What to Read Next Podcast l Book Recommendation Show

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.A royal Christmas ball, a mischievous rescue dog, and a dog trainer who drives the princess up the palace walls—what could possibly go wrong? In this feel-good holiday episode, I’m chatting with Christmas romcom queen Karen Schaler, writer of A Christmas Prince, Christmas Camp, and her new royal romance A Ruff Royal Christmas.Karen shares how she went from war correspondent and hard-hitting journalist to writing the cozy, comforting Christmas stories so many of us binge every December. We talk about the inspiration behind A Ruff Royal Christmas (including the real-life “devil dog” who inspired Stormy), how she stays in a Christmas mood all year even while living in the desert, and why she’s built a portfolio career across movies, books, audio, travel shows, and even real-life Christmas Camp retreats. We also go behind the scenes of filming Christmas Camp for Hallmark, talk about the power of comfort watches/reads, and get a sneak peek at what she’s working on next.📚 Books MentionedA Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Royal RomCom, Christmas Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Christmas Romance, Hallmark Movie Tie-In | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Every Day Is Christmas by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Christmas Romance, A Christmas Carol–inspired | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Christmas Romance, Full-Cast Audio Original | Audible Exclusive ✅⏰Timestamps[00:00] Meet Karen Schaler & why she literally breathes Christmas[02:00] From war zones to Christmas romcoms: Karen’s journalism background[06:00] Inside A Ruff Royal Christmas: royal hijinks, rescue dogs & a big twist[11:00] Writing Christmas all year long (from the Arizona desert!)[16:00] Portfolio creative life: movies, books, audio & Christmas Camp IRL[21:00] Behind the scenes of the Christmas Camp Hallmark movie[27:00] New non-Christmas series, TV ideas & future Christmas specials[33:00] Where to find Karen online & holiday well-wishesJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.When life feels heavy, sometimes you just need a cozy small town, a perfect pumpkin spice latte, and a YA romance that feels like a warm sweater. In this episode, I’m chatting with author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc about the comfort reads that got her through some of the hardest seasons of her life—and how they might help you, too.Katie and I talk about her YA novels Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and Mint to Be, how Pumpkin Spice unexpectedly went viral on TikTok, and what it was like to write through chemo and recovery. We also get into cozy, low-gore spooky reads (perfect if you’re squeamish or easily triggered), plus YA and middle grade recommendations that balance heart, hope, and just the right amount of chills. If you’re craving comfort, holiday vibes, and gentle escape, this is the episode for you.📚 Books MentionedQuarantine by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Contemporary It’s Going Viral by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Contemporary Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Romance, Cozy Fall | Audio ✅Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Holiday Romance, Small Town | Audio ✅Murder Road by Simone St. James — Buy on Amazon | Mystery, Supernatural Thriller | Audio ✅Zyla & Kai by Kristina Forest — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Romance | Audio ✅Short Story Collection by Leonora Carrington — Buy on Amazon | Surrealism, Magical Realism | Audio ✅Tales to Keep You Up at Night by Dan Poblocki — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade Horror, Spooky Stories | Audio ✅More Tales to Keep You Up at Night by Dan Poblocki — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade Horror, Spooky Stories | Audio ✅⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Meet YA author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc & her book lineup[00:01] The wild story of Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice going viral[00:02] Writing through chemo and finding escape in cozy YA worlds[00:04] Inside Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and the town of Briar Glen[00:05] Holiday vibes, boarding school, and first love in Mint to Be[00:07] Why we need comfort reads in weird, heavy times[00:08] Spooky-but-not-gory recs: Simone St. James, Agatha Christie audios[00:09] YA romance, therapy-positive characters, and Zyla & Kai[00:10] Leonora Carrington’s surreal short stories & middle grade spooky picks[00:11] More Dan Poblocki recs and where to find Katie onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Forty is not the end of your love story—it might be the beginning of your best one yet. In this episode, I’m chatting with romance author L.B. Dunbar all about love over 40, menopause, midlife reinvention, and why Christmas romances are the perfect escape when life feels like… a lot.We dig into how L.B. pivoted her career to write romance with characters in their 40s and 50s, what makes second-chance love hit different in midlife, and why today’s Gen X and Millennial readers are craving stories that reflect their real lives—kids, divorce, therapy, hormones and all. Then we switch into full holiday mode to talk about her grumpy/sunshine Christmas romances (including a sexy maybe-Santa), plus a few cozy cowboy recs if you love a small-town escape.