra Khaw—a fantasy horror about a group of magical students who seek refuge in the school’s library when the faculty go on a ravenous rampage. Listen as Laura and Emma try to keep track of the many characters and their unique abilities, discuss the idea of monstrosity—specifically how women are made monstrous by monstrous men—and… Jason is there, too! Plus, Emma wonders whether this book is truly part of the dark academia genre. Happy Halloween!   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Katabasis by RF Kuang The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw Critical Role: Bells Hells - What Doesn't Break by Cassandra Khaw The Poppy War by RF Kuang A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu Sing Me to Sleep by R.M. Virtues   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch

Spooky season is officially here! In this episode, we’re celebrating both our favorite time of the year and Hispanic Heritage Month with A CRUEL THIRST by Angela Montoya—a YA fantasy full of vampires, forbidden romance, and Mexican folklore. Join us as we explore how the book draws on Latin American culture to make vampires feel fresh, why this tale about bloodsucking monsters gives off cozy vibes, and what we think of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Zorro” comparison. Plus, find out how A Series of Unfortunate Events helped Bella with the Spanish vocabulary in this book!   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Final Six by Alexandra Monir The Life Below by Alexandra Monir Little Thieves by Margaret Owen Holy Terrors by Margaret Owen Blood Moon by Jillian Graves Titan: A Gargoyle Daddy Dom Romance by Jillian Graves A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Moiya McTier To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks...

In this episode of After Dark, Bella is back and bringing the chaos with her pick, BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon. Join us as we explore this steamy romantasy set “in a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, [where] a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner.” Along the way, Bella reveals which co-hosts are the most (and least) fabulous, Jason makes a connection to The Mummy (1999), and Emma explains how the book suffers from what she calls the Fourth Wing Phenomenon.Listen now to discover why this book left the hosts so divided! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon Deep End by Ali Hazelwood Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper Railed by the Krampus by Dalia Davies A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu   Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commiss...

We’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more dragons! In this episode, we discuss BRIGHTER THAN SCALE, SWIFTER THAN FLAME by Neon Yang, a queer, Asian-inspired fantasy novella about a renowned dragon slayer who never takes their armor off in public. Joining us for this discussion of identity, duty, and the power of love is multi-hyphenate guest host Fictional Tiff—musician, queer activist, and leader of the Sacramento Silent Book Club. Listen as we celebrate the queer-normative worldbuilding and how it allows for exploration of personal identity, Laura draws parallels between the book and blind religious devotion, and Tiff shares why sometimes friendship means saying, “I love you, but you suck.” Plus, find out which of us is hoping for a sequel full of dragon smut.   Guest Host:Fictional Tiff is a book blogger turned many things over the years. From heading up the Sacramento Silent Book Club to being a musician, gogo dancer, queer activist, weightlifter, and writer. She keeps her mind busy and shines bright and loud for her community. Reading books is what set Tiff on the course to being passionate about so many things, and she owes them her life. So ask her what she’s currently reading and be prepared for nonstop chatter. You can find her on Instagram @fictionaltiff and listen to her music on Spotify here.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz You Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne Out of the Drowning Deep by A.C. Wise Outdrawn by Deanna Grey We Solve Murders by Richard Osman The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid Death’s Country

It’s Pride Month! And we’re celebrating with OF MONSTERS AND MAINFRAMES by Barbara Truelove, a clever mashup of genres featuring an AI ship, a motley crew of supernatural monsters, and one very vengeful Dracula. Joining us for this discussion of love, found family, and identity is guest host Arden Harris (they/them) of A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove, CA, and host of the Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club. Listen as Arden weighs in on this story’s comparisons to both Murderbot and The Locked Tomb, we celebrate the queer representation (and beyond), and discover why Jason blocked the audiobook experience from his mind. Plus, Jason channels Haddaway to ask the eternal question: “What is love?” 01001000 01100001 01110000 01110000 01111001 00100000 01010000 01110010 01101001 01100100 01100101 00100000 01001101 01101111 01101110 01110100 01101000 00100001   Guest Host:Arden Harris (they/them) is a bookseller, crafter, and aspiring writer. You can often find them haunting the shelves at A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove, CA, or spending time with their wife and four cats. They tend to lurk in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror sections, but can occasionally be found creeping into other genres when the mood strikes. They can be reluctantly perceived on Instagram @bookstore.cryptid   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Notes from a Regicide by Isaac Fellman Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky Volatile Memory by Seth Haddon The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill Dracula by Bram Stoker The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

