13. In Strange Woods by Claire Cray

In today’s episode, Claire chats with comics editor, critic, and cartoonist Claire Napier to discuss her new horror-romance comic, The Magic Necklace: Ann-Rita’s acting differently since she came back, because she’s not afraid of men any more. Not her brother, not the fuzz, and not the guy who’s standing right behind her. Whatever he does… It just can’t threaten her. If you’ve ever wanted a comic about why women let bad boys and bad men in, this is that one. What’s fair in love and war isn’t always black and white… but add some pink, and you’re more than halfway there. A forty page story about sexual danger, desire, relying on men, and bargains we make with ourselves and others. We cover a ton of topics in this episode: the influence of 90s erotic thrillers; growing up in the 2000s and dealing with the era’s extreme beauty ideals; the feeling of being surveilled as a woman in public and how the pandemic changed things; the subjective beauty of penises, and so much more. If you’d like to buy The Magic Necklace, sign up for Claire’s newsletter, which will provide updates on where to buy it soon: https://mailchi.mp/fd242ca2bc47/hear-about-claire-napier You can also visit Claire’s website: https://www.clairenapier.com/ And visit the Zoop funding page if you’d like to see more about The Magic Necklace: https://zoop.gg/c/themagicnecklace Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In today’s very special episode, we open with a chat about what Blythe has been up to for the last year: Having a baby! We get deep into the body horror otherwise known as pregnancy, and Blythe’s experience giving birth and breastfeeding. We talk exploding boobs and so much more. Then, join us for a festive discussion about A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (book discussion starts at ~26 minutes): Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) has a successful career as a plus-size adult film star. With a huge following and two supportive moms, Bee couldn’t ask for more. But when Bee’s favorite producer casts her to star in a Christmas movie he’s making for the squeaky-clean Hope Channel, Bee’s career is about to take a more family-friendly direction. Forced to keep her work as Bianca under wraps, Bee quickly learns this is a task a lot easier said than done - though it all becomes worthwhile when she discovers her co-star is none other than childhood crush Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member in desperate need of career rehab. Nolan has promised his manager to keep it zipped up on set, and he will if it means he’ll be able to provide a more stable living situation for his family. But things heat up quickly in Christmas Notch, Vermont, when Nolan recognizes his new co-star from her ClosedDoors account (oh yeah, he’s a member). Now Bee and Nolan are sneaking off for quickies on set, keeping their new relationship a secret. If Bee and Nolan can’t keep their off-camera romance behind the scenes, then this merry little meet cute might end up on the cutting room floor. In this episode, we get into our love for cheesy Hallmark Channel movies, our own teenage boy band crushes, and the advantages of always bringing lube. We also discuss how porn is like a Christmas movie, how sex toys should be for everyone, and what the real meaning of Christmas is. My mic is a little too hot during this episode, sorry about that folks!! We haven't done this in a while. Also mentioned in this episode: Wasteland by Francescia Lia Block Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

“Villains get to be the most romantic, because they don’t let morals stop them.” –Hailey Piper. We are so excited and happy to finally announce that Blythe is pregnant – congrats, Blythe!!! – but as such, she’ll be taking some time off from the podcast. Don’t worry, though, we have some great guest episodes planned for the future, starting with today’s episode! I’m thrilled to welcome my dear friend Hailey Piper to the Sexy Books Podcast to discuss her horromance novel, Queen of Teeth: Within forty-eight hours, Yaya Betancourt will go from discovering teeth between her thighs to being hunted by one of the most powerful corporations in America. She assumes the vagina dentata is a side effect of a rare genetic condition caused by AlphaBeta Pharmaceutical, decades ago, when she and several thousand others were still in the womb. But, when ABP corporate goons upend her life, she realizes her secondary teeth might be evidence of a new experiment for which she’s the most advanced test tube... a situation worsened when Yaya’s condition sprouts horns, tentacles, and a mind of its own. On the run and transforming, Yaya may be either ABP’s greatest success, or the deadliest failure science has ever created. This book is a little different from past selections, but no less romantic or erotic, trust me. Hailey and I delve deep into the allure of monster-fucking, the power of fantasy and giving yourself over to pleasure, transitions and finding yourself later in life. We also discuss the sentience of vaginas (and vagina-monsters), the