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.What My Reading Taste Actually Looks Like (and Why I Let Go of Goals)What happens when you stop chasing trends, ditch reading streaks, and finally admit what you don’t like to read? In this off-the-cuff solo episode, I’m talking honestly about my reading taste reset — what 2025 taught me, what I’m leaving behind, and how I’m shaping my reading life heading into 2026.I’m sharing how cozy mysteries pulled me out of burnout, why I stopped forcing genres that don’t work for me (hello, fantasy), and how setting gentle boundaries helped me read more — and actually enjoy it again. If you’ve been stuck in decision paralysis, overwhelmed by recommendations, or quietly falling out of love with reading, this episode is for you.📚 What I Talk About in This EpisodeWhy 2025 became a “taste discovery” year instead of a goal-driven oneLetting go of fantasy, high-stress thrillers, and reading guiltFalling hard for cozy mysteries, millennial mysteries, and mystery rom-comsWhy pop-culture nonfiction works when fiction doesn’tHow I use boundaries (not rules) to choose what to read nextWhy I broke up with Goodreads, streaks, and daily reading pressureReading like meditation: consistency over perfectionWhat you’ll see more (and less) of from me going forward⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Why I needed a reading reset[02:00] From romance burnout to cozy mysteries[04:00] Decision paralysis & setting reading boundaries[06:00] What romance still works for me (and what doesn’t)[08:00] Mysteries, millennial sleuths & cozy trends[10:00] Genres I’m stepping away from[12:00] Pop-culture nonfiction & reading curiosity[14:00] Letting go of Goodreads & reading streaks[16:00] Reading for joy, not numbers[18:00] How I plan my reading without overwhelm📣 Call to ActionWant the journal prompts I use to define my reading taste — plus curated Kindle Unlimited gems, library tips, and bonus podcast content?👉 Join my free Substack at whattoreadnextblog.com

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a former newspaper crime reporter turns her real-life investigative instincts into pulse-pounding fiction? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Griffin to talk about crime fiction, small-town mysteries, and the real-world research that makes her thrillers feel terrifyingly real.We dig into Laura’s journey from journalism to romantic suspense and thrillers, how she researches police work and cold cases, and why setting Innocence Road in a remote West Texas town inspired by Marfa added an entirely new layer of tension. If you love smart thrillers, layered investigations, and books that reward close readers, this episode is for you.📚 Books Mentioned Innocence Road by Laura Griffin — Crime Thriller | Cold Case | Small-Town MysteryWe Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter — Psychological ThrillerWhile It Was Snowing by Julia London — Holiday Rom-ComAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Literary Suspense / Emotional Drama⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Laura Griffin’s journalism background[01:30] Researching police work & crime scenes[03:00] Why West Texas inspired Innocence Road[06:30] Pacing suspense & planting clues[09:00] Romantic suspense vs. thrillers[12:00] What Laura Griffin loves to read[14:00] Book recommendations for thriller fansJoin 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.What happens when a romance author leans fully into the dark, twisty world of thrillers—but keeps the emotional payoff readers crave? In this episode, I’m joined by Mia Sheridan to talk about her evolution from emotional romance to romantic thrillers—and why this hybrid genre works so well for readers who want suspense and heart.We dig into her latest release The Fix, how she builds layered mysteries with romantic soft landings, and why trauma-forward stories can still be deeply comforting when handled with care. We also rewind to some unforgettable ’90s reading staples that shaped her as a reader and writer.If you love popcorn thrillers, romantic suspense, or books that push you forward while still offering hope, this episode is for you.📚 Books Mentioned The Fix by Mia Sheridan — Romantic Thriller | KU ✅ The Road by Cormac McCarthy — Literary Dystopian FictionThe Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough — Epic Romance / Family Saga The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver — Literary FictionAngela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt — Memoir / Literary Nonfiction⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & Mia Sheridan’s genre journey[02:00] What defines a romantic thriller[03:30] Inside The Fix (spoiler-free premise)[06:00] Writing trauma-heavy stories as an author[08:30] Why romance provides a “soft place to land”[09:30] Reading tastes & genre flexibility[12:00] ’90s books that shaped a reader[18:30] Where to find Mia 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!

Reading should be fun… so why does choosing your next book sometimes feel impossible? In this Group Chat episode, I’m joined by Amy and Sarah for an honest conversation about how our reading lives have evolved — and how we actually choose what to read now.We talk about reading paralysis, juggling ARCs and backlist titles, the joy of cozy mysteries, why Goodreads ratings don’t tell the whole story, and how libraries, audiobooks, and Kindle Unlimited completely changed the way we read. If you’ve ever stared at your TBR feeling overwhelmed instead of excited, this episode is for you.⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Welcome + reading apps & Pagebound[01:00] Reading paralysis & year-end overwhelm[02:00] Short holiday audiobooks that actually work[05:00] Reading before Bookstagram[07:00] Cozy mysteries & Chick Lit nostalgia[10:00] Finding reading community online[13:00] Virgin River & audiobook obsession[16:00] Trusting reading taste (not star ratings)[19:00] When a 3-star book is perfect[22:00] Mood reading vs forcing yourself[26:00] Backlist reading as burnout recovery[29:00] Why fantasy doesn’t work for everyone[32:00] How we organize (or don’t) our TBRs[36:00] Library browsing as self-care[38:00] Letting go of “must finish” reading guiltJoin 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!

