Paperback Pleasures

E88 - The Ritual

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

** Please listen to the content warnings at the beginning of this episode before diving in! **---Romy reviews The Ritual by Shantel Tessier. Annabel i...

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

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a turn of events, the girls let themselves be the interview subjects on Booked & Balanced Podcast. This is a self-edited highlight reel of our ...

E86 - From RPGs to Romance with James L. Sutter

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author James L. Sutter joins us to talk music, young love, and queer joy.Order James' books here:DarkheartsGhost of Us---Send your answer to this ...

E85 - The Spell Shop

15 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews The Spell Shop. Romy cries over adorable, fictional animals. It's been a week.---Send your answer to this week's listener ques...

E84 - Summer Romps & Redemption Arcs with KL Parsons

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author KL Parsons joins the girls to talk bodice rippers, redemption, and editing faux pas.Pre-Order Capture My Flag here!---Donate to the Immigrant L...

E83 - A Rivalry of Hearts

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette, our first review from our Minnesota Donation Campaign. Annabel gets an education in Banshees. ---...

E82 - Hauntings & Horny Books with Ben Alderson

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author Ben Alderson joins the girls as we talk haunted furniture and reclaiming queer love in horror.Find Ben's books here!---Donate to the Immi...

E81 - Heated Rivalry & Writing Queer Joy with Chip Pons

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author Chip Pons joins the girls as we revel in the Heated Rivalry craze and ride this wave of queer joy.Find Chip's Books Here:Winging It With Yo...

E80 - Our Infinite Fates

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. Romy lives out her Jurassic Park dreams. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question ...

E79 - Nightmare Before Kissmas

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Holidays! Romy reviews The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch. Annabel has part of her childhood ruined. ---Send your answer to this week&#...

TEASE - Playing With Power: Reflections with SheMagick

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The girls interview lifestyle Domme SheMagick about everything from hosting kink events, romance recommendations, and finding pleasure in a D/s dynami...

E78 - Better Than The Movies

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter. Romy revisits the oblivious cringe of teenage girlhood. Thanks to all our listeners who sent u...

TEASE - Frankenstein: From Script To Screen on Patreon

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel walks us through the wild world of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, from the original manuscript to the latest movie adaptation on Netflix. Ro...

E77 - Romantasy & Retellings with Chelsey Ann Tompkins

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Chelsey Ann Tompkins joins the girls to talk spicy fairytale retellings and not-so-sexy nursery rhymes. Find Chelsey's Books Here:Curse &am...

E76 - House of Salt & Sorrows

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews House of Salt & Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. Annabel swoons. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasu...

E75 - Thérèse & Isabelle

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Thérèse & Isabelle, a critical piece of historical queer literature only recently translated into English and published in the U...

E74 - Desperate Measures

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content Warning: This episode contains in-depth discussions of roles and kinks that fall within BDSM dynamics, including but not limited to Daddy kink...

E73 - The Princess Bride

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The girls are together again! Annabel serenades us with her inconceivable review of The Princess Bride. Romy needs to touch grass. ---Send your answer...

E72 - Morbidly Yours

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're wrapping up spooky season! Romy reviews Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks. Annabel judges Romy's choices. ---Send your answer to this week...

E71 - Cemetery Boys

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spooky season continues as Annabel reviews Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. Romy taps into her vocab vault. ---Send your answer to this week's liste...

E70 - Wuthering Heights (pt. 2)

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've heard the synopsis. It's time to talk romance. Romy finishes up her review of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Annabel (re)introdu...

E69 - Wuthering Heights (pt. 1)

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year again! The girls dive back into the world of classic gothic literature as Romy reviews Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. ...

E68 - From Indie To Trad: Vesselless with Cortney Winn

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Cortney Winn graces Paperback Pleasures with her presence once again to celebrate her second publication date for the same book: Vesselless is ...

E67 - Learning Curves

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We are in the running for Listener's Choice for Best Indie Podcast! VOTE FOR US HERE! Voting is open through October 9.---Annabel rounds out Sapph...

E66 - The Night Circus

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Annabel trusts the powers of a re-read. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to...

E65 - And They Were Roommates

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews And They Were Roommates by Page Powars. Romy gets pastry-splained. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperba...

BONUS EPISODE: Hopeless Bonus Epilogue

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for all five books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs Series: Powerless, Flawless, Heartless, Reckless & ...

E64: Hopeless (Chestnut Springs #5)

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for the entirety of Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series.---Hopeless bids farewell to Chestnut Springs, and...

BONUS EPISODE: Reckless Bonus Scene

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for the first four books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs Series: Powerless, Flawless, Heartless, & Rec...

E63 - Reckless (Chestnut Springs #4)

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Powerless, Heartless, and Flawless, and Reckless the first four books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs ...

BONUS EPISODE: Powerless Bonus Epilogue

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Powerless, Flawless, and Heartless + the bonus epilogue, the first three books in Elsie Silver's Chestn...

E62 - Powerless (Chestnut Springs #3)

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Powerless, Heartless, and Flawless, the first three books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series.---Co...