tragic state of healthcare and bodily rights in the U.S., and our hopes for a hornier, horromance-filled future. As always, we discuss the entire novel, so spoilers abound! Also mentioned in this episode: Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole Nymph by Francesca Lia Block Spooky Smutty Stories by Claire Cray I also wanted to note that in this episode I mention having had vulvodynia and vaginismus - I've been treated for both (with a specialist and a pelvic floor physical therapist) and I have a totally pain-free, wonderful sex life now. If you're dealing with anything similar and have questions, I would be happy to answer them and provide as much help as I can. I've been through it all and I know how intimidating it can be to seek treatment, or to even know where to start. Use one of the methods below to send me an email or DM. Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss Vanessa North’s M/M romance, Out of Sync: “Jacks Williams is Ritchie Ford’s one great love. Their life as the rhythm section of the band Vertical Smile is perfect—only upstaged by the one they share as lovers. Until one night Jacks locks himself in the bathroom and slices his arms open, shattering everything Ritchie knows. Ten years earlier, Jackson Williams, III appeared to lead a charmed life. In reality, it was hell. Trapped in an abusive home, Jacks acted out small rebellions and dreamed of freedom. Until Ritchie Ford rescued him like a puppy, and everything changed. He would be perfect for Ritchie—it was the least he could do. Months after Jacks attempted suicide, the two men struggle to navigate their formerly perfect relationship. After ten years of loving their idealized versions of each other, can they make a life together out of the truth?” This heartfelt and emotional book led to some great chatting about codependent relationships, the countless benefits of therapy, and the beauty of chosen families. We also ramble about our love for tattoos and bisexual rep in romance, the pitfalls of compulsive heterosexuality, and so much more! Oh, and this is the tea we talk about at the beginning of the episode: Menstrual Melody Tea by Euphoric Herbals. Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss Katrina Jackson’s MMF erotic romance, Room for Three?: “When Precious rents Cali and Mike's spare bedroom she's in the middle of a housing crisis and feeling betrayed by her best friend. When Mike and Cali rent their spare room to Precious, their relationship is hanging on by a thread. None of them expect anything more from their roommate situation than cheap rent in a prime location. So they're all surprised to find a deep well of affection and lust that makes them think that maybe their perfect relationship, and bed, has room for three. Room for Three? is the first in a new series of erotic novellas about sexy entanglements behind closed doors.” This sultry and sensual book was so much fun to read, and was the catalyst for some great discussions about non-traditional relationships, communication, and, of course, threesomes. We also talk about the benefits of audio porn, sexual insecurities, and much more in this episode! Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss Rose Lerner’s kinky Regency romance, All or Nothing: “England 1819: the hottest summer in years. Simon Radcliffe-Gould's career as an architect is stalled and his bank account is almost empty. Yet every week he finds himself losing money he can't afford at Maggie da Silva's bohemian gambling den, just so he'll have an excuse to see the beautiful, irrepressible hostess. Maggie thought she had her life sorted out. She has a best friend (with benefits), a successful business, and a truly spectacular wardrobe. But lately she's been...bored. Intrigued by serious, shy Simon, she finds a way to draw him into reluctantly betting on her favors at the faro table. A few glorious nights are all she expects. But when an old flame hires Simon to design a folly during a scandalous house party at his country estate, Simon asks Maggie to pose as his mistress so he can actually get some work done. Sure, she'd rather be his mistress, but she jumps at the chance for a well deserved, all-expenses-paid vacation. What could go wrong?  Turns out, everything: Simon has unresolved issues with his ex, it's impossible to keep kosher, and worst of all, Maggie is in danger of losing her heart..." We’re thrilled to bring you this episode on a book that’s not only our first historical romance, but our first BDSM-adjacent romance. We discuss the appeal of taboo sex, talk about fantasies of power, and get into the importance of setting boundaries – both in bed and in life, and how doing one can reinforce comfort with doing the other. In this episode we also mention: Rigged by Vanessa North Ali Wong’s standup specials Harlots on Hulu The Wife in the Attic by Rose Lerner Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes, and send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about Claire Kann’s young adult romance novel, Let’s Talk About Love: "Alice had her whole summer planned. Non-stop all-you-can-eat