The Smut Report

The Smut Report

@smutreport.com

We are three crones who have been swapping smut since we were maidens and therefore spend a lot of time yelling about romance books. Primarily managed by Holly. Blog at smutreport.com

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The Smut Report
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We're a day late on the Smut Report podcast, but we still got it out! This month we buddy read Manners and Monster by Tilly Wallace and…it was not a hit.

smutreport.comTSR Book Club: Manners and Monsters by Tilly WallaceThis month was Erin's pick, and she went for something that seemed Halloween appropriate. Unfortunately, this book was a bit of a dud. Heat Factor: This book turns the heat off Character Chemistry: Indifferent to…still indifferent Plot: Hannah and Viscount Wycliffe are forced to team up to solve the mystery of what zombie is eating the servants Overall: A swing and a miss Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
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Series Review: Curse of the Cyren Queen by Helen Scheuerer Ingrid really enjoyed this series—especially the way it didn't fall into common romantasy traps that she doesn't love

smutreport.comSeries Review: Curse of the Cyren Queen by Helen Scheuerer (2021–2022)Heat Factor: Really just one scene at the very end—a slow burn and not super heated. Character Chemistry: Roh and Finn are definitely enemies to lovers…(he’s got a brand on his arm that commits him to murdering Roh and her mother because his family says so) Plot: Rohesia is a bone carver, born to the most notorious mass murderer in her kingdom’s history…and she’s chosen to compete for the crown of the Cyrens in a competition that begins to completely unravel everything she knows about herself and the world she lives in.
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It's TBR Challenge day! October's theme was "The Hunt." Here's what the Smut Report team read:

smutreport.comTBR Challenge: The HuntOctober’s theme prompt for Super Wendy’s #TBRChallenge 2026 was “The Hunt.” Here are the books we chose to tackle our TBRs this month. Holly Read: Wed by Proxy by Alice Coldbreath Brides of Karadok, Book #1 Why was this book on your TBR? I really enjoyed Coldbreath’s Victorian Prizefighters trilogy, so I figured I’d try some other books in her backlist. Why did you choose this book for this month’s challenge? The heroine is hunting down her wayward husband? They spend some quality time in a hunting lodge? I don’t know if it actually fits, but it’s ok to not follow the rules all the time.
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Halloween is really creeping up on me this year (my lawn spiders are still in my closet, let's not talk about costumes) but luckily I do have the archives to help me out, so here's a list of lists of spooky-season romances smutreport.com/2025/10/25/s...

smutreport.comSaturday Smutty Six: Halloween ListiclesIt’s spooky season, so it’s definitely that time for seasonal lists. Like many readers, we sometimes love a little halloween holiday special, and those have inspired our own listicles over time. We…
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We're talking the childhood crush trope on the blog today, which turned out to be much more contentious than we expected!

smutreport.comLet’s Talk Tropes: Childhood CrushBottom line: Do you like the Childhood Crush trope? Erin: It walks something of a fine line so it doesn’t get totally squicky, so I guess it’s not something I look for intentionally, but I have certainly enjoyed it before. Holly: I was going to say no until I looked through the books I’ve read and was like, “Oh yeah, I liked that one! Oh yeah, that one too!” So I guess I do like it, which is funny considering that I hate best friend’s sibling. Ingrid: I’m a little bit obsessed with this one.
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Review: Falling for a Villainous Vampire by Charlotte Stein This book was so earnest which was frankly pretty charming.

smutreport.comReview: Falling for a Villainous Vampire by Charlotte Stein (2026)Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures, Book #3 Heat Factor: His fangs are an aphrodisiac Character Chemistry: “I have loved you for a thousand years and I’ll love you for a thousand more.” “Are you seriously quoting that Twilight song right now?” Plot: Marley gives her enemy amnesia and now he’s in love with her Overall: How do you feel about being earnest?
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I would like to state, for the record, that this is not the meanest review we've ever published. I, for one, am still pretty proud of what I wrote about The Discovery of Witches, because it's been years and I'm still annoyed about that book.