BONUS EPISODE: Heartless Bonus Epilogue

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Flawless & Heartless + the bonus epilogue, the first two books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs s...

E61 - Heartless (Chestnut Springs #2)

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Heartless & Flawless, the first two books in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series.---The girls revi...

MINISODE: A Year in Review

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The girls reflect on one year in business and on the airwaves. This minisode is part business meeting, part roast, part walk down memory lane, and 100...

BONUS EPISODE: Flawless Bonus Epilogue

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Flawless + the bonus epilogue, the first book in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series. ---The girls swo...

E60 - Flawless (Chestnut Springs #1)

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

ATTN: This episode contains spoilers for Flawless, the first book in Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series.---Join us in our cowboy era - we'...

E59 - The Pairing

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (they/them). Romy nearly throws the book at the wall. ---Send your answer to this week's listener q...

E58 - Romance Behind The Scenes with Megan Carver

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel and Romy talk romance audio, Phantom of the Opera, and intimacy coordination with the incomparable Megan Carver.Interested in learning more ab...

E57 - Curvy Girl Summer

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen. Annabel wins the date game.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPlea...

E56 - The Duke & I (Bridgerton: Book vs Show)

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a book vs show face-off! Annabel reviews The Duke & I by Julia Quinn. Romy compares it to the Netflix show it inspired: Bridgerton. ---Se...

E55 - First-Time Caller

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison. Annabel reveals an early-age emo streak. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to P...

E54: The Nature of Desire - A Romance Author Panel

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy hosts a live panel with romance authors Chelsey Ann Tompkins and K.L. Parsons to unpack "The Nature Of Desire: Passion, Power, and the Art of...

E53 - Behind The Voice: Khaya Fraites talks Violet Sorrengail

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy interviews Khaya Fraites. the voice of Violet Sorrengail in the Empyrean Series Graphic Audio production!** This is a live event recording from t...

E52 - Most Ardently

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa. Annabel arrives in Seattle!---Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasur...

E51 - Pride and Prejudice (Part 2)

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PART TWO!To celebrate 50 episodes, the girls team up to (finally) review Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.---This episode deviates from the usual ...

E50 - Pride and Prejudice (Part 1)

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate 50 episodes, the girls team up to (finally) review Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. ---This episode deviates from the usual format!---...

E49 - Great Big Beautiful Life

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry. Romy gets a surprise.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPle...

E48 - The Davenports

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews The Davenports by Krystal Marquis. Annabel revisits workplace romance.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperba...

E47 - Playing Flirty (Feat. Shameez Patel)

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel talks Playing Flirty with author Shameez Patel.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to [email protected], ...

MINISODE 3 - Our 36 Answers

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time for a Minisode! Annabel & Romy are putting it to the test: will 36 questions lead to love?! Want to take the test yourself? Try it here! Pape...

E46 - The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains themes some may find disturbing - such as sexual assault, medical gore, and systemic abuse. Listener discretion is advised.---An...

E45 - A Far Wilder Magic

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft. Annabel gets a birthday surprise!---Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperbac...

E44 - You Should Be So Lucky

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian. Romy tries to talk sports. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperb...

E43 - Unhinged, an Erotic Door Romance

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

April Fools! Your hosts take on a whole new kind of smut.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to [email protected]...

E42 - Onyx Storm (Empyrean #3)

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST THREE BOOKS IN THE EMPYREAN SERIES BY REBECCA YARROS.---The girls dive in deep to the third book in the E...

E41 - Iron Flame (Empyrean #2)

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOK IN THE EMPYREAN SERIES BY REBECCA YARROS.---Send your own voice memos of your favorite Em...

E40 - Fourth Wing (Remastered & Expanded)

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To kick off our coverage of the first three books in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, we are releasing a re-cut, remastered version of Episode 1...

E39 - Praise

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Praise by Sara Cate. Annabel raises HR concerns.---Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@gmail...

E38 - Bringing Down The Duke

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore. Romy petitions for pining. ---Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperba...

E37 - Lights Out

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Lights Out by Navessa Allen. Annabel humanizes gym bros. ---Find Annabel's Souffle Pancake Recipe here!---Send your answer to this we...

E36 - Electric Idol

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

*Note: This discusses the second book in a series of interconnected standalones. There are references to Neon Gods that may be considered spoilers to ...

E35 - The Flame & The Flower (The Original Bodice Ripper)

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode contains discussion of rape and assault, along with brief mentions of incest and slavery. Listener discretion is advised. --- Romy review...

E34 - Normal People

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Normal People by Sally Rooney. Romy thinks she's funny. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPle...

E33 - Priest

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Priest by Sierra Simone. Annabel works on her poker face. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasure...

E32 - Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. Romy is defying gravity. --- Send your a...

E31 - Ice Planet Barbarians

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon. Annabel questions alien anatomy. --- This episode contains mention of sexual assault, suicide, and ...

