Shelf Pleasure

Better later than never! Shelf Pleasure is back to talk heavy religious trauma and magical baby making in The Succubus’s Prize by Katee Robert. Because who needs therapy when you can have wild fertility orgies in a sex demon realm instead? 

CW: explicit sex, abuse, religious trauma, cancer

Some might say dirty talk can make or break a spicy scene... so it’s time to see how Shelf Pleasure's latest read fared with this challenge. This month, Krista and Kelsey keep the contemporary romances going with The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. Bonus points if you can guess which classical song gets referenced in this book.

CW: explicit sex, violence, ableism, sexual harassment, sexual assault

Shelf Pleasure is back and this month they're bringing you some college-age romance with Icebreaker by Hannah Grace. Listen in to learn who loved it, who hated it, and who (surprisingly) had enough sport-related knowledge to tell fact from fiction.

CW: explicit sex, violence, alcohol use, gaslighting, slut shaming, disordered eating, death of a parent (historical), assault

In the last episode of 2023, Shelf Pleasure makes the Yuletide gay with Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun. Listen in and decide for yourself: is there enough magic in a snow day to make instalove work??

CW: explicit sex, alcohol and marijuana use, abusive relationship with a parental figure

Shelf Pleasure heads back to Christmas Notch this week to explore A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. Listen in as Krista and Kelsey discuss their mutual distaste for *certain* romance tropes and learn just how little effort is required to Google “how to masturbate with a vagina”.

CW: explicit sex, infidelity, religious and purity culture trauma, complications with pregnancy and discussions of pregnancy loss

This week on Shelf Pleasure, we reach the end of our journey in Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty series with Beauty’s Release. If you thought it couldn’t get wilder than the Bridle Path or the Place of Public Punishments…you thought wrong. 

CW: explicit sex, violence, BDSM, pedophilia, enslavement, human trafficking, torture, female genital mutilation (FGM), rape

This week on Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey dive deeper into the madness with Beauty’s Punishment by Anne Rice. Listen in and learn about creative new things to get stuffed with (just in time for Thanksgiving!)

CW: explicit sex, violence, BDSM, pedophilia, enslavement, human trafficking, torture, rape

This week, Shelf Pleasure is throwing it back to 1983 and diving into The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice. Trust us when we say this is unlike any fairy tale you've heard before.

CW: explicit sex, violence, BDSM, pedophilia, enslavement, human trafficking, torture, rape

Is fucking a ghost the best revenge? Find out when Krista and Kelsey discuss Rough Ghost Lover by Cassie Alexander. As the show’s first official erotica novel, it’s absolutely wild from start to finish. 

CW: explicit sex, infidelity, BDSM, violence, attempted sexual assault, human sacrifice, murder

The Kate Prior series Claws and Cubicles continues this week as Krista and Kelsey review The Orc from the Office. Listen in to learn what orc penises look like and how some light violence can really spice up your meet-cute. 

CW: explicit sex, non-human genitalia, violence, workplace romance 

Is there anything worse than living in a world overtaken by a dark lord and still having to work your 9-5?? Find out in this week's episode where Krista and Kelsey discuss Love, Laugh, Lich by Kate Prior.

CW: explicit sex, non-human/monster sex, violence, employee/employer relationship, apocalypse, attempted murder, murder

This week on Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey test the limits of monster fuckability with Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts. Have they finally found a monster that doesn't do it for them? Listen to find out!

CW: explicit sex, bondage, harassment, violence, PTSD, parental abandonment, death of family members (recounted), sexual assault (recounted), death 

In this week’s episode of Shelf Pleasure, listen as Krista and Kelsey push their knowledge of reality tv to the limit while they discuss D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins. Maybe it’s time for them to watch something other than RPDR??

CW: explicit sex, religious oppression, homophobia, racism and colorism, closeted sexuality/coming out

This week on Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey kick off their sapphic romance celebration with Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner. Listen in as they debate quality over quantity when it comes to spice and ponder if they really were completely unbearable in their college years.

CW: explicit sex, alcohol consumption, infidelity, parental divorce, misogyny

Shelf Pleasure is heading back to Westport, WA to catch up with the Hannah and Fox in Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey. Enjoy as Krista and Kelsey gush about a good slow-burn (and bemoan off-page spanking). Maybe friends-to-lovers is where it's at??