📚 Books Mentioned Scroogish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Second Chance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Naughty-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance |  KU ✅ / Audio ✅Elf-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine |  KU ✅ / Audio ✅The Holiday Post by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Forced Proximity | KU ✅ / Audio ✅The Holiday Whoopi by Sarah L. Hudson — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Steamy |KU ✅ / Audio ✅Between the Pines by Amber Palmer — Buy on Amazon | Cowboy Romance, Small-Town Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Dust Storm by Maggie Gates — Buy on Amazon | Cowboy Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine |KU ✅ / Audio ✅⏱️ Time Stamps[00:00] Meet L.B. Dunbar & why she writes romance over 40[03:00] Millennials, Gen X, and outgrowing 20-something romances[06:00] Menopause, hormones & not giving a f*ck in midlife[10:00] How L.B. started writing Christmas romances[13:00] Scroogish, Naughty-ish, Grouch-ish & Elf-ish: her holiday series[16:00] Sexy Santa energy & The Holiday Post[18:00] Current reads, Hideaway Harbor & The Holiday Whoopi[19:30] Cowboy romance recs: Between the Pines & Dust Storm[21:00] Where to find L.B. Dunbar online and final thoughtsJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Curl up with a blanket, a warm drink, and a stack of Christmas classics—Victoria from BiblioLifestyle is back to help us build a cozy, low-pressure December reading plan. In this episode, we go beyond A Christmas Carol and talk about beginner-friendly classics, emotional reads, and the magic of reading aloud at the holidays.We chat about why classics hit differently in our hyper-busy lives, how to pick approachable reads if you’re intimidated, and why some stories just land better in December. Victoria walks us through a four-week Christmas classics challenge (with lots of public-domain options), child and adult read-aloud ideas, and her own tradition of reading Letters from Father Christmas every year. I also share a bit about my childhood Christmases, Disney trips, and why I always reach for comfort reads this time of year.Whether you’re craving something short and heart-squeezing like The Gift of the Magi or want to finally tackle Little Women or Persuasion, this episode is your invitation to slow down, pick one classic, and actually enjoy it—no pressure to rush or “keep up.📚 Books MentionedA Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens — Buy on Amazon | Classic Christmas novella, redemption arc, ghosts of Christmas past/present/future | Audio ✅Little Women by Louisa May Alcott — Buy on Amazon | Classic coming-of-age, March sisters, family + generosity at Christmas |  Audio ✅Persuasion by Jane Austen — Buy on Amazon | Second-chance romance, quiet heroine, emotional restraint | Audio ✅Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — Buy on Amazon | Iconic enemies-to-lovers, witty social commentary, regency classic | Audio ✅Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier — Buy on Amazon | Gothic suspense, eerie mansion, atmospheric classic | Audio ✅Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë — Buy on Amazon | Gothic romance, governess heroine, broody hero | Audio ✅The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry — Buy on Amazon | Short story, bittersweet gift-giving, ultimate Christmas sacrifice |  Audio ✅*The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin — Buy on Amazon | Short heart-squeezer, sick child planning Christmas for neighbors, bittersweet | Audio ✅The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen — Buy on Amazon | Classic fairy tale, heartbreaking winter story, emotional | Audio ✅*The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter — Buy on Amazon | Animal classic, Christmas Eve sewing, quiet redemption | Audio ✅*The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg — Buy on Amazon | Picture book, magical train to the North Pole, Christmas wonder | Audio ✅How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss —a...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What if your romance career didn’t hinge on going viral—but on quietly writing your way to 118 books and counting? In this episode, I’m chatting with holiday romance queen Samantha Chase about sustainable careers, Christmas comfort reads, and why she’ll always write a Christmas book.We talk about what it really looks like to treat writing like a job (in the best way), how Samantha built a wide, library-friendly backlist instead of relying on Kindle Unlimited, and why she’s more interested in consistency than fame. Then we dive into her newest holiday romance, A Holly Brown Christmas, plus a whole sleigh-full of her backlist Christmas books and a couple of festive recs from Lauren Blakely.