What if Goodreads and Reddit had a baby—and it was actually fun to use?In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Zhao and Jennifer Dobak, the co-founders of Pagebound, a beautifully designed, reader-first book tracking app that brings back the joy of talking about books while you’re reading them.We talk about why they built Pagebound as a community—not an algorithm—how anonymous discussion makes reading feel safer and more fun, and why gamified reading challenges (hello, sparkly badges ✨) are helping readers rediscover their love of books. If you’ve ever felt burned out by Goodreads, overwhelmed by BookTok, or just want real conversations with other readers, this episode is for you.🔗 Try PageboundWeb: https://pagebound.coApp: Search Pagebound – Social Book Tracker in your app store⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Why I broke up with Goodreads[02:00] Meet the Pagebound founders[04:30] What makes Pagebound different[06:00] Talking about books while reading[08:00] Mood reading & finding reading twins[10:00] Lists, human recs, and no algorithms[11:30] Quests, badges & gamification[13:00] Importing Goodreads & StoryGraph[14:30] Supporting Pagebound & Royalty[15:30] Why Pagebound uses Substack[17:00] How to get started with PageboundJoin 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!

This episode originally aired September 21, 2020. Yes, this was Rachel Reid's very first podcast interview. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when you take one of the most toxic masculinity sports cultures in the world—and rewrite it with tenderness, queer joy, and emotional honesty? 🏒💖In this retro What to Read Next author interview, I’m joined by my friend Amanda (from Escape from a Book) to chat with romance author Rachel Reid, the creator of the beloved Game Changers hockey romance series.We talk about Rachel’s lifelong love of hockey, why she wanted to challenge toxic masculinity in sports romance, and how Heated Rivalry broke every romance “rule” and somehow became a fan favorite anyway. Rachel also opens up about writing sex scenes with purpose, representing mental health and anxiety on the page, and what’s coming next—including Common Goal, Role Model, and the long-awaited sequel to Heated Rivalry.📚 Books Mentioned Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid — Rivals-to-lovers | Sports Romance | QueerGame Changer by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | QueerTough Guy by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Mental Health RepCommon Goal by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Bisexual RepRole Model by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Redemption ArcThe Long Game by Rachel Reid — Sequel to Heated Rivalry | Established CoupleTwo Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian — Historical Queer RomanceThe Last Kiss by Sally Malcolm — WWI Historical Queer Romance | KU ✅Spellbound by Allie Therin — Historical Fantasy Romance⏱️ Episode Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro to Rachel Reid[02:00] From hockey fan to published romance author[06:00] Why queer hockey romance matters[09:00] Writing Heated Rivalry & breaking romance rules[13:00] Mental health & toxic masculinity in sports[15:00] Crafting unforgettable sex...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Tropical Christmas romance, but make it mermaids + bartenders + island chaos. In this episode, I’m chatting with Lizzie Stanley, Natalie Parker, and Christina Berry about their Merry Mermaids holiday novella series—aka the underserved niche of Christmas reads where nobody is pretending it’s snowing.We get into how they built a shared rom-com universe around The Salty Palms (a bar where “Happy Mermaid Hour” is absolutely a thing), plus what makes each novella hit: insta-love-turned-slow-burn injuries, reverse grumpy/sunshine with a town “bitch” heroine, and a marriage of convenience featuring ace-spectrum rep and a yacht-owning boat captain. 📚 Books Mentioned Seas & Greetings by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | KU ✅Tropical Tidings by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com |  KU ✅Jingle Shells by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | KU ✅Fast and Dirty by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Rom-Com | KU ✅Lavender Moon by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Small Town Romance | KU ✅Hearts of Texas (series) by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Firefighter Rom-Com | KU ✅Lost in Austin (series) by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ (mentioned upcoming)That Perfect Fit by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Short Rom-Com | KU ✅Wishbone Tattoo (series) by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Romance Series | KU ✅Still by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Romance (Wishbone world spinoff) | KU ✅⏱️Time Stamps[00:00] Welcome + why tropical Christmas is underrated[00:01] Meet the authors + how they all became writing besties[00:04] Building the shared universe: The Salty Palms + Happy Mermaid Hour[00:06] Seas & Greetings pitch (insta-love → slow burn via injuries)[00:08] Tropical Tidings pitch (reverse grumpy/sunshine + sheriff crush)[00:10] Jingle Shell pitch (marriage of convenience + ace-spectrum rep)[00:14] Where to start in Natalie’s backlist (Fast and Dirty + more)[00:18] Where to start in Christina’s backlist (Hearts of Texas, Lost in Austin)[00:19] Where to start in Lizzie’s backlist (That Perfect Fit, Wishbone Tattoo)[00:26] Writing friendship + character crossovers + future collab ideas[00:29] Where to find each author onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Small-town Christmas chaos + rom-com hijinks? Yes, please. In this episode, I’m joined by romance author Erin Nicholas to talk holiday books, audio “girlie” life, and her newest festive romcom, Merry Mayhem.Erin’s been publishing since 2009/2010 (and has 70–80+ books… she’s lost count in the best way). We get into how the romance industry has shifted from the “dark ages” of early ebooks to today’s audio boom, plus why small towns hit peak magic at Christmas.📚 Books Mentioned Merry Mayhem by Erin Nicholas — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romcom, Small Town | KU ✅ Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild by Erin Nicholas — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Romcom Series | KU ✅ / Audio ✅In a Rush by Kate Canterbary — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Shucked by Kate Canterbary — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Romance, Fish-Out-of-Water | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Copper Valley Thrusters by Pippa Grant — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romcom Series | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance (Golf) | Audio ✅Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland — Buy on Amazon | Romcom | KU ✅ / Audio ✅A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards — Buy on Amazon | Mafia Rom-Com | KU ✅ ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Meet Erin Nicholas + 16 years in romance[00:01] Industry shifts: early ebooks → Kindle → 2020 romance boom[00:02] Erin’s origin story: writing since childhood + first publishing path[00:07] Audio “girlie” life + cozy mysteries at bedtime[00:08] Merry Mayhem setup: holiday competition + romcom chaos[00:09] Writing Christmas in September (peppermint mocha + Mariah)[00:10] Why small towns feel extra magical at Christmas[00:12] Where to start with Erin’s backlist + Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild[00:14] Erin’s romcom recs (Kate Canterbary, Pippa Grant, Tessa Bailey, etc.)[00:18] The wildest rec: My Favorite Kidnapper[00:19] Mafia romcom chat + A Love Most Fatal[00:22] Where to find Erin onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.A holiday romance for people who hate the holidays? Yes, please. In this episode, I’m hanging out with romance author Natasha Madison to talk messy Christmas travel, big-family chaos, and why a happily-ever-after matters—even in true crime.Natasha and I also get into how romance trends have shifted (alpha heroes, golden retrievers, dark romance, and the whole “tropes-everywhere” era), plus the comfort reads she’ll never stop recommending. If you’ve ever wanted a holiday book that doesn’t feel like a Hallmark script—or you’ve got thoughts about how romance marketing has changed—this one’s for you.📚 Books Mentioned Holiday Unscripted by Natasha Madison — Buy on Amazon | Holiday romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Golden Trail by Kristen Ashley — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary romance (second chance vibes) | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary romance (alpha hero) | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Welcome + “wait… people read my books?!”[00:05] Romance covers then vs. now (Fabio era!)[00:06] True crime rules: it MUST be solved[00:06] Reality TV chat: TLC, Sister Wives, Love Island[00:13] Holiday Unscripted setup: stranded heroine + forced proximity[00:16] Writing Christmas in May (and hating every second)[00:17] Holiday expectations, big family logistics, and gift burnout[00:22] Natasha’s comfort read: Golden Trail by Kristen Ashley[00:24] Alpha heroes vs. golden retrievers vs. dark romance extremes[00:29] Trope-ification + writing ahead of trends[00:34] Where to find Natasha 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. Audible