Sink your fangs into our first After Dark episode of the season with A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole—a steamy paranormal romance where “a fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire become unlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.” Emma kicks off the season with this pick and sparks a conversation about what happens when monster theory meets gender essentialism. Meanwhile, Laura draws some surprising parallels to Star Wars, and we collectively urge parents to warn their children about the dangers of fated mates. Plus: find out why this book forced Jason to add a brand-new category in his After Dark grading system. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Sting of Victory by S.D. Simper Twilight by Stephenie Meyer A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Dracula by Bram Stoker A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Bride by Ali Hazelwood Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune Railed by the Krampus by Dalia Davies Lord of Eternal Night by Ben Alderson Desperate Measures by Katee Robert The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu     Support SWR!PayPal | Venmo | SWR Merch We're also an affiliate on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Order books and ebooks through our link HERE and audiobooks HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord<...

We’re kicking off Season Five with ALL SYSTEMS RED by Martha Wells—and a couple of very special guests! Sir Aaron Carter and Emma Skies join us to talk Murderbot ahead of the AppleTV+ adaptation premiering May 16th. (And yes, they’ll be covering the show in their very own Watch podcast, so stay tuned!) Listen in as we dig into what makes Murderbot such a compelling character, why Emma has read this book four times, and whether Jason—reading it for the first time—thought it lived up to the hype. Plus, Aaron shares what took him so long to read the second Murderbot novella, and why he refuses to read book two of the similarly-themed Monk & Robot series.   Guest Hosts:Aaron Carter is a writer, Twitch streamer, and Dungeon Master. He’s also a seasoned podcaster and co-host of BYLO Watch, a podcast series that looks at the film and television adaptations of novels. Beyond that, you won’t find him on social media. He’ll find you.Emma Skies is a content creator, Twitch streamer, and host of multiple podcasts, including Reader Tangents, BYLO Watch, and our very own Shit We’ve Read After Dark. She’s also the acquiring editor for Skies Press, a publishing imprint under Bindery Books. Skies Press' first acquisition—To Bargain With Mortals by R.A. Basu—releases October 2025. You can find her discussing all the things she loves (and hates) in books and bookish things on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bluesky, and Threads @EmmaSkies, and find her publishing updates on Instagram @SkiesPress.   Buy the Book!Bookshop.org | Libro.fm   Other books mentioned in this episode: Five Survive by Holly Jackson Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes Legendborn series by Tracy Deonn

In this special author interview, Jason and Laura sit down with Olivia Waite to talk about her beautiful new novella, MURDER BY MEMORY—a “sci-fi ode to the cozy mystery, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective.” Listen in as Olivia shares how Star Wars unexpectedly led her to read her first romance novel, and reflects on the ways grief continues to shape her writing. She also opens up about which childhood memory she’d most love to recover, and makes a case for why the novella is the perfect length for impactful storytelling.Oh—and did you know a glass brain was found among the victims of Mount Vesuvius? Olivia did, and that’s just the start of the incredible things she wants to share with you.You can grab your copy of MURDER BY MEMORY now wherever books are sold!   Other books mentioned by Olivia in this episode: All Fired Up by M.K. England Discworld by Terry Pratchett Imperial Radch Trilogy by Ann Leckie Warrior’s Woman by Johanna Lindsey Babel by R.F. Kuang Murderbot by Martha Wells   Guest:Olivia Waite writes queer historical romance, fantasy, science fiction, and essays. She is the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review. When the birds are propitious, she sends out the Oliviary: a newsletter full of news, recommended reads, and intriguing content curated from niche corners of the internet. She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary. You can find her at

Saddle up for one last ride before the season’s over! For our Season Four finale, we’ve headed to the cowboy colony planet for a discussion of MARRIED TO THE ALIEN COWBOY by Ursa Dax — a sci-fi western romance featuring a quiet alien cowboy, a human woman on the run, and one very messy marriage of convenience. Join us as Jason surprises his co-hosts with this pick, we ponder what makes a tentacle a tentacle, and question if Ursa Dax is secretly a pen name for our very own Laura. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Desert West by Dagored | https://freetouse.com/music/dagoredFree To Use | https://freetouse.com/musicMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today!