🎄Holiday Books by Samantha ChaseHolly Brown Christmas by Samantha Chase  The Christmas Cottage Series by Samantha ChaseSilver Bell Falls Series by Samantha ChaseMistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase Mistletoe Between Friends Snowflake Inn Duo by Samantha ChaseMoonlight in Winter Park by Samantha ChaseThe Snowflake Inn by Samantha ChaseWaiting for Midnight by Samantha ChaseHis for the Holidays by Samantha ChaseMoonlight in Winter Park Waiting for Midnight Duet by Samantha ChaseBaking it Merry by Samantha Chase🕒 Timestamps[00:00] – Intro & catching up with Samantha’s current projects[03:00] – How she plans series, works with her assistant, and stays three books ahead[06:00] – Building a 118-book backlist & why your first book won’t define you[08:00] – KU vs wide: sweeter contemporary, libraries, and diversified income[10:30] – The “old” marketing formulas that stopped working and what she does now[13:00] – Virality, fame, and why writing is a job—not a shortcut to celebrity[15:00] – The origin story of The Christmas Cottage and its Hallmark adaptation[18:00] – A tour of Samantha’s Christmas backlist (Snowflake Inn, Silverbell Falls, Baking it Merry)[20:30] – All about A Holly Brown Christmas: office party chaos, divorce drama, and a Snoopy-coded pup Schmoop[23:00] – Holiday romance recs from Lauren Blakely: My Favorite Holidate & Merry Little Kissmas[26:00] – Where to find Samantha online + buying books directly from her siteJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Looking for a cozy, witchy holiday romance with world-building that feels like slipping into a warm sweater? Today I’m sitting down with debut author and longtime video-game writer Morgan Lockhart, whose background explains exactly why her book feels so immersive and magical.In this episode, we chat about her 20-year career in game writing, the pivot back to her “first love” of books, and how A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart blends cozy romance, magic-light vibes, and real-world emotional stakes. If you love Hallmark holiday romances but wish they had a touch of witchy charm, this is the perfect entry point into the cozy-paranormal space. We also dig into her craft, world-building, burnout, motherhood, and the comforting wave of cozy stories readers are reaching for right now. 📚 BOOKS MENTIONED A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart — Cozy Witchy Romance | Holiday | Magic-Light  | Audio ✅Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman — Contemporary Fiction | Christmas | Feel-Good | Audio ✅Good Spirits by B.K. Borison — Small Town Romance | Cozy | Holiday | Audio ✅The Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream — Upmarket Contemporary | Emotional | Literary Lean | Audio ✅The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy | Found Family | Magic | Audio ✅The Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping by Sangu Mandanna’s newest — Cozy Fantasy | Warm Magic | Found Family | Audio ✅🕒 TIMESTAMPS[00:00] – Meet Morgan Lockhart[00:20] – How she shifted from 20 years in video-game writing to novels[01:00] – What video-game writing actually looks like[02:00] – Narrative vs. action-driven game writing[03:00] – How game-writing worldbuilding shaped her debut novel[04:00] – Writing cozy as a response to the last five years[05:00] – Burnout, motherhood, and pivoting to books[07:00] – Elevator pitch for A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart[08:00] – Rivalry, curses, and the romance tension we love[10:00] – Why cozy-light magic works for contemporary romance readers[11:00] – What Morgan reads across genres[12:00] – Her must-read cozy & holiday recommendations[13:00] – Where to find Morgan onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.When your obsessive book boyfriends start looking a little… reasonable compared to real-life dating disasters, this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with debut author Laura Bishop about her dark rom-com Love Me, Stalk Me—a twisty, funny, walking-red-flag romance that somehow still makes you root for the hero.We get into why so many of us stay in toxic relationships, what it means to choose the brave-but-scary option in life, and how an AI boyfriend app plus a secretly obsessed coworker turned into one of the buzziest dark rom-coms of the year. Laura also shares her whirlwind path from self-publishing plans to a traditional deal with Atria, her genius BookTok biker content strategy, and why putting yourself on camera is both terrifying and healing.📚 Books Mentioned Love Me, Stalk Me by Laura Bishop — Dark rom-com | Obsessive hero | Toxic relationship recovery📺 Other Media MentionedMr Inbetween (Australian dark dramedy TV series)⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] – Meet Laura Bishop: debut author, dark rom-com lover, caffeine girlie in Florida[00:01] – What Love Me, Stalk Me is about: obsessive coworker, AI boyfriend app, and a toxic relationship[00:02] – Writing a heroine who stays too long in a bad relationship (and why that’s real for so many of us)[00:03] – Being your own worst enemy, feeling “trapped,” and choosing the brave, uncertain option in life[00:04] – Laura’s personal connection to the book and how her own experiences shaped Izzy’s story[00:05] – When your coworker hijacks your AI boyfriend app: ethical red flags in a safe, fictional space[00:06] – Why we need people who see our worth before we do—and how that shows up in the romance[00:07] – Laura’s whirlwind publication journey: cover reveal, book scout, agent call, and Atria deal[00:09] – Darker, spicier rom-coms as an emerging trend and blending genres that “shouldn’t” go together[00:10] – Building buzz online: BookTok, bikers, and turning a fun idea into a full-on marketing hook[00:12] – Approaching bikers in Barnes & Noble, paying