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a former Harlequin author turns indie, builds a direct sales empire, and writes an entire series about small-town single dads? In this episode, I sit down with contemporary romance author Amy Knupp to talk about the business of romance and her cozy, Christmasy small-town world.We chat about Amy’s journey from writing category romance for Harlequin to going fully indie, how she uses direct sales and Shopify to connect with readers, and why she loves writing emotional, character-driven small-town stories. Then we dive into her Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series and her new Christmas romance Single Wish, featuring a grumpy Christmas tree farmer, a reformed mean girl, and a delicious second-chance enemies-to-lovers arc set in a Tennessee lake town.📚 Books MentionedSingled Out by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance | Audio ✅Single All the Way by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Friends-to-Lovers |  Audio ✅Single Wish by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance, Holiday Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers | Audio ✅Bootleg Springs (series) by Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley — Buy on Amazon | Small-Town Romance, Romantic Comedy, Light Mystery Threads | KU ✅ / Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps[00:00] – Meet Amy Knupp[02:00] – From Llamas to Harlequin[02:30] – What Category Romance Really Is[05:00] – Learning to Revise Like a Pro[07:00] – Going Indie & Finding Creative Freedom[08:30] – The Indie Boom She Missed[10:00] – Treating Publishing Like a Business[11:30] – Why Amy Publishes Wide[12:00] – Direct Sales 101[15:00] – Audiobooks Beyond Audible[16:00] – Why Buying Direct Helps Everyone[18:30] – How to Find Authors Who Sell Direct[19:30] – Signed Books & Pretty Packaging[20:30] – Welcome to Dragonfly Lake[22:00] – Inside Single Wish[23:30] – Enemies to Lovers + Secret Pasts[24:30] – Reading Order & More Holiday Books[25:30] – Book Recs from Amy[27:00] – Where to Find Amy 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. Audible

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