CW: explicit sex, alcohol use, slut shaming, death of a parent (recounted)

This week, Krista and Kelsey discuss It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, (along with Schitt’s Creek and Deadliest Catch, of course). Would they let the crew of the Della Ray give them crabs? Listen to find out. 

CW: explicit sex, violence, discussions of grief and loss, death of a spouse (off page) death of a parent (off page), drowning (off page) 

Come be part of our world as Krista and Kelsey discuss The Merman's Kiss by Tamsin Ley! Nothing says fantasy romance like looting corpses, magic whales, and bland underwater sex.

CW: explicit sex, violence, infidelity, discussions of infertility and infant death, attempted suicide, attempted rape/sexual assault

This week we're circling back to something familiar and bringing you something new! For the first time in the show's history, Krista and Kelsey take opposite positions when discussing Sinner (Priest #2) by Sierra Simone and waste no time arguing their points. Listen in to see who was the lover and who was the hater...All's fair in smut and war, right?

CW: explicit sex, violence, racism, childhood sexual abuse, suicide (off-page), cancer, death of a parent, and discussions of statutory rape

Monarchist or not, you’re not going to want to miss this week’s episode where Krista and Kelsey discuss The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert. Listen as they gush over a stellar cast and unexpected spice level…and feel their confusion when they realize they don’t know what the bases are (when it comes to hookups). Honestly, does everyone just have their own definition? 

CW: explicit sex, violence, racism, child abuse, domestic abuse, forced outing, revenge porn, suicide (off-page), death of parents (off-page)

It’s episode two of Kelsey’s villain era as she and Krista discuss A Ruin of Roses by KF Breene. Listen in as they try to understand the terms of a vague curse, the broody cursed prince, and the heroine who is NOT like other maidens. Could it be another hate read? 

CW: explicit sexual content, violence, kidnapping, confinement, terminal illness, death of a parent (off page), murder 

Shelf Pleasure is back with the third (or maybe fourth?) installation of the Deal with a Demon series by Katee Robert in The Gargoyle's Captive. If you watched Gargoyles as a kid and also fantasized about splooge volume that would rival Nickelodeon, then this is the monster romance for you. Listen in to see what Krista and Kelsey had to say about it.

CW: explicit sex, violence, blood, self-harm ideation, consensual non-consent, abuse, murder, giant spiders

Shelf Pleasure is back, baby! In the Season 2 premiere, Krista and Kelsey really tell on themselves while they discuss Black Sheep by Alexa Harlowe and Brynne Weaver. Listen in to find out who had to read one-handed, who had to stop reading to lay on the floor, and why Tenacious D made an appearance (not irl, just like...as a reference).

CW: graphic sex, violence, addiction, references to eating disorders, child marriage, BDSM, consensual non-consent, cults, serial murder

Shelf Pleasure is back with more Sierra Simone and this time they're journeying to Thornchapel in A Lesson in Thorns. Because who wouldn't want to reconnect with old friends by conducting magical, kinky sex rituals in the woods? As an added bonus, experience Krista and Kelsey being efficient for the first time ever! 

CW: graphic sex, BDSM, blood play, abuse, death of a parent, rape (historical, off-page)

If the phrase “Don’t bully me…I’ll come” appeals to you, then you might want to join Krista and Kelsey as they discuss Hate (Madison Kate #1) by Tate James in this week’s episode. If that phrase doesn't appeal to you, we suggest joining anyway because this series and its respective discussion were unhinged in the best possible way. There are more twists and turns than your grandmother’s favorite soap opera.

CW: graphic sex, sexism, bullying, violence, assault, death of a parent (historical), stalking, drug use, statutory rape, murder

The only thing more exciting than riding a dragon is riding a dragon (if you know what we mean). This week Krista and Kelsey discuss Fire in His Blood by Ruby Dixon and accidentally spoil ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Kelsey also performs an experiment that leaves everyone gagging. Listeners beware!

CW: explicit sex, gaslighting, sexual assault, physical assault, kidnapping, attempted murder, murder, apocalypse

Girls, Gays, and Theys: this one is for you! This week Shelf Pleasure dives into their very first steamy sapphic romance as they discuss Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake. Also featured in this episode is a philosophical debate on the terms sex, fucking, and making love (is make love part of shame culture?!) Press play and find out.