buffets while marathoning her favorite TV shows (best friends totally included) with the smallest dash of adulting--working at the library to pay her share of the rent. The only thing missing from her perfect plan? Her girlfriend (who ended things when Alice confessed she's asexual). Alice is done with dating--no thank you, do not pass go, stick a fork in her, done. But then Alice meets Takumi and she can’t stop thinking about him or the rom com-grade romance feels she did not ask for (uncertainty, butterflies, and swoons, oh my!). When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn, and Takumi becomes her knight with a shiny library employee badge (close enough), Alice has to decide if she’s willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated—or understood.” We loved that this book got us thinking about relationships, sex, and romantic love from a new perspective. This episode covers a vast array of topics, from exactly what asexuality is and how it fits into the spectrum of sexual identity, why labels can matter to us so much, and a ton more. In a lot of ways, Alice was one of the most relatable heroines we've read, and we can't wait for you to meet her. As always, we discuss the entire story, so read the book beforehand if you don't want to be spoiled. The next book we'll be discussing is All or Nothing by Rose Lerner. Follow us or send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about Claire Cray’s M/M romance-mystery, In Strange Woods: "Reeling with grief after the mysterious massacre of his wealthy family, moody New York photographer James Worthington Crane decides to take his downward spiral to the rural Oregon Coast, where he’s just inherited a piece of property hidden somewhere in the woods upriver. But when James pulls into the decaying seaside town of Brooks, everyone thinks he’s someone else—an elusive local outlaw named Beau. Now James must fight through his grief to unravel a dark web of family secrets and forgotten history...with help from a soft-spoken local contractor named Hunter Quaid. Hunter’s been on his own since he left his fundamentalist family at the age of fifteen. It’s taken years of hard work to build the simple life he has now, fixing up seaside houses while living alone by the river. Then James blows in like a winter storm, disturbing the peace and stirring up dreams he thought he'd given up. As their lives and histories intertwine in unexpected ways, they start to discover what it really means to know where you belong. From the author of Merrick and Hidden Talents comes a steamy, tender romance inspired by the rugged beauty and offbeat history of Pacific Northwest timber country. In Strange Woods moves through ancient old-growth forests, abandoned logging roads, ramshackle seaside towns, decaying homesteads, coastal highways, and the stories hidden in the trees.” Listen to us trip all over ourselves as we try to explain why we loved this book so damn much. This book is a mystery, so we HIGHLY recommend reading it before listening to the episode, as we do spoil ALL of it pretty much immediately. You’ve been warned! Also mentioned in this episode: The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock Hidden Talents by Claire Cray Spooky Smutty Stories by Claire Cray And all the rest of Claire Cray's books! We are currently taking a brief hiatus as we plan for future episodes. Please check in with us on social media for updates about when our next episode will be out (I promise it won’t be too long!). The next book we'll be discussing is Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann. Follow us or send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this special episode, we talk about Hulu's fantastic show, Pen15 (or "penis" if you're a middle schooler), and growing up and learning about sex in the early 2000s. We get into masturbation shame, the power of a good thong, and the trauma of bad first kisses. We also wax nostalgic on 00s fashion (scrunchies! butterfly clips!), the infinite appeal of J.T.T. and Brad Renfro, and much, much more. The episodes we specifically discuss are: Ojichan, Community Service, and Wild Things. Join us next month for our discussion on Claire Cray's slightly creepy, extremely swoony M/M romance, In Strange Woods. Follow us or send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about Elle Kennedy’s M/F new adult romance, The Mistake: "College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance. After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild." We talk a LOT about the all-consuming headiness of teen crushes in this episode, our fantasies of hot people showing up at our doors and sweeping us off our feet, and much more. Join us next month for our special episode on Hulu's perfect 00s teen show, PEN15! Our next book episode (January or February, not sure yet!) will feature Claire Cray's M/M romance, In Strange Woods. Follow us or send your questions and comments to: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SexyBooksPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexybookspodcast_/ Gmail: [email protected]