Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and female sexuality.
In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to de-stigmatize one of the most underrated genres in literature. 
Let&#39;s talk romance!
---
This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/22/7/de291798-d815-4ac0-b7f8-4f63572b4c76_side_edit_-_e99_-_wolfsong_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Romy bares her heart and reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781250890337" rel="nofollow">Wolfsong by TJ Klune</a>. Annabel howls her very best howl. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E99 - Wolfsong

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/6/22/99380f37-11f7-4878-af35-c4c2571455ac_edit_-_e98_-_venus_in_furs_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Content warning: Abusive relationship themes, unequal power dynamics, brief mention of a suicide attempt. ---Annabel unpacks 1870&#39;s erotic novella <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781542875752" rel="nofollow">Venus in Furs</a> by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch - the book that inspired psychiatrists to coin the term &#39;masochism.&#39; Romy&#39;s brain hurts. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E98 - Venus in Furs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/25/6/b22f8503-ada2-4930-b26d-25ac59a14a72_e_e97_-_the_wicker_husband_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Romy reviews The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones, the short story that inspired the film seen in the viral <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP0BWBWn14I" rel="nofollow">Wicker</a> trailer. Annabel hops on the Wicker train. ---Support the author by subscribing to her <a href="https://substack.com/@ursulawills" rel="nofollow">Substack</a>!---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E97 - The Wicker Husband

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/11/4/535e3fb4-6d10-4f8e-af70-d6bd9e628d81__e96_-_the_missed_conne..._paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781538770269" rel="nofollow">The Missed Connection</a> by Tia Williams. Romy embraces her inner dad. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E96 - The Missed Connection

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/28/5/82d6b46c-89c4-4d02-90de-4a208ed30c60_new_e95_.mp3

Romy reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781501161933" rel="nofollow">The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo </a>by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Annabel gets a lesson in 2000&#39;s heartthrobs. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E95 - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/14/8/ec4a2a44-d476-4fbc-87a5-13b9d22eac00_iverside_e94_-_amelia_cole_paperback_pleasures.mp3

The girls unpack the <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions" rel="nofollow">Druadan Legacy </a>romantasy series with author Amelia Cole - from genre blending to the why-choose relationship at the center of the books.This book was requested by today&#39;s guest author Amelia Cole who donated to our fundraiser for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Thank you, Amelia!---Follow Amelia <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ameliacoleauthor/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">here</a>!---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E94 - The Art of Why-Choose Romance with Amelia Cole

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/5/20/9b5bb818-a6ce-4448-88c4-b15d13e9d3be_3_nora_goes_off_script_pt1_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9780593420058" rel="nofollow">Nora Goes Off Script </a>by Annabel Monaghan. Romy decides everything is a romance novel.---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E93 - Nora Goes Off Script

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/16/6/69224011-3df4-4e4d-af0c-9f8b5f768959__e92_-_morning_glory_mi..._paperback_pleasures.mp3

Romy reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781736546611" rel="nofollow">Morning Glory Milking Farm</a>. Annabel milks every Minotaur pun she can think of (with both hands).---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E92 - Morning Glory Milking Farm

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/2/6/fc8c6aae-9ec6-48c3-9aef-e1a7161cdb4d_e_e91__just_for_the_summer_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781538704431" rel="nofollow">Just For The Summer </a>by Abby Jimenez. Romy gets R-rated during a sex-ed lesson. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E91 - Just For The Summer

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/19/6/11aa4a03-ca12-4874-8d1e-0b638ffab1ed_e_devil_s_backbone_full_ep_paperback_pleasures.mp3

From first to final draft: Annabel gets to talk to the author and her editor as they unpack <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9798994026304" rel="nofollow">The Devil&#39;s Backbone </a>by Kirsten Bohling. This book was requested by today&#39;s guest host Megan Carver who donated to our fundraiser for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Thank you, Megan!---Follow Kirsten <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kirstenbohlingauthor/" rel="nofollow">here</a>!Follow Megan <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thornsnroses.co/" rel="nofollow">here</a>!---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E90 - Babes & Bounties with Kirsten Bohling & Megan Carver

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/5/5/7ad8b35e-2e28-4c0d-ae0e-f9cfafeadc83_what_we_leave_full_episode_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews What We Leave: A Harlow Monroe Novel by Edwina Phillips. Romy talks Holes. Not that kind. Get your mind out of the gutter. This book was requested by our listener Mike who donated to our fundraiser for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Thank you, Mike!---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E89 - What We Leave: A Harlow Monroe Novel

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/4/21/5/3ee690ab-e17a-4198-9abe-579b1280beaa_88_the_ritual_full_episode_paperback_pleasures.mp3

** Please listen to the content warnings at the beginning of this episode before diving in! **---Romy reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9798218160197" rel="nofollow">The Ritual</a> by Shantel Tessier. Annabel is in Seattle! Squee!This book was requested by our listener Trish who donated to our fundraiser for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Thank you, Trish!---Helpful links referenced in the episode:<ul><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9798217181322" rel="nofollow">A Hymn To Life: Shame Has To Change Sides</a> by Gisèle Pelicot</li><li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2026/03/world/expose-rape-assault-online-vis-intl/index.html" rel="nofollow">CNN Investigates: Exposing A Global &#39;Online Rape Academy&#39;</a></li></ul>---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E88 - The Ritual

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/4/7/6/ba20c3ba-320e-4918-bfd5-a1b241336537_final_bb_ppp_crossover_ep.mp3