This month, we’re sinking our teeth into IMMORTAL DARK by Tigest Girma—a dangerously romantic dark academia fantasy where a lost heiress must infiltrate an arcane society and live with the vampire she suspects killed her family. Join us as we celebrate the portrayal of Black characters, break down what makes this vampire story feel fresh, and examine the delicate relationship between humans and dranaics. Plus, get a peek at the types of books Bella keeps on her shelves.   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. The In-Between by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a cozy, high-heat monster romance novella. But there’s one big question: Has Bella finally broken her streak of bad After Dark picks, or is this another miss? There’s only one way to find out! Join us as we discuss MANEATER by Emily Antoinette and examine how the 1980s play into the story’s setting, why Emma and Bella are craving more pathetic men in fiction, and what this book has to say about sex work. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Prod. by Vodovoz | https://danyavodovoz.bandcamp.com/Royalty-Free Music promoted on https://www.youtube.com/@DanyaVodovoz   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!

We’re kicking off 2025 with the divine novella OUT OF THE DROWNING DEEP by A.C. Wise—set in the distant future, when mortals mingle with the gods in deep space, an out-of-date automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel race to solve the Pope’s murder in an abandoned corner of the galaxy. Listen in as we discuss Jason’s Pirate Era, the casting of Ryan Gosling in the upcoming Project Hail Mary film adaptation, and the use of neo-pronouns in this novella—plus what they mean for the future of literature.   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. Space Ambience by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!

It's our final episode of 2024, and we're wrapping up the year with our 2nd annual Secret Santa book exchange! Join us for lighthearted fun as we guess who gifted which books, Emma shares a history lesson on the Luddites, and we learn how the results of the recent election affected the book Jason received. All that, plus the most shocking plot twist in SWR history! Thank you for listening, Happy Holidays, and see you in the new year! A special shoutout to our Christmas elves, Jayson LaFrance and Sander Richardson, for their help with this episode!   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. Christmas Is Coming by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.euCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Space Ambience by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Voice Of An Angel One by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Adventure by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Deck The Halls (Lo-Fi Hip-Ho...

It’s an eggnog-filled edition of SWR After Dark! In this episode, we unwrap the holiday novella RAILED BY THE KRAMPUS by Dalia Davies. When Holly jokingly offers her soul for a lump of coal, she never expects the creature from his winter domain to take her seriously—or demand something infinitely more tempting. Was this book naughty or nice? Join us as we share our thoughts on this paranormal romance, why Bella will never look at eggnog the same way (it’s exactly what you’re thinking), and how this book turned out to be oddly educational. Plus, Laura asks the big question: “Do people in this world not poop?” Happy Holidays! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Nouvelle Noel by Kevin MacLeodMusic promoted by https://uppbeat.io/ Santa Claus Is Not Coming To Town by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE

It’s the thrilling conclusion to our first-ever TTRPG adventure!Join Bellz, Jason, and Laura—guided by Game Master Sir Aaron Carter—as they enter the Blackwood House and confront the mysteries haunting their hometown of Pinewood Falls. Thank you for joining us on this journey! This is Part 2 of our special Welcome to Pinewood Falls series. Missed the first half? Listen to Part 1 here. A special thanks to Jayson LaFrance and Sander Richardson for their invaluable help in setting up this session. This game was played using the Kids on Bikes RPG. Check it out and start your story today!   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. Headless Horseman by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ CURSE by Mehul ShaRma | https://www.instagram.com/mehul_sharmaofficial/Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US OutRun by Aries Beats | https://soundcloud.com/aries4rceCreative Commons / Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-ND 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/ Maleficus by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Escape by Aries Beats | https://soundcloud.com/aries4rceCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US All music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Connect with SWR!

Welcome to our first-ever TTRPG special! It’s the summer of 1987, and nestled among ancient forests and rolling hills lies the quiet town of Pinewood Falls. But this idyllic town is far from peaceful—strange weather and mysterious sightings draw three childhood friends back together to uncover a long-buried mystery. Join Bellz, Jason, and Laura—guided by Game Master Sir Aaron Carter—as the echoes of a childhood discovery make their way back into their lives… A special thanks to Jayson LaFrance and Sander Richardson for their invaluable help in setting up this session. This game was played using the Kids on Bikes RPG. Check it out and start your story today!   Credits:Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. Headless Horseman by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Bræuw Fra Æ Bjæuw (Letters From The Mountains) by So I’m An Islander | https://soimanislander.bandcamp.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US CURSE by Mehul ShaRma | https://www.instagram.com/mehul_sharmaofficial/Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US All music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on...