E30 - This Time Next Year

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Years Eve! Annabel reviews This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens. Romy makes a New Year prediction. --- Send your answer to this week's...

E29 - Trick Shot

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Merry Christmas Eve! Romy reviews holiday-themed erotica novella Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse. Annabel turns desserts into emotional weapons. --- This e...

E28 - Twisted Love

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Twisted Love by Ana Huang. Romy has a conspiracy theory. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasu...

E27 - The Matzah Ball

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

** We apologize for the audio quality of this episode. There was a technical snafu and one of the hosts' mics didn't work right! ** --- Romy r...

E26 - Most Wonderful (Feat. Georgia Clark)

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The girls interview author Georgia Clark about her queer holiday romcom Most Wonderful. Annabel talks potatoes. Romy swoons over fictional love. Georg...

E25 - Outlander

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Romy swoons over the Scots. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasu...

Down the Rabbit Hole - Dame Barbara Cartland: The Queen of Romance

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Due to serious illness, Episode 25: Outlander has been delayed by a week. Instead, please enjoy this glimpse into a ⁠Patreon-exclusive⁠ series cal...

E24 - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews ⁠The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue⁠ by V.E. Schwab. Annabel gets deep. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to P...

E23 - Butcher & Blackbird

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers topics some may find disturbing - such as body horror and serial killers. Listen at your own discretion. --- Annabel reviews Butch...

E22 - Carmilla

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

HAPPY (almost) HALLOWEEN! Romy honors a classic literary monster in her review of ⁠⁠Carmilla⁠⁠ by Joseph Sheridan le Fanu. Annabel uses her u...

E21 - Match Me If You Can (Feat Swati Hegde)

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Author Swati Hegde joins Annabel and Romy to talk about her debut novel, Match Me If You Can - a desi romcom retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. ---...

E20 - 50 Shades of Grey

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews 50 Shades of Grey. Annabel tries to keep her calm. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to PaperbackPleasuresBooks@g...

E19 - The House In The Cerulean Sea

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Romy has a surprise. --- DONATE OR JOIN: IJA: Indigenous Journalists Association The Si...

E18 - One Dark Window

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig. Annabel gets a lesson in monsters. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperba...

E17 - Bride

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Bride by Ali Hazelwood. Romy dives headfirst into werewolf erotica. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Pape...

E16 - Icebreaker

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Icebreaker by Hannah Grace. Annabel tries to make Shuffleboard a thing. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Pape...

E15 - Heartstopper

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. Romy finds a newfound respect for Darth Maul. --- Music by Eric Matyas, "Sculpture Garden" | www...

E14 - Fourth Wing

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Annabel unleashes her inner dragon. --- Influencers mentioned in this episode: @Ceartguleabhar speaks be...

E13 - The Summer I Turned Pretty

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. Romy relives Middle School. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Pape...

E12 - Twilight

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews ⁠Twilight⁠ by Stephanie Meyer. Annabel finally admits to being Team Jacob. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question ...

E11 - Fingersmith

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. Romy relives Middle School trauma. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperback...

E10 - Viking by Fabio

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 10th episode! To celebrate, Romy reviews Viking by Fabio himself. Yes, apparently he wrote romance novels. And was on the cover, too. And kind o...

E9 - Teleny

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Teleny, accredited to Oscar Wilde. Romy learns about a new greek god. Content Warning: This episode contains themes of suicide and sex...

E8 - Den of Vipers

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight. Annabel gets a lesson in Dark Romance. Both girls get an education in euphemisms. Content Warning: This ep...

E7 - A Fate Inked in Blood

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen. Romy finds redemption in the form of a poorly chopped jalapeño. --- Send your answer to...

E6 - Vesselless (Feat. Cortney Winn)

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Author Cortney Winn joins Romy & Annabel to unpack her debut novel: Vesselless. Follow Cortney on Instagram & TikTok to see the latest update...

E5 - Red, White & Royal Blue

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Red, White & Royal Blue, Romy has an exciting announcement. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperback...

E4 - Divine Rivals

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Divine Rivals, and Annabel takes us on a sexual awakening journey. --- Send your answer to this week's listener question to Paperback...

MINISODE 2 - Why We're Doing This

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

BONUS EPISODE! Want to get to know your hosts a little more? Hop right in for some passionate conversation about romance novels and ethical porn. ---...

E3 - Northanger Abbey

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen and Romy wants to give our FMC a hug. --- NOTE: This episode was recorded during a move, and the qual...

MINISODE 1 - Fun Facts

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

BONUS EPISODE! Want to get to know your hosts a little more? Hop right in for some unhinged rambles about life, love, and embarrassing halloween costu...

E2 - Neon Gods

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Romy reviews Neon Gods by Katee Robert and Annabel reveals her inner Persephone. Content Warning: BDSM, Bondage, Kink, Exhibitionism --- Send your an...

E1 - Done & Dusted

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Annabel reviews ⁠Done & Dusted⁠ by Lyla Sage and Romy finds her new favorite term of endearment. Send your answer to this week's Listener...