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Series Review: No Other Gods by Piper CJ This might be the meanest review Ingrid has ever written (the other Smut Reporters are so proud of her)

smutreport.comSeries Review: No Other Gods by Piper CJ (2024–2027)Review of Book 1 Heat Factor: All the heat. Lots of hanky panky. Very few boundaries. Character Chemistry: The main character really only has chemistry with herself, and she has a very high opinion of herself. Plot: Marlow discovers the world is actually filled with real-but-hidden mythological people and realms and that she’s basically going to be the cause of the end of the world which is good because she’s had so much practice being destructive in her everyday life. Overall: Respectfully, I do not like this series and I especially do not like the main character.
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Series Review: No Other Gods by Piper CJ This might be the meanest review Ingrid has ever written (the other Smut Reporters are so proud of her)

smutreport.comSeries Review: No Other Gods by Piper CJ (2024–2027)Review of Book 1 Heat Factor: All the heat. Lots of hanky panky. Very few boundaries. Character Chemistry: The main character really only has chemistry with herself, and she has a very high opinion of herself. Plot: Marlow discovers the world is actually filled with real-but-hidden mythological people and realms and that she’s basically going to be the cause of the end of the world which is good because she’s had so much practice being destructive in her everyday life. Overall: Respectfully, I do not like this series and I especially do not like the main character.
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ICYMI, yesterday's review, for anyone who would like a book rant to go with their mid-morning coffee break

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Review: A Good Puck by Rochelle Wolf Erin would probably have DNFed this one if it weren't so short, and she wrote a long ass review telling you exactly why.

smutreport.comReview: A Good Puck by Rochelle Wolf (2026)Heat Factor: Horny on main with some light D/s energy Character Chemistry: “I really want you because the sex is ah-maze-ing, and you’re so fun! But also I am damaged and feel compelled to shy away from relationships for my own self-protection! But also I am not going to actually stay away from you!” Plot: Vacation romance in Italy, and they just *can’t* be together back in Toronto! Overall: Uff da, this book had a massive identity crisis
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If you dig cozy, kind, low-conflict slice-of-life romances (with bonus paranormals), this one is very sweet, but not, like, in that way where sweet means no sex.

Jessica BOOOOlin: Preorder Getting Hairy, out October 31!@olinj.bsky.social

Getting My Goat, my story about how a middle aged software engineer finds out her landlord/neighbor is an ancient satyr. In response she starts sleeping with him, turns him into her submissive, and then falls in love with him (in that order). Pay what you want on Itch to celebrate! #FreeBooks

jessicaolin.itch.ioGetting My Goat: Monstrous Rochester Book 1 by Jessica Olin
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Review: A Good Puck by Rochelle Wolf Erin would probably have DNFed this one if it weren't so short, and she wrote a long ass review telling you exactly why.

smutreport.comReview: A Good Puck by Rochelle Wolf (2026)Heat Factor: Horny on main with some light D/s energy Character Chemistry: “I really want you because the sex is ah-maze-ing, and you’re so fun! But also I am damaged and feel compelled to shy away from relationships for my own self-protection! But also I am not going to actually stay away from you!” Plot: Vacation romance in Italy, and they just *can’t* be together back in Toronto! Overall: Uff da, this book had a massive identity crisis
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Review: Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford and Alex Rivers This book is what you get when you cross King Arthur with James Bond and also add fairies and magic school. It was a wild ride and Ingrid is HERE FOR IT. *Recommended Read!*

smutreport.comReview: Avalon Tower by C.N. Crawford and Alex Rivers (2026)Fey Academy for Spies, Book 1 Heat Factor: Much yearning, a sprinkling of spice, a hint of darker things to come Character Chemistry: Heroine is an asthmatic surprise rookie spy and her love interest is a head honcho spy and their love is FORBIDDEN Plot: Nia goes on vacation to France where the border with the Fae territory is and ends up getting involved in a rescue operation where she learns she’s actually half fae and everyone’s depending on her and she can’t fall in love with the guy who once broke her heart.

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A certain mega retailer's big sale ended yesterday? Great news. You can shop great deals and support your indie bookshop EVERY day with Libro audiobooks.

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This week in My First Smut, author Rowan Thorn talks about entering the world of erotica via horror. (We are equal opportunity smut enthusiasts here!)

smutreport.comMy First Smut: It Stirred Me EmotionallyMy First Smut is a recurring feature where we talk about our formative smut experiences. These short confessionals may include such details as: What book did you read? How old were you? Were there other people involved? What made the experience special? What role does smut play in your life? This week, erotica author Rowan Thorn talks about recovering from toxic shame. First romance novel you read Books of Blood, Clive Barker - specifically the story "Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament" How old were you (or what life stage were you in)?
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Review: When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley The romance is sweet, but what Erin really loved about this book was the found family coming together to support the MC when he really needed it.

smutreport.comReview: When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley (2025)Heat Factor: It eddies and then swirls away Character Chemistry: Other recognizes other Plot: A suddenly out-of-work blacksmith impressed the man who commissioned his last project so well that he’s invited to join the man’s freak show, where he befriends and then falls in love with the man’s newest exhibit: an imprisoned merman. Overall: The best part of this romance was the gay, Puerto Rican outsider finally finding a place inside. (The found family is strong with this one.)
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Oh dear, this looks like the exact kind of historical romance that I either love or am utterly disappointed by

Danielle (TBQ)@thebookqueen.bsky.social

$0.99 ✦ Romancing the Earl by Heather Boyd A down-on-her-luck companion receives a letter from a childhood friend offering her a new job. But the letter was a drunken mistake. Marriage of convenience. Historical Romance (MF) amzn.to/3VXp4xf Bookshop bookshop.org/a/111397/978...