In a turn of events, the girls let themselves be the interview subjects on Booked &amp; Balanced Podcast. This is a self-edited highlight reel of our favorite moments during our chat with Chachi back in January. We dove into our decades of friendship, a deeper look inside the world of book podcasting, and reflecting on the violence in Minneapolis as it was happening.Expect chaos, laughter, opinions, and boozy storytelling time. ---Support Chachi, listen to more of Booked &amp; Balanced <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0J0B1ADEsLLRNSauE6ziHP?si=70c058f265094748" rel="nofollow">here</a>.---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E87 - Behind The Mics: A Crossover Episode with Booked & Balanced

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/24/6/183dc9c3-c017-4401-baa1-77b399bede20_james_interview.mp3

Author James L. Sutter joins us to talk music, young love, and queer joy.Order James&#39; books here:<ul><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781250343260" rel="nofollow">Darkhearts</a></li><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781250869760" rel="nofollow">Ghost of Us</a></li></ul>---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E86 - From RPGs to Romance with James L. Sutter

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/3/15/3/f4db1be3-aa7c-4dcc-805c-360aecf4c8be_erside_e85_-_the_spellshop_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781250324603" rel="nofollow">The Spell Shop</a>. Romy cries over adorable, fictional animals. It&#39;s been a week.---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E85 - The Spell Shop

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/24/7/fa7af6ce-d5ff-4686-ac98-7400454e3ecb_parsons___feb_23__2026_001_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Author KL Parsons joins the girls to talk bodice rippers, redemption, and editing faux pas.Pre-Order Capture My Flag <a href="https://www.klparsonsbooks.com/product-page/capture-my-flag-paperback" rel="nofollow">here</a>!---Donate to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota <a href="https://www.ilcm.org/donate/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<ul><li>$20 = You pick a book for us to review</li><li>$10 = You get a shout-out in an upcoming episode</li><li>$5 = You get a personalized book recommendation from us</li></ul>---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E84 - Summer Romps & Redemption Arcs with KL Parsons

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/2/10/6/dce9336c-84b5-48ca-94eb-466f2b5d5254__hearts___feb_07__2026_001_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Romy reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781955960274" rel="nofollow">A Rivalry of Hearts</a> by Tessonja Odette, our first review from our Minnesota Donation Campaign. Annabel gets an education in Banshees. ---Donate to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota <a href="https://www.ilcm.org/donate/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<ul><li>$20 = You pick a book for us to review</li><li>$10 = You get a shout-out in an upcoming episode</li><li>$5 = You get a personalized book recommendation from us</li></ul>---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E83 - A Rivalry of Hearts

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/27/8/27d2f9e4-3f19-4cc5-9869-5519cd02d45c__int...___jan_19__2026_001_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Author Ben Alderson joins the girls as we talk haunted furniture and reclaiming queer love in horror.Find Ben&#39;s books <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/ben-alderson-collection" rel="nofollow">here</a>!---Donate to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota <a href="https://www.ilcm.org/donate/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. <ul><li>$20 = You pick a book for us to review</li><li>$10 = You get a shout-out in an upcoming episode</li><li>$5 = You get a personalized book recommendation from us</li></ul>---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E82 - Hauntings & Horny Books with Ben Alderson

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/13/7/9be860f6-2c98-4843-bd35-02f5c6705d4d_writing_queer_joy_w_chip_p_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Author <a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksovrbros?igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D&utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet" rel="nofollow">Chip Pons</a> joins the girls as we revel in the Heated Rivalry craze and ride this wave of queer joy.Find Chip&#39;s Books Here:<ul><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9780593853504" rel="nofollow">Winging It With You</a></li><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9798217179558" rel="nofollow">Dearly Departed</a> (preorder) <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-NKTsWzlCebHzkuO2N84aQprSRY9XoVJmemPEEyGN9pUN7A/viewform" rel="nofollow">ARC Sign Up Form</a></li><li><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-i-rewritten-chip-pons/1141989851" rel="nofollow">You &amp; I Rewritten</a></li></ul> Find the complete Game Changers series by Rachel Reid <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/game-changers-series" rel="nofollow">here</a>.---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E81 - Heated Rivalry & Writing Queer Joy with Chip Pons

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/12/29/23/dce7604e-9c73-453a-ae78-83fce939cb13_e_e80_-_our_infinite_fates_paperback_pleasures.mp3

Annabel reviews <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/102393/9781250333889" rel="nofollow">Our Infinite Fates</a> by Laura Steven. Romy lives out her Jurassic Park dreams. ---Send your answer to this week&#39;s listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail.com, or find our weekly prompts on our social media and/or discord channel!Join our discord <a href="https://discord.gg/ghgtqSU8p5" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠here⁠⁠</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@paperbackpleasuresbooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/paperback_pleasures_books" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Join us on <a href="http://patreon.com/PaperbackPleasures" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠</a> for exclusive bonus content, including more answers to the listener question and blooper reels!Find all books mentioned in this podcast <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/paperback-pleasures-podcast-mentions?" rel="nofollow">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.Find all promotion links <a href="https://linktr.ee/PaperbackPleasuresBooks" rel="nofollow">here</a>.---Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and sexuality of all kinds. In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We&#39;re here to celebrate one of the most underrated genres in literature. Let&#39;s talk romance!---This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.

E80 - Our Infinite Fates

Paperback Pleasures is a podcast dedicated to de-stigmatizing romance literature and female sexuality.
In each episode, lifelong best friends Romy and Annabel take turns highlighting romance novels, unpacking a genre historically underestimated due mainly to its link with female pleasure. We're here to de-stigmatize one of the most underrated genres in literature. 
Let's talk romance!
---
This podcast discusses themes of adult romantic relationships and sex. Listener discretion is advised.