CW: explicit sex, death of a parent (historical), emotional abuse, gaslighting

Shelf Pleasure is back, baby! To kick off 2023, Krista and Kelsey jump into Twisted Love by Ana Huang and debate the qualities of a good morally grey love interest. Light ranting and several references to The Princess Bride and Drag Race are also included.

CW: explicit sex, mild dollification and degradation, kidnapping, death of parent (historical), near drowning, murder

If you’ve ever watched a holiday romance and thought “This is fun, but it needs way more sex” then do we have the book for you! This week Krista and Kelsey visit Christmas Notch, VT to watch washed up boy band members and plus-size porn stars fall in love in A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. Join them and learn what “a kiss made for fucking” really means!

CW: explicit sex, parental death (historical), mentions of fatphobia and sex shaming

Calling all Alphas, Betas, and Omegas! This week Krista and Kelsey pop their Omegaverse cherries with Baby & the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn Moon. More questions were asked than answered. Brian also joins this episode to give his thoughts and tell everyone what he would smell like as an Alpha (Hint: it’s bright and sweet).

CW: explicit sex, drug and alcohol use, abuse, violence, dubious consent/forced orgasm, attempted sexual assault, kidnapping, PTSD, murder

Buckle up babes! We're off to London to infiltrate secret societies and spy on The Elite in Nana Malone's Big Ben. And we know you're all wondering "How big IS Ben?" Don't worry - he'll tell you. 

CW: explicit sex, infidelity, violence, emotional abuse/gaslighting, assault, attempted murder, murder

If you thought we were done with monster romances...you thought very, very wrong. Shelf Pleasure is back with the second installment of Katee Robert's Deal with a Demon series in The Kraken's Sacrifice. So if dragon men weren't your style (and even if they were), dive into the deep end and explore tentacled brat tamers and their bratty human lovers with us! 

CW: explicit sex, size difference, BDSM, abuse (historical), neglect, spousal death (historical), pregnancy termination

Hasn't everyone wished they could curse an ex after a messy breakup? On this week's episode of Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey finds out what happens when you can as they laugh their way through Erin Sterling's paranormal romcom The Ex Hex. Also find out what song they would play during their a sex montages (you know you have one too!)

CW: explicit sex, death (off page) 

If three monster boyfriends left you wanting, we have some exciting news for you! This week the ladies of Shelf Pleasure discuss A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon and its FIVE (yes, FIVE!) monster boyfriends. Also included in this episode: Kelsey has a cold and Krista holds a grudge. Hopefully this leaves you sated. 

CW: explicit sex, consensual non-consent, discussions of sexual assault and rape, blood play, violence, gore, attempted murder

Shelf Pleasure is back with more monster smut, this time with 3x the vampires daddies! This week Krista and Kelsey delve into Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert, discuss teenage vampire obsessions, and debate the existence of magical assholes. We also learn that Gary Oldman can still, in fact, get it. 

CW: dubious consent, explicit sex, graphic violence, blood, gore, blood play, breeding + pregnancy, discussions about abortion, attempted drugging/assault, parental abuse, murder, patricide

In their first read of spooky season, Krista and Kelsey venture into Pestilence by Laura Thalassa and ask the question: how can you fall in love with a being who is meant to end the entire human race? Especially if that being insists on guarding you while you pee and almost unalives you once or twice. Can love really conquer all? If you too need answers, this might be the episode for you!

CW: explicit sex, animal cruelty, graphic violence, torture, attempted/suggested rape, death

The Hate Read continues! Krista and Kelsey finally make it out of Den of Vipers by KA Knight but not without taking their pound of flesh along the way. That's how you have to do it with a mafia romance, right? Fans of the book beware: it's a Hate Read for a reason. 

CW: explicit sex, dubious consent/non-consent, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping, self-harm, violence, torture, murder, gore

It's a two-for-one deal this week as Krista and Kelsey tackle their first Hate Read AND Why Choose Romance with Part I of Den of Vipers by KA Knight. This episode covers chapters 1-33 of the book and Part II will cover chapters 34-Epilogue. Fans of the book beware: this review may be even spicier than the book was. 