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Fellow Smut Reporter Erin is a huge Annabeth Albert fan and did like this one, but notes that the characters felt really young. A great read as long as you're down for some New Adult Angst.

Danielle (TBQ)@thebookqueen.bsky.social

$0.99 ✦ Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert Rivals get stuck on a cross-country road trip to a convention for a popular card game competition. TBQ Rec Contemporary Romance (MM) amzn.to/4yI1PGa Bookshop bookshop.org/a/111397/978... Kobo click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=...

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Jack Jackson is a completely normal human man with a completely normal human name. What do you mean he's a demon? (I loved this one)

Danielle (TBQ)@thebookqueen.bsky.social

$2.99 ✦ Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein A bookseller agrees to help a demon (literally the son of Satan) with dating and a curse that must be broken. Paranormal Romance (MF) amzn.to/4jb17wa Bookshop bookshop.org/a/111397/978... Kobo click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=...

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This episode was especially wide-ranging, even including a mention of Flannery O'Connor (not a romance author) and how stressful her short stories are

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Some October releases we're looking forward to reading!

smutreport.comOctober 2026 Releases We’re Excited AboutHow to Catch a Hellhound by Shannon Mae Hellhounds of Paradise, Book #6 Releases October 1 PaulI’m not exactly sure how I became sheriff of Paradise Falls, but I take the protection of the people in my town seriously. That even includes Jude, who’s constantly pulling pranks in the hopes of getting arrested. I know he’s flirting with me, but how can someone as damaged as me be a match for his eternal good cheer? Never mind the fact that I may also be losing my mind—I’m getting crazy feelings about people, and the urge to act on them is getting stronger.
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ICYMI: Yesterday's book review. If you want bonkers…this book has got you covered.

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Review: Baby Bump for the Mafia Boss by Evie Rose OTT Mafia Light Romance is ridiculous and fun.

smutreport.comReview: Baby Bump for the Mafia Boss by Evie Rose (2026)Heat Factor: She’s a virgin, he hasn’t been with anyone for ages (because of her, obvi), completely OTT Character Chemistry: “I love you so much, I won’t say anything for fear of upsetting you! But also, I’m kind of upset about it!” Plot: Two dumdums succumb to their mutual lust while trapped in the wilderness for a night, avoid each other for four months, then continue to avoid talking when a surprise pregnancy makes physical avoidance less desirable. Overall: It wasn’t as fun as the other two books I’ve read by this author, but it was still ridiculous and fun.
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Here's what we got up to on the blog in September!

smutreport.comSeptember 2026 Wrap UpIt's officially fall, which means it's time to cuddle up under some cozy blankets with warm beverages and your favorite smut books. Our Favorite Reads… Erin's Pick: Playing His Game by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James It follows the expected beats—but it also absolutely nails them. (Erin's full review.) Ingrid's Pick: Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher This book delivered exactly what we want from a Kingfisher adventure, with the bonus of a complex and wounded protagonist. (Ingrid and Holly's joint review.) Holly's Pick: By Any Means by E.M.
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Even though I am on record as saying enemies to lovers should have swords…I also really really like it when there's a high stakes rivalry that the characters take very seriously over something extremely petty. one clicking this one ⬇️

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Review: Baby Bump for the Mafia Boss by Evie Rose OTT Mafia Light Romance is ridiculous and fun.

smutreport.comReview: Baby Bump for the Mafia Boss by Evie Rose (2026)Heat Factor: She’s a virgin, he hasn’t been with anyone for ages (because of her, obvi), completely OTT Character Chemistry: “I love you so much, I won’t say anything for fear of upsetting you! But also, I’m kind of upset about it!” Plot: Two dumdums succumb to their mutual lust while trapped in the wilderness for a night, avoid each other for four months, then continue to avoid talking when a surprise pregnancy makes physical avoidance less desirable. Overall: It wasn’t as fun as the other two books I’ve read by this author, but it was still ridiculous and fun.
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This month's author spotlight is Rachel Reid. Hockey season is right around the corner, and if you haven't read her yet (but are thinking about some hockey reading this fall), here's what you should know about her books.

