What to Read Next Podcast l Book Recommendation Show

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.In this week’s preview episode, we’re going full Stars Hollow life—think Gilmore Girls banter, cozy small-town charm, and just the right amount of romance. If you love the feeling of a Hallmark fall movie in book form, this one’s for you. We kick things off with Fall I Want by Lyra Parish, a grumpy/sunshine small-town romance set against crisp autumn days, pumpkin spice lattes, and fake-dating swoons—all available on Kindle Unlimited.This is just a taste of what you’ll find inside our new community podcast on Substack. Along with bonus episodes, you’ll also get quarterly meetups, virtual author panels, and a weekly mood-reading curated daylist to help you build the perfect TBR.Right now, you can lock in a 20% off forever annual subscription—just $48 for the year. Join us for cozy recs, community vibes, and your next favorite read.Sign up here!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

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Dreaming of your next Disney trip but not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m joined by Disney content creator and author Becky Gandillon, who blends her love of the parks with her background in data analytics to help travelers plan smarter, save money, and skip the overwhelm.Becky is the co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney World and shares insider tips on:Budget-friendly strategies for resorts and ticketsWhy the Disney Dining Plan isn’t worth it (and what to do instead)What’s new at the parks in 2025, from refreshed rides to new landsHow to enjoy Disney as a family, with friends, or even soloMust-read Disney books for fans of all ages📚 Books Mentioned (Disney Edition) The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2026 by Becky Gandillon with Bob Sehlinger and Len TestaThe Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger — Leadership lessons & behind-the-scenes at DisneyWomen of Walt Disney Imagineering by the Imagineers — Stories of 12 groundbreaking womenDream It! Do It! and Travels with Figment by Marty Sklar — Insights from a Disney legend⏰ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & introduction to Becky Gandillon[02:00] How Becky got started with Disney + data[05:00] Disney trip planning made simple (budget + strategies)[08:30] Saving on resorts: Priceline, Airbnb, and DVC rentals[13:00] Dining at Disney: Why the Dining Plan doesn’t add up[16:00] Food & Wine Festival + new restaurant & parade updates[20:00] Beacon Barrel lounge opening at Magic Kingdom[21:00] Becky’s Disney book recommendations[24:00] Why Disney content creators make the parks more fun[25:00] Where to follow Becky online✨ Follow Becky: Instagram → @raisingminniemes  Blog → Touring Plans: Disney Data DumpJoin 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...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Nonfiction doesn’t have to be intimidating—or boring. In this episode, I’m joined by Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast, to talk about the changing book landscape, how she built her long-running show, and why nonfiction can be just as binge-worthy as your favorite romcom.We dive into trends in publishing, the rise of BookTok, and why Traci believes there’s a nonfiction book for everyone. She shares practical tips for finding the right style of nonfiction for your taste, her favorite starter recommendations, and how to embrace memoirs, microhistories, and narrative nonfiction.📚 Books Mentioned A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhurst — Genre: Survival Nonfiction | Reads like a novelAllow Me to Retort by Elie Mystal — Genre: Law, Politics | Audio ✅Bad Company by Megan Greenwell — Genre: Business, Private Equity | Audio ✅There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone— Genre: Social Issues | Audio ✅Evicted by Matthew Desmond — Genre: Sociology, Housing | Audio ✅Open Book by Jessica Simpson — Genre: Memoir | Audio ✅The Woman in Me by Britney Spears (narrated by Michelle Williams) — Genre: Memoir | Audio ✅Heavy by Kiese Laymon — Genre: Memoir | Audio ✅Paved Paradise by Henry Grabar — Genre: Microhistory (Parking) | Audio ✅Shade by Michelle Nijhuis — Genre: Microhistory (Public Spaces) | Audio ✅Selling Sexy by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez — Genre: Business, Fashion History | Audio ✅The Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock — Genre: Business, Fashion History | Audio ✅