Trick or treat! It’s a fun size episode of SWR After Dark as we explore MONSTERS’ MANOR by Leigh Miller—a steamy paranormal romance where a reluctant witch finds herself working in a haunted manor brimming with real monsters. Join us as we share whether this tale lived up to our Halloween expectations, Emma talks proper tail hygiene, and we debate whether the vibes lean cozy or fluff. Plus, Laura makes an important plea to the furry community. So, grab a drink with a little extra pumpkin spice and settle in for some Halloween heat. Thanks for listening, and Happy Halloween! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Credits:Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. Horror by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US The Lonely Ghost by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord

Climb aboard as we set sail through the first volume of EARTHDIVERS, Stephen Graham Jones and Davide Gianfelice's time-hopping comic series about far-future Indigenous outcasts on a mission to kill Christopher Columbus. Join us as we share our occasional frustration with ongoing comic series, explore the 'earth-diver' cosmogony among Indigenous peoples of the Americas, and uncover the moral dilemma that caused Bella to lose more brain cells.   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico.   Witch By The Sea by Darren-Curtis | https://soundcloud.com/desperate-measurezMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/lic...

Taking center stage in this After Dark episode is COSMIC KISS by Clio Evans—a steamy alien romance where a rising star finds herself in a tantalizing love triangle with two irresistible aliens. Join us as we break down the balance of smut to plot, revisit our love (or not) for the fated mate trope, and, of course, get insights from our resident tentacle expert, Jason, on the use of tentacles in this book. Plus, the quest to get Barefoot Wine as a sponsor continues! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Support SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico.   Ready by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats | https://open.spotify.com/artist/03JYfsI9Ke7JFuxHD239m2Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Epic Christmas by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Be gay. Solve crimes. Take naps. In this episode, we dive into Courtney Smyth’s “witty and quirky fantasy murder mystery,” THE UNDETECTABLES. Join us as we celebrate the strong friendships between the main characters, explore the disability representation and its impact on the story, and hear Bella share how their expertise in micro-mobility and transportation equity shaped their interpretation. And Jason? He’s embracing his new title as “Thot With the Thoughts” while breaking down how this mystery stacks up against the greats like Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Plus, don’t miss his shoutout to Australian breakdancing sensation Raygun, who made waves at the 2024 Summer Olympics!   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico.   The Long Dark by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by

It’s our most “wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey” episode yet! Guest host Erin Harris returns to join Jason and Laura in discussing Kate Mascarenhas’ debut, THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TIME TRAVEL. Tune in as we explore this ambitious time travel murder mystery, attempt to untangle the complexities of time travel, and debate if we have what it takes to journey through time. Plus, we tackle the intriguing question on every potential time traveler’s mind: “If you could meet yourself from another period in time, would you hook up with yourself?” This episode is a wild ride that left our brains hurting, but we hope you enjoy it!   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico.   Sexy Sax by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https:...

We’re back with a new set of After Dark episodes, and this one is knot to be missed as we are discussing Emma’s pick—DARK CITY OMEGA by Elizabeth Stephens; a “dark fantasy romance full of [...] omegas with magic and monsters who always get the girl.” Listen in as Emma gives us a rundown of the Omegaverse, we hear Jason’s embarrassing attempt at a brogue accent, and we discuss what sets this A/B/O story apart from others. All that plus we continue our quest to get Barefoot Wine to sponsor our podcast and Laura reveals her pick for our next After Dark book! CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Support SWR! Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico.   Gjallar by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommo...

Join us as we sit down with author S.T. Gibson to discuss her enchanting new book, Evocation; "the first book in a spellbinding and vibrant new series filled with fortune telling, tarot cards, intrigue and unexpected romance." Listen to our impromptu therapy session as we all bond over being reformed Catholics, we discuss the importance of bi-visibility, and Jason and Saint gush over their shared love of Leda. Plus, Saint tells us about the time she joined something cult adjacent and so much more. Whether you're a devoted fan or new to Gibson's work, this episode promises to be magical. And if you haven’t already picked up your own copy, Evocation is available now!   Other Books Mentioned by Saint in this episode: The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater Hellblazer by Jamie Delano & John Ridgway Spectred Isle by K.J. Charles Welcome to Bordertown by Holly Black Nightside series by Simon R. Green   Guest: Saint is a literary agent, author, and village wise woman in training. A graduate of the creative writing program at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and the theological studies program at Princeton Seminary, she currently lives in Boston with her partner, spoiled Persian cat, and vintage blazer collection. She is represented by Tara Gilbert of the Jennifer De Chiara literary agency. You can find her on Instagram @stgibsonauthor, the X formerly known as Twitter @s_t_gibson, and by joining her Substack at saint.substack.com   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you

Hello and welcome back to another season of Shit We’ve Read! We’re kicking off Season Four with a discussion of the first volume of the Eisner, Harvey, and Hugo Award-winning comic book series, SAGA! Written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples, this “sexy and subversive adult drama” is the “sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds.” Join us for another episode of “Is this more scifi or fantasy?”, we discuss the book’s theme of outsourcing war, and Jason explains why you shouldn’t buy this book for your grandson. Plus, learn why Bella describes Jason as “That Girl”. ‍♀️   Join our Discord!We love connecting with our listeners and are excited to have another way to connect with you all. ⁣Whether you're into sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or anything in between, there's a spot for you HERE.   Support SWR!Check out our MERCH STORE! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. Plus, keep an eye out for new designs coming soon. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWR!Instagram | TikTok | Discord | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico.   Cosmic Meditation by Arko_S | https://sites.google.com/view/arkosmusic/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

It’s our Season Three finale! We’re returning to the world of Legends & Lattes with a discussion of Travis Baldree’s BOOKSHOPS & BONEDUST; “a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.” Join Jason, Bella, and Laura as we discuss how well this prequel connects to the first book, Jason questions if the genre of cozy fantasy is for Laura, and we share what we would call “smut” in a fantasy setting… Plus, we give our predictions for the type of cozy business a future book in this series might be about. As a reminder, this is our last episode of the season, but we will be back in May for Season Four! Thanks for listening and for all your support this season. To keep up with any updates and announcements we make during our break, be sure to follow us on social media!   New Ways To Support SWR:We're excited to announce our new merch store! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. plus, keep an eye out for new designs over the coming months. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Magic Tavern by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It’s the last After Dark episode of the season and we’re discussing Laura’s pick, GOOD DEEDS by Kathryn Moon; a “whychoose romance novel, starring a feisty heroine and five fritzing hot android heroes.” Listen in as we question why the sex scenes weren’t more imaginative, Emma brings up the unintentional ableism, and Jason explains why this book put the fun back into sex. Plus, Bella learns what “knotting” is! It’s a feisty episode with four fritzing hot co-hosts!   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Apollo 11 by Electronic Senses | https://soundcloud.com/electronicsensesMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)|https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Happy New Year! Joining us for the first episode of 2024 is returning guest host, Sir Aaron Carter, for a discussion of THE ROAD TO ROSWELL—Connie Willis' "novel about alien invasions, conspiracies, and the incredibly silly things people are willing to believe". Listen in as this episode brings us to the brink of a Shit We’ve Read civil war, we question how telepathy works, and decide why Aaron may not want to show his face in author Connie Willis' hometown… Plus, Aaron tells us about what we can expect from Gods Watch—the latest series of BYLO Watch with co-host EmmaSkies.   New Ways To Support SWR:We're excited to announce our new merch store! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. plus, keep an eye out for new designs over the coming months. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Space Ambience by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

It's our holiday episode and joining us is EmmaSkies for a good old-fashioned Secret Santa book exchange! How well do we know each other's reading preferences? Find out as we each try to guess who gifted us our books. Plus, Laura gives us all a mini surprise inspired by Bookstagrammer Jaysen Headley (aka @ezeekat), Bella explains why the book they were gifted is perfect for anybody who’s ever experienced white people, and we reveal which two past guest hosts helped decide some of our book choices. Thanks for listening, Happy Holidays, and we hope you have a Happy New Year!   New Ways To Support SWR:We're excited to announce our new merch store! Get your SWR t-shirts, hoodies, drinkware, and more. plus, keep an eye out for new designs over the coming months. We're also an affiliate on bookshop.org! Order books through our link HERE and a small commission will go towards the podcast. Thank you for your support!   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Christmas Is Coming by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.euMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this After Dark episode, we’re discussing THE STING OF VICTORY, S.D. Simper’s sapphic tale of the toxic love affair between a witch and her vampiric lover. Settle in and join us as Bella describes the anxiety-induced fugue state they were in when choosing this book, we attempt to figure out the actual plot, and Emma shares the many alternative names she has for the book’s main character, Flowridia. Plus, find out Laura’s pick for the last After Dark episode of the season!   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Magic Tavern by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://www.creatorchords.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, the SWR crew delve into the chilling and evocative world of Trang Thang Tran’s debut horror novel, SHE IS A HAUNTING. Join us as we break down this story of “a Vietnamese American girl visiting her estranged father in Vietnam and the house that doesn't want them to leave”, Laura and Bella each share how they related to the novel’s main character via their experiences of being mixed race, and we praise the book’s more nuanced queer representation than in some other recently read books. Plus, Jason gives us a peek into some of the other spooky titles he’s reading this month. Thanks for listening and Happy Halloween! Podcast Partner:Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes. Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Horror by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.euMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this After Dark episode, we’re stepping into the supernatural world of Jillian Graves' titillating monster romance novel, TITAN. Grab a glass of wine, dim the lights, and join us as we discuss such thought-provoking topics as “the world’s worst antibiotic-resistant UTI”, Emma’s aftercare kink, and we finally learn the answer to the question that’s on everybody’s mind: would Jason sleep with a gargoyle?   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

We’re kicking off spooky season with a paranormal tale of “sisterhood and female defiance— inspired by lives of real teenage twin mediums in the 19th century.” And who better to join us on this episode discussing Amanda Glaze’s historical fantasy debut, THE SECOND DEATH OF EDIE AND VIOLET BOND—set in Sacramento, 1885—than new guest host and Sacramento History Museum tour guide and volunteer, Erin Harris! Listen in as we examine the accuracy of Sacramento landmarks and geography as portrayed in the book, Erin reveals why this book made her think of Long Island Medium, and we choose a side in the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ vs. ‘friends-to-lovers’ trope war. Plus, guess which host described themselves as a “book snob” and which as a “book whore”!   Guest Host:Erin Harris’ (she/her) shelves are lined with books written by women for women, murder mysteries, dark academia, and the odd memoir. As a corporate girlie, tour guide and volunteer for the Sacramento History Museum, she’s always busy. Erin’s downtime consists of crocheting and hunting for the perfect spot to hang her hammock. Podcast Partner:The Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast is your home for the best of science fiction and fantasy—with a twist. Whether you prefer your stories with dragons or aliens, your drinks shaken or stirred, Tipsy Nerds Book Club delivers lively and fun nerdy conversation every month with hosts—scifi and fantasy authors (and proud tipsy nerds)—Natalie Wright and Robyn Dabney. For fans of the SFF genre, Tipsy Nerds Book Club is the perfect antidote to the news-cycle blues. Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Celtic Ambiance by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of Shit We've Read, we discuss the novella THE MIMICKING OF KNOWN SUCCESSES by Malka Older—a cozy Holmesian murder mystery and sapphic romance, set on Jupiter. Listen in as we examine the balance of sci-fi, mystery, and romance, Jason reveals our Ken's job, Laura compares the story to Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, and more! Sponsors:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.  Podcast Partner:Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes. Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Discovery by Scott Buckley | https://www.soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When we saw that Emma was reading THE DRAGON’S BRIDE by Katee Robert, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to fit in an impromptu After Dark episode. Join us as we discuss the one glaring omission to the variety of sex scenes featured in this book, Bella explains why they prefer a kraken to a dragon, and Emma reveals the worst book she’s read all year.   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Sponsors:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.    Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this After Dark episode, we discuss Emma’s pick, THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON by Kimberly Lemming; and really, who among us hasn’t found themselves in the same situation? For those keeping score at home, that is now two demon books Emma has chosen. Join us as we reveal if the amount of smut lived up to our expectations, we discuss the author’s interesting use of simile to describe orgasms, and Jason admits to misunderstanding what the main character’s “snack pocket” was. Plus, find out who’s picking our next After Dark pick and what they chose.   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Sponsors:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.    Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Tavern Loop One by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome to a special Pride Month episode where we rocket into the captivating worlds of Everina Maxwell's queer space opera, WINTER’S ORBIT, alongside our guest host, EmmaSkies! Set in a futuristic system on the brink of political turmoil, Winter's Orbit follows the arranged marriage between Prince Kiem and Count Jainan. As they navigate their new relationship, secrets and conspiracies unravel, challenging their notions of duty, loyalty, and personal freedom. It’s a book Emma has read before and already loves, so she comes to this discussion with enthusiasm and opinions aplenty! Join us as we analyze the book's tropes and gender systems, Bella makes the sci-fi more complicated than it is, Jason & Emma explain the story of Bigolas Dickolas, and so much more! It’s an episode filled with love, laughter, and chaotic energy. Happy Pride!   Guest Host:EmmaSkies is a Twitch streamer, cosplayer, co-host of BYLO Watch podcast, and a huge fan of fantasy books. You can follow her on Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @EmmaSkies, and her Bookstagram @BiblioSkies.   Sponsor:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.    Podcast Partner:The Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast is your home for the best of science fiction and fantasy—with a twist. Whether you prefer your stories with dragons or aliens, your drinks shaken or stirred, Tipsy Nerds Book Club delivers lively and fun nerdy conversation every month with hosts—sci-fi and fantasy authors (and proud tipsy nerds)—Natalie Wright and Robyn Dabney. The first season focused on NPR's Top 100 Science Fiction, Fantasy Books, but the Nerds now focus on more recent titles, movies, and streaming shows. The show has also featured guests such as best-selling authors Hugh Howey, J Todd Scott, and Darynda Jones, as well as Shit We’ve Read’s own Jason Rico. For fans of the SFF genre, Tipsy Nerds Book Club is the perfect antidote to the news-cycle blues.   Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website:

Get ready to be transported to a world where Greek mythology, urban fantasy, and romance collide as we chat with author Kika Hatzopoulou about her debut novel, THREADS THAT BIND, described by Hatzopoulou as a “fantasy noir about a descendent of the Greek Fates, using her skills to work as a detective in a half-sunken post-apocalyptic city.” Listen in as we unravel the inspirations behind Hatzopoulou's inventive world-building, celebrate the importance of “casual queerness” in stories, learn how her love of the “fated/soul mates trope” has evolved as an adult, and so much more. It was an absolute joy talking to Kika and this interview is not to be missed. And if you haven’t already picked up your own copy, Threads That Bind is available now!   Other books mentioned by Kika in this episode: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter Bitterthorn by Kay Dunn Lore by Alexandra Bracken Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Fallen by Lauren Kate   Guest:Kika Hatzopoulou writes stories for all ages, filled with lore and whimsy. Her debut YA fantasy novel, Threads That Bind, arrives in May 2023 from Razorbill in the US and Puffin in the UK. She is the author of several short stories, including anthologies such as Game On and Firsts and Lasts. She holds an MFA in writing for children from the New School and works in foreign publishing. She currently splits her time between London and her native Greece, where she enjoys urban quests and gastronomical adventures while narrating entire book and movie plots with her partner. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @kikahatzopoulou and on her website kikahatzopoulou.com.   Connect with SWRI...

It’s our first After Dark episode of the new season and trust us when we say it's going to be a wild ride! This month, we discuss the listener-recommended SOUL EATER by Lily Mayne; a story about monsters and human men falling in love in a post-apocalyptic world. Join us for our most chaotic and explicit episode yet, and listen in as we applaud the chemistry between the two MCs, Laura has some questions about male anatomy, and we ponder if there’s a "help me stepbro, I'm stuck" cinematic universe. Plus, find out who’s choosing the next After Dark book.   CONTENT WARNING: This episode features discussions of an adult-themed book, contains explicit language, and is intended for mature audiences only. Listener discretion is advised.   Sponsors:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.    Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Welcome back to Shit We've Read! In this Season Three premiere episode, we are excited to discuss Travis Baldree's TikTok sensation, LEGENDS & LATTES—”a cozy, heartwarming slice-of-life fantasy about found families and fresh starts.” Listen in as Laura explains why she has a love/hate relationship with this book, we discuss the difference between coffee and espresso within the context of the story, we play a game of “Does This Common Food Exist in This Universe?”, and more! So grab a latte, settle in, and join us for a fun and cozy episode to kick off the new season! Sponsors:Liquid I.V. is the category-winning hydration brand fueling your well-being. Ready to shop better hydration, use our special link https://zen.ai/swrpod to save 20% off anything you order.  Podcast Partner:Our partner for this episode is Are You Afraid of the Dark Universe?, a fun and creative show where horror writer Dalton Deschain and film critic Dylan Roth are tasked with reviving Universal Pictures’ short-lived Dark Universe of horror movies, pitching each other a new installment in a Marvel-style grand opus featuring classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, the Mummy, and more. Perfect for fans of monsters from classic literature, horror movies, and shared universes. Connect with SWRInstagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts. Magic Tavern by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