smutreport.comAuthor Spotlight: Rachel ReidLooking for a new author to try? Here's everything you need to know about Rachel Reid, whose books included Heated Rivalry (and the rest of the Game Changers series!), Time to Shine, and The Shots You Take. What She Writes: High heat M/M romance novels, almost entirely centered on Canadian protagonists (Game Changer and Common Goal being the exceptions), and always (so far) featuring active or retired hockey players. Writing Style: Reid writes in a semi-close 3rd person, past tense, with great suggestion. Because of this, the reader has numerous opportunities to observe the protagonist lying to himself, or to catch the little hints of emotional investment that are unclear to the protagonist in the midst of his own emotional turmoil, so it packs that emotional punch that frequently results in stomach flutters.
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It's Book Club time, and this month we read The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn. There were fewer tears and more metaphors than expected.

smutreport.comTSR Book Club: The Paris Match by Kate ClaybornThis month was Holly's pick, and the team read The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn. There's discussion of on-the-nose metaphors, how we feel about *Paris*, and the moments that are really great. Note: There are a few big reveals in this book that happen about 3/4 of the way through, and we discuss them, so here's your SPOILERS note. Heat Factor: There’s a lot going on Character Chemistry: It’s like lightning and in those lighting flashes they are revealed to each other Plot: Damaged people overly invest themselves in other people’s unraveling wedding, and find their own impetus to change…
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ICYMI, yesterday's review

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Dueling Review: Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher This is less a review with two different opinions because Ingrid and Holly both thought this book was great, and more a review of two people talking about how amazing it is that Kingfisher makes books that are simultaneously cozy and horrifying.

smutreport.comDueling Review: Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher (2026)Swordheart, Book #2 Holly's Review of Swordheart, Book #1 | The Whole Team's Convo about Swordheart, Book #1 Holly's Take Heat Factor: A high ratio of innuendo to shagging Character Chemistry: Mutual admiration society Plot: Learned Edmund is bringing a dagger and some books to the big city but *surprise!* the dagger is a person Overall: This hits all the Kingfisher checkboxes Ingrid's Take Heat Factor: There’s heavy flirting and blushing but it’s not what I’d consider high heat.  Character Chemistry: I think meant to be opposites attract but they’re both ultimately serving as the cheerleader to each other’s humility/wounds…

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Skye Kilaen
@skyekilaen.bsky.social

Queer authors, if you will be publishing a book on ITCH DOT IO and/or KOBO PLUS between now and Dec 31, please make that book known to me below. Especially if you're not publishing on the Evil River! Pre-order link is best, itch profile is great (so I can follow you), or whatever ya got. 🌈📚

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Dueling Review: Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher This is less a review with two different opinions because Ingrid and Holly both thought this book was great, and more a review of two people talking about how amazing it is that Kingfisher makes books that are simultaneously cozy and horrifying.

smutreport.comDueling Review: Daggerbound by T. Kingfisher (2026)Swordheart, Book #2 Holly's Review of Swordheart, Book #1 | The Whole Team's Convo about Swordheart, Book #1 Holly's Take Heat Factor: A high ratio of innuendo to shagging Character Chemistry: Mutual admiration society Plot: Learned Edmund is bringing a dagger and some books to the big city but *surprise!* the dagger is a person Overall: This hits all the Kingfisher checkboxes Ingrid's Take Heat Factor: There’s heavy flirting and blushing but it’s not what I’d consider high heat.  Character Chemistry: I think meant to be opposites attract but they’re both ultimately serving as the cheerleader to each other’s humility/wounds…
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Haven't read this one, but I have read another book in this sex planet series, and it was utterly bonkers.

Danielle (TBQ)@thebookqueen.bsky.social

$0.99 ✦ Captive Desire by Robin Lovett A widowed alien is commanded to be a bodyguard to a human but they get trapped on a planet where the atmosphere forces them to have sex or go insane. TBQ Rec amzn.to/4cVNPjd Bookshop bookshop.org/a/111397/978... Kobo click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=...

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Happy Release Day to REVENGE OF THE SUNSHINE, which features the most upbeat (if poorly thought out) revenge plot. And also a cute roommate situation.

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Review: Revenge of the Sunshine by Jackie Lau Jackie Lau is a go-to comfort read author for me, and this one absolutely delivered on the premise.

smutreport.comReview: Revenge of the Sunshine by Jackie Lau (2026)Love & Spite, Book #1 Heat Factor: A solid chunk in the middle is them having allllll the sex Character Chemistry: She asks him to do activities with her and he discovers that having fun is a good thing Plot: Zoe gets revenge on her cheating ex by fake-dating his older brother. With exclamation marks! Overall: This was a fun read with surprising depth.