CW: explicit sex, dubious consent/non-consent, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping, self-harm, violence, torture, murder, gore

On this episode of Shelf Pleasure, we present to you the chaotic ramblings of Kelsey and Krista as they dive into The Marriage Contract by Katee Robert. As an added bonus, listen in real-time as Krista discovers she has a hand kink and experience Kelsey's shame when she realizes she doesn't know how long she's been engaged to her partner. This is why they are no longer allowed to record on weekends.

CW: explicit sex, abuse, graphic violence, assault, kidnapping, gun violence, murder

How many pairs of panties are necessary for an overnight trip? Do fake condoms make you laugh or cringe? Are revenge schemes better when they include pranks or suffering? If you've asked yourself any of these questions, you'll probably enjoy Krista and Kelsey's discussion on The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa. Also learn which family members are brave enough to listen to this podcast! 

CW: explicit sex, sexism

For additional resources on abortion advocacy, please visit podvoices.help .

In this week’s episode of Shelf Pleasure, Kelsey & Krista get into Hooked by Emily McIntire and discover why going to therapy is sexy. If you enjoy dark romance, lively debates on virginity as a plot device, and brief anecdotes on why you should never follow strange men to their houseboats, then this may be the episode for you. Bonus content: What's the best way to apologize after kidnapping someone? 

CW: explicit sex, assault, murder, torture, kidnapping, drug references, choking/breath play, childhood physical and sexual abuse (historical)

For additional resources on abortion advocacy, please visit podvoices.help .

Join us on this episode of Shelf Pleasure to hear Krista and Kelsey fangirl over Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. For added fun (and possibly a drinking game), count the number of times they use the words "charming" or "cerebral" or "romantic". Bonus content: still wondering what dick spurs are made of? We have your answers!  

CW: explicit sex, forced outing, homophobia, attempted sexual assault (historical), death of a parent (historical), drug abuse (historical) 

For additional resources on abortion advocacy, please visit podvoices.help .

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to take a tumble with a giant blue alien after being abducted by little green men and crash landing onto a planet of perpetual winter, do we have the book for you! Journey to the distant planet Not-Hoth with Krista and Kelsey as they explore Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon in this week's episode. 

CW: explicit sex, interspecies sex, dubious consent, size difference, pregnancy, abduction, human trafficking, forced abortion, rape, imprisonment, violence

Step back in time with Krista and Kelsey as they discuss Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore! If you're a fan of the one horse trope, old-timey slang for fingerbanging, or wondered where you could find some Victorian reverse harems then this is the episode for you. 

CW: explicit sex, assault, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage, imprisonment

In this latest installment of Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey dive into How to Bang a Billionaire by Alexis Hall. Conversation topics include the best way to say thank-you for a bj, why you should never touch someone's nipple rings unless invited, and how many pop culture references are too many (if such limits exist). 

CW: explicit sex, kink, abuse (historical), attempted suicide (historical), drug use, tobacco use, attempted sexual assault

In this episode of Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey review The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood. There may or may not have been conversations about consensual Force choking, secondhand embarrassment strong enough to kill, and discovering that you're a size queen. Bonus content: Is anointing oil water-based? We have your answers!  

CW: explicit sex, workplace sexual harassment, bullying, gaslighting, death of a parent (off-page), power disparity

In this installment of Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey explore the steam and theme of Priest by Sierra Simone. Discussions of sex as religion, The Walking Dead subreddit, and whether or not sacred oils are water-based ensued.  

CW: explicit sex, sacrilege, blasphemy, BDSM, violence, child abuse, sexual assault, suicide, and religious trauma

In the inaugural episode of Shelf Pleasure, Krista and Kelsey recount how they met (once, twice, and thrice) and their first romance novels as readers before diving into The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert. Discussions of scaly lizard men, sexy chase scenes, and Hungry, Hungry Hippos followed. 

CW: violence, abuse, murder, explicit sex, breeding/pregnancy/birth, dubious consent, human/nonhuman sex, size difference

Shelf Pleasure is the podcast for romance readers, by romance readers. Explore everything from sweet and steamy rom-coms to sci-fi and fantasy erotica with your hosts Krista and Kelsey. Chapter 1 coming soon!