It’s our last book of Season Two as we read the appropriately titled The Last Adventure of Constance Verity by A. Lee Martinez, a humorous urban fantasy about the world’s greatest adventurer and her quest to become ordinary. Listen in as Jason makes the shocking revelation that he doesn’t like reading, Laura confirms she is an android, and the book’s metaphysics prove too much for Bella’s mind. Thanks for listening and for all your support this season. To keep up with any updates and announcements we make during our break, be sure to follow us @ShitWeveRead on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. See you again with new episodes starting in May!   Connect with SWR: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Alien Forest by FSM TeamMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  

We have another incredible author interview for you! We were fortunate enough to have debut author Jenna Voris join us to chat about her upcoming young adult space opera Made of Stars, described by her as “inspired by the story of Bonnie and Clyde, but set in space.” Listen as Voris tells us about the inspirations for her novel, how her experience getting Made of Stars published has changed her writing process, she reveals some of her favorite book tropes, and shares how she was personally victimized by Taylor Swift’s 2019 album, Lover. Made of Stars is out March 28, 2023! Be sure to check out Jenna's character playlists on Spotify!Ava | Shane | Cyrus | Cornelia   Guest:Jenna Voris writes books about ambitious girls and galaxy-traversing adventures. She was born and raised in Indiana—where she learned to love roundabouts and the art of college basketball—and now calls Washington D.C. home. When she’s not writing, she can be found perfecting her road trip playlists and desperately trying to keep her houseplants alive. Made of Stars is her debut. Follow her online @JennaVoris and at jennamvoris.com. Connect with SWR: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website Request transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit B...

We’re celebrating Black History Month with a discussion of Dawn by Octavia E. Butler, one of the most renowned voices in Black science fiction. “Hopeful and thought-provoking, this post-apocalyptic narrative deftly explores gender and race through the eyes of characters struggling to adapt [...] in a world devastated by nuclear war.” Listen in as Bella explains why they don’t like 80s science fiction, Laura admits she felt weird during the alien sex scenes, and we talk about how this book was both ahead of its time for its concepts of gender yet still problematic for its depiction of dubious consent.   Other books we mention in this episode: Rubicon by J.S Deweshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60784443-rubicon World Running Down by Al Hesshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62900625-world-running-down Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wrighthttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/95586977-season-of-the-dragon   Connect with SWR: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Voice Of An Angel One by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It’s Valentine’s Day—a day for sex, love, and romance—which means it’s the perfect day for another After Dark discussion. In this episode, we chat about Bella’s book choice, Lord of Eternal Night, a paranormal romance by Ben Alderson. Listen in as Bella explains how they had choice paralysis when choosing this book, we question the physical aspects of one of the sex scenes, and Jason stands up for the baker’s son (IYKYK.) Plus, find out what opinion Emma shared that left Bella and Jason absolutely speechless. CONTENT WARNING: This episode features a discussion of an adult-themed book and is intended for mature audiences only.   Connect with SWR: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read After Dark is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Bella Romero, and EmmaSkies, with an introduction by Jessilee Windhaus and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Dark Hollows by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy New Year! It’s the first episode of 2023 and guest co-host Megan Wilson returns to join Jason and Bella for a discussion of The Shadow in the Glass, a “terrifying new spin on Cinderella” by JJA Harwood. Listen in as we debate if it’s accurate to call this story a retelling of Cinderella, Megan shows us where to find hope within this book, and Bella asks a question that makes Jason rethink his entire understanding of this story.   Guest Host:Megan (sher/her) is a vegan foodie, animal welfare non-profit founder (coming soon!), and lover of all things Disney, dinosaurs, and D&D podcasts. Find her cuddled up with her dogs and a glass of wine watching a spooky movie or re-visiting comfort shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gravity Falls.   Connect with SWR: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | WebsiteRequest transcripts on our website: shitweveread.com/contact Shit We've Read is hosted by Laura Benson, Jason Rico, and Bella Romero, with music by Joshua Chilton and editing by Jason Rico. This podcast is part of the BYLO Network. Visit BYLONetwork.com for more great geeky podcasts.   Voice Of An Angel One by Alexander Nakarada | https://www.serpentsoundstudios.comMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/