them in books and coffee, and making promo fun[00:14] – Body image, seeing yourself on camera, and pushing past perfectionism[00:15] – What Laura’s watching when she can’t read: Mr Inbetween and the power of long-form storytelling[00:17] – Where to find Laura online and follow her biker-filled book contentJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you love cozy small-town romances, holiday charm, and stories that feel like emotional comfort food, this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with fan-favorite author RaeAnne Thayne, whose Christmas novel Snow Kiss delivers all the warmth and heart of a Hallmark movie… with even deeper emotional layers.In our conversation, RaeAnne shares the inspiration behind Snow Kiss, her plotting process, why fake dating is her new favorite trope to write, and the joy of crafting holiday stories that remind readers to choose kindness. We also talk about her extensive backlist, her women’s fiction summer releases, and her 2025 novel The Lost Book of First Loves. Plus—double book recs from RaeAnne across two different interviews!📚 Books MentionedBy RaeAnne ThayneSnow Kiss — Fake dating, single mom, small-town Christmas Genre: Sweet Romance / Women’s Fiction | Audio: ✅Christmas at the Shelter Inn — “Return-to-town” holiday romance; sisterhood & community Genre: Holiday Romance | Audio: ✅The December Market — Best-friend’s-brother + holiday family drama Genre: Holiday Romance | Audio: ✅Haven Point Series — Cozy small town + emotional arcs Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Audio: ✅Hope’s Crossing Series — Community-centered romance; best place to start her interconnected world Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Audio: ✅Cape Sanctuary Women’s Fiction Books (standalone-friendly) The Cliff House · The Sea Glass Cottage · Summer at the Cape · The Path to Sunshine Cove · The Café at Beach End  | Audio: ✅15 Summers Later — Women’s fiction set in Idaho  Genre: Women’s Fiction | Audio: ✅The Lost Book of First Loves Dual-story women’s fiction about half-sisters, a missing manuscript, and family secrets. | Audio: ✅Book Recommendations From RaeAnne ThayneThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy magical realism; found family  | Audio: ✅The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner — Historical fiction around the 1906 San Francisco earthquake (TW: domestic violence)  | Audio: ✅How to Know a Person

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a Regency-era duke accidentally time-travels to 2025 Chicago? In today’s episode, Bryn Donovan joins me to talk about Her Time-Traveling Duke — a magically cozy, Chicago-set romcom that blends Regency charm, modern vibes, and a touch of science-meets-spellwork chaos.We chat about Bryn’s life as a former greeting-card writer, why the Art Institute of Chicago feels like pure magic, how she built a low-stakes, lightly-magical world, and the romance titles she’s loving right now. If you love Bridgerton, cozy fantasy, or romcoms with heart, spice, and smart heroines, this one’s for you.📚 BOOKS MENTIONED Her Time-Traveling Duke by Bryn Donovan — Contemporary Romance | Time Travel | Light Magic — Audio ✅Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan — Contemporary Romance | Light Magic | Museum Setting — Audio ✅Love Is an Open Book by Chandra Blumberg — Contemporary Romance | Slow Burn | Pining — KU  ✅ / Audio ✅When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein — Contemporary Romance | Slow Burn | Steamy — KU  ✅ / Audio ✅The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson — Contemporary Romance | Chicago-Set | Body Positivity — Audio ✅Payback’s a Witch (Thistle Grove #1) by Lana Harper — Paranormal Romance | Cozy Magic | Small Town — Audio ✅The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston — Contemporary Romance | Ghostly Twist | Grief & Healing — Audio ✅The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston — Magical Realism | Romance | Time Bend — Audio ✅The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst — Cozy Fantasy | Bookish Magic | Low Stakes — Audio ✅🕒 TIMESTAMPS[00:00] – Introduction to the episode & why this book is such a fun mashup [00:44] – Bryn’s background: greeting-card writer, Hallmark Channel, blogger [01:35] – Introducing Her Time-Traveling Duke and how it fits in the series [02:10] – Why this world blends Regency charm with modern Chicago [02:55] – Elevator pitch: magic meets science, sunshine meets grumpy [03:40] – The time-travel mistake: why the duke is not happy to be in 2025 [04:25] – The painting twist & how magical rules affect the museum [05:00] – Building a lightly magical world set in real Chicago locations [06:00] – The Art Institute of Chicago: why it feels like pure magic [07:10] – Laura and Bryn’s shared museum nostalgia [08:15] – Bryn’s reading tastes: romance, fantasy roots, poetry, history [09:20] – Discussing magic systems, research, and Regency details [10:15] – Romance recs: pining, slow burn, smart dialogue [11:00] – Chicago-set romance picks Bryn loves [11:45] – Cozy fantasy favorites (Ashley Poston, Lana Harper, Sarah Beth Durst) [12:50] – Why “low stakes” in fiction still feels high stakes in real life [13:40] – Talking about book one in the...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you love late-bloomer romances, sex-positive storytelling, and YA coming-of-age vibes, today’s episode is for you.In this conversation, I chat with debut author Zakiya N. Jamal about her two 2024 releases — the YA romcom If We Were a Movie and her upcoming adult romance Sparks Fly. We dive into the behind-the-scenes of book packaging, the realities of writing two debuts in one year, and why she wanted to flip the virgin-trope on its head. We also get into her writing process, K-drama obsession, telenovelas, Turkish dramas, and the book recs she’s currently loving.📚 Books Mentioned If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal — YA Romcom | \Coming-of-Age | First Love| Audio ✅Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal — Contemporary Romance | Late Bloomer | Virgin Trope Flip | Sex-Positive | Audio ✅The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson — Thriller | Campus Drama | HBCU Setting  | Audio ✅Mate by Ali Hazelwood — Paranormal Romance | Werewolves | Steamy | Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps [00:00] — Intro + Overview of Zakiya’s debuts[01:00] — What If We Were a Movie is about[02:00] — How she ended up releasing two debuts in one year[03:00] — What book packaging is + how it works[06:00] — Transitioning to her adult debut Sparks Fly[07:00] — Rewriting the virgin trope: crafting a sex-positive late-bloomer heroine[09:00] — Dating culture, late blooming, and real-life parallels[10:00] — Plotting vs pantsing[11:00] — Writing under contract + deadlines[12:00] — Her favorite part of the writing process[13:00] — Self-care: K-dramas, sitcoms, telenovelas, Turkish shows[16:00] — Book recommendations she’s loving[17:30] — Romance recs + non-romance reads[18:00] — Where to find Zakiya onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you love contemporary romance with a dash of magic, messy feelings, and big conversations about art and identity, you’re going to love today’s episode.I’m joined by author duo Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka to chat about their newest novel Seeing Other People—a tender, paranormal-light romance about grief, connection, and rebuilding your life. We also dig into their love story (yes, they’re high school sweethearts!), how their writing evolved from YA to adult romance, and why exploring art, performance, and personal truth keeps showing up in their books. Plus: great recs for fall vibes, emotional reads, and cozy witchy stories.📚 BOOKS MENTIONED Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka — Romance | Paranormal-Light | Grief & Healing | Audio ✅The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka — Contemporary Romance | Celebrity Romance | Second Chance | Audio ✅Everything She Does Is Magic by Bridget Morrissey — YA Romance | Witchy | Halloween Vibes | Audio ✅The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie — Contemporary Fiction | Marriage, Infidelity, Reinvention | Audio ✅🕒 TIMESTAMPS[00:00] — Welcome + Intro to Emily & Austin[00:30] — Their love story: high school sweethearts[01:30] — Writing YA vs adult romance[04:00] — Why they wrote Seeing Other People[05:00] — Ghosts, grief & gentle paranormal vibes[06:30] — Crafting The Breakup Tour[08:30] — How they think about art, identity & storytelling[09:15] — What they read & how becoming parents changed their TBR[10:00] — Two must-read book recommendations[11:20] — Where to find Emily & Austin onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Looking for the perfect low-stakes escape this fall? Today I’m diving into cozy fantasy with debut author Emily Krempholtz, whose novel Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore blends plant magic, self-forgiveness, a grumpy alchemist next door, and cottagecore vibes that feel like a balm for a messy world.In this episode, Emily and I talk about reinventing yourself after a hard season, the rise of cozy fantasy since the pandemic, and why magic makes the perfect metaphor for emotional growth. We also get into identity shifts, nervous system regulation, and how fantasy can gently mirror the work we do in real life. And of course—Emily shares her must-read fall cozy fantasy picks.If you're craving comfort, whimsy, emotional depth, and a touch of magic (without the overwhelming high-stakes quests), this episode is for you.📚 Books Mentioned Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz — Cozy Fantasy, Cottagecore Romance | Audio  ✅This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman — Queer Fairytale Retelling, Cozy Adventure | Audio  ✅A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy, Found Family, Witches | Audio ✅The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy, Romance | Audio ✅The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar — Lyrical Fairytale Fantasy | Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps [00:00] – Intro: Why Cozy Fall Fantasy is the perfect low-stakes escape[00:45] – What Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is about[02:15] – Cozy fantasy as a genre & why it’s booming[04:10] – Low-stakes fantasy vs. high-stakes traditional fantasy[06:00] – Magic as a metaphor for emotional regulation[09:30] – Identity shifts & the “geographical cure”[11:20] – Writing characters who evolve beyond the outline[13:00] – Emily’s journey as a book coach + ghostwriter[17:30] – Real-life narrative arcs & finding meaning in your past[19:00] – Book recommendations for cozy fall vibes[24:00] – Where to find Emily onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. a...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you’ve ever picked up a Southern women’s fiction novel and thought, this feels like a warm hug, today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by author Grace Helena Walz, who writes heartfelt, community-centered stories set in the South—full of family, quirky characters, and deeply emotional themes.In this conversation, Grace and I dive into her two novels—Southern By Design and Good Hair Days—and chat about writing family-driven stories, magical realism, Southern settings, and what makes Southern women’s fiction feel so comforting. If you're curious where to start with this genre, Grace gives us a fantastic starter list featuring authors like Dorothea Benton Frank, Mary Kay Andrews, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and more.We also get into her writing process, her love for the low country, how family expectations shape her characters, and the surprising emotional depth behind her latest Steel Magnolias-esque novel.📚 Books Mentioned Southern By Design by Grace Helena Walz — Women’s Fiction, Southern Fiction | Community, family legacy | Audio ✅Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz — Women’s Fiction, Southern Fiction | Sisterhood, small-town charm | Audio ✅My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank — Southern Fiction | Family, coastal setting | Audio ✅The Violet Hour by Victoria Benton Frank — Southern Fiction | Multi-generational, emotional depth | Audio ✅Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber — Southern Magical Realism | Small town, heart + magic  | Audio ✅The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman — Southern Magical Realism | Books coming to life, cozy magic | Audio ✅Bees in June by Elizabeth Bass Parman — Southern Fiction + Magical Realism | Emotional, character-driven | Audio ✅When the Jessamine Grows by Donna Everhart — Southern Fiction | Historical notes + gothic touches | Audio ✅Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey — Contemporary southern women’s fiction | Audio ✅Various Titles by Mary Kay Andrews — Southern fiction staples | Audio ✅Various Titles by Dorothea Benton Frank — Classic low-country southern fiction | Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps[00:00] — Welcome + introduction to Southern women’s fiction[00:55] — Meet Grace Helena Walz & her writing journey[02:00] — The path to publishing Southern By Design[03:15] — Writing two books in one year[05:00] — What to expect from Good Hair Days[07:00] — Sisterhood, family legacy & emotional...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by literary fiction, this episode is your warm invitation in.I’m joined by reader and library advocate Laura Bird to talk about eight accessible, emotionally rich literary fiction novels — all written by women. We chat about what makes literary fiction “friendly” for beginners, why libraries are democracy’s secret weapon, and how you can support your local branch beyond borrowing books.Whether you love short, quiet novels that pack a punch or intergenerational stories about women’s resilience, Laura’s recommendations will expand your TBR and your heart.📚 Books MentionedMaggie, or A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Friendship, resilience, humorThe Most by Jessica Anthony — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Short novel, 1950s, marriage, secretsThe Correspondent by Virginia Evans — Buy on Amazon | Epistolary Literary Fiction | Letters, grief, found familyHazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Literary Fiction | Coming-of-age, feminism, social justiceTo the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Indigenous voices, ambition, family sagaHow to Read a Book by Monica Wood — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Redemption, chosen family, forgivenessPeople of Means by Nancy Johnson — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | Civil rights, mother–daughter bond, social changeHeart, The Lover by Lily King — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | College, young love, grief, intimacy🕒 Timestamps[00:00] — Welcome back, Laura Bird![02:00] — How to get involved in your local library[10:00] — Library hacks and hidden perks[11:00] — Literary fiction picks for readers who feel intimidated[12:00] — Maggie, or A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar[15:00] — The Most[18:00] — The Correspondent[22:00] — Hazel Says No[25:00] — To the Moon and Back[27:00] — How to Read a Book[31:00] — People of Means[36:00] — Heart, The Lover[40:00] — Where to find smart literary recommendationsJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wish your favorite academic rivals-to-lovers romance felt real? Author and researcher Dr. Jodi McAlister joins me to prove it can be.In this episode, I chat with Australian author and romance scholar Dr. Jodi McAlister about her new novel The Academic Affair — a smart, funny rom-com set inside the cut-throat world of higher ed. We talk about how academia inspired her rivals-to-lovers + marriage-of-convenience story, what it’s like to study popular romance for a living, and how genres like New Adult and rom-coms have evolved. Jodi also shares her favorite Australian and New Zealand romance authors you need on your TBR.📚 Books Mentioned ListAn Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com · Rivals to Lovers · Marriage of Convenience | Audio ✅Here for the Right Reasons by Jodi McAlister — Buy on Amazon | Reality TV Rom-Com · Bachelor-style drama | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Battle Royal by Lucy Parker — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com · Enemies to Lovers · Baking Show | Audio ✅A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fantasy Romance · Queer | Audio ✅The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Historical Fantasy Rom-Com | Audio ✅Five Bush Weddings by Clare Fletcher — Buy on Amazon | Australian Rom-Com · Friends to Lovers | KU ✅Love Unleashed by Melanie Saward — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance · Indigenous Heroine | Paperback only ⏰ Timestamps [00:00] Intro + why I loved The Academic Affair[02:00] Jodi’s double life as author and academic[03:00] How romance genres evolve (+ New Adult deep dive)[07:00] Reality TV and The Bachelor franchise[14:00] Inside The Academic Affair setup and themes[19:00] Why the marriage of convenience trope still works[20:00] Australian & New Zealand romance recs[25:00] Where to find Jodi onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What if the person you trusted most kept one last secret — a deadly one?In this episode, I chat with thriller author Elle Marr about her newest novel, The Lie She Wears — a tense, mother-daughter cat-and-mouse story perfect for fans of Gone Girl. Elle shares how she built a propulsive plot full of twists, why she cut the romance from her early drafts, and the moment every reader gasps halfway through her book.We also talk about her recent reads — from The Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins to twisty thrillers by Yasmine Ango and Brianna Labuskes — plus what makes a good surprise ending work.📚 Books Mentioned The Lie She Wears by Elle Marr — Buy on Amazon | Psychological Thriller | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ Not What She Seems by Yasmin Angoe — Buy on Amazon | Small-Town Thriller | Audio ✅ The Lies You Wrote by Brianna Labuskes — Buy on Amazon | Forensic Thriller | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ The Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins — Buy on Amazon | YA Dystopian Prequel | Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps[00:00] Intro + Why The Lie She Wears is a Gone Girl read-alike[01:00] Elle Marr on how she started writing thrillers[03:00] Crafting propulsive stories and balancing twists[06:00] The setup and themes of The Lie She Wears[09:00] Writing mother-daughter relationships and grief[10:00] Elle’s recent reads and thriller recs[12:00] Discussion of The Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins[16:00] Final thoughts + where to find Elle onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. AudibleAdvertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Julia Diaz-Young is back on the pod! In this episode, we catch up on her new role in wellness nonfiction marketing and dive into why nonfiction can feel just as gripping as your favorite rom-com. Julia shares upcoming books she’s working on—from Anatomy of a Con Artist to Mundane Magic—plus her current romance and historical reads.We also talk about her favorite new reading app, Page Bound, breaking up with Goodreads, and why romance readers will fall in love with inclusive historicals and witchy self-help.If you love smart, joyful book talk with a publishing insider, this one’s for you.📚 Books Mentioned Anatomy of a Con Artist by Jonathan Walton — Buy on Amazon | True Crime | Nonfiction | Audio ✅ Mundane Magic by Molly Donlan — Buy on Amazon | Witchy Wellness | Self-Help | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅ Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria — Buy on Amazon | Latina Romance | Audio ✅ Only Earl in the World by Amalie Howard — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance | KU ✅/ Audio ✅ Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | Vacation Rom-Com | Audio ✅ Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | STEM Rom-Com | Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅⏱️ Time Stamps  [00:00] Catch-up + Julia’s new publishing role [02:45] Why nonfiction can feel like fiction [03:30] Anatomy of a Con Artist discussion [06:00] Mundane Magic and the witchy wellness trend [10:00] Taking what works from self-help books [11:00] How publishing verifies wellness info [12:00] Julia’s latest rom-com and historical romance recs [15:00] Breaking up with Goodreads + discovering Page Bound [18:00] Ali Hazelwood and Amalie Howard chat [22:00] Julia’s book club and publishing behind-the-scenesJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wondered what happens when Bookstagram meets cosplay and orc romances? In this episode, I’m catching up with my longtime friend Katie from KSquaredReads, one half of the OG Bookstagram duo you’ve seen everywhere.We talk about her transition to BookTok, why cosplay has become her creative escape, and how the Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn completely reignited her love of monster romance. We also chat about the evolution of romance heroes—from the red-flag alpha males of 2016 to today’s morally-gray men and golden retrievers. If you’ve ever defended your love of dark romance, this one’s for you.📚 Books MentionedThe Orc Sworn Series by Finley Fenn — Buy on Amazon | Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon — Buy on Amazon | Shifter Romance | Audio ✅Ensnared (The Spider’s Mate Series) by Tiffany Roberts — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi / Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅The Hating Game by Sally Thorne — Buy on Amazon | Enemies to Lovers / Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering — Buy on Amazon | Toxic Relationship / Domestic Fiction | Audio ✅Credence by Penelope Douglas — Buy on Amazon | Dark Romance |  KU ✅ / Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps [00:00] – Catching up with Katie from KSquaredReads[02:00] – Wedding chaos & friendship with Kellisa[05:00] – How cosplay became her creative escape[08:00] – Fanfic eras & new obsessions[10:00] – The evolution of romance heroes[14:00] – Orc Sworn & monster romance recommendations[16:00] – Other monster romances: Ruby Dixon & Tiffany Roberts[17:00] – Where to find Katie onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.This episode originally aired 9/3/2024 If you’ve ever burned yourself out trying to make the holidays perfect, this episode will hit home. A Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth reminded me that joy doesn’t come from doing it all — it comes from slowing down and setting boundaries.In this re-air from the What to Read Next vault, I revisit my conversation with author Morgan Elizabeth — queen of small-town, feel-good rom-coms with early-2000s movie vibes. Before our chat, I share my reflections on A Bright Side of Christmas, a story about Wren, a teacher who embodies the Christmas spirit but loses herself to people-pleasing and burnout. This one hit me hard because I’ve been there — learning that saying “no” can be an act of self-care.Then, Morgan joins me to talk about her journey from blogger to bestselling rom-com author, her signature “vibes only” writing style, and why her books feel like pumpkin-spice-scented serotonin. If you’re craving small-town romance, pop-culture nostalgia, and cozy holiday feels, this episode is for you.📚 Books MentionedA Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Small Town, Teacher/Grumpy Neighbor | KU ✅Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Legally Blonde Vibes | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Mean Girls Inspired | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Passenger Princess by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Grumpy Bodyguard / Road Trip | KU ✅ / Audio ✅If This Was a Movie by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Friends to Lovers, Hallmark Vibes | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Marriage and Masti by Nisha Sharma — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | STEMinist Romance | People-Pleaser Heroine | Audio ✅Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Vacation Fling | Audio ✅Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Contemporary | Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Mom | Audio ✅⏰ Timestamps & Topics[00:00] — Why I’m re-airing this episode & my reflection on A Bright Side of Christmas[02:00] — How Wren’s burnout reminded me of my own people-pleasing years[04:00] — Morgan’s rom-com universe and the comfort of her small-town worlds[06:00] — Morgan’s journey from mom blogger to full-time author[08:00] — How “vibes-only” writing keeps her stories fun and cozy[09:00] — Where new readers should start with Morgan’s books[12:00] — The story behind Passenger Princess[14:00] — Writing holiday romances with heart and humor[15:00] — Morgan’s recent reads and author friends[17:00] — Why both...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when your mom spies on the neighbor—and he might be a murderer? Author Sheila Roberts joins me to chat about The Man Next Door, a cozy mystery–meets–women’s fiction read filled with humor, heart, and multigenerational relationships.In this episode, I sit down with longtime author Sheila Roberts to talk about her writing journey—from regency romances to her modern blend of women’s fiction and mystery. We chat about the joy of writing multi-generational women, the wisdom of aging, and how stories can help us face fears and grow stronger. Sheila also shares three books she’s loving right now, including a mouth-watering Italian escape and a thought-provoking AI thriller.📚Books Mentioned:The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts — Buy on Amazon | Women’s Fiction / Mystery / HumorThe Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden — Buy on Amazon | Magical Realism / Women’s Fiction | Audio ✅The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction / Women’s Fiction | Audio ✅Culpability by Bruce Holsinger— Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction / Thriller | Audio ✅⏰Time Stamps:[00:00] – Meet Sheila Roberts and how she became an author[03:00] – From regency romance to modern women’s fiction[06:00] – Writing strong heroines and facing fears[10:00] – How Sheila plots her stories (and keeps control!)[12:00] – The inspiration behind The Man Next Door[15:00] – Writing older women and multi-generational stories[18:00] – The joy and wisdom of aging[20:00] – Sheila’s current reading life[21:00] – Book recommendations you’ll want to add to your TBRJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us.Advertise With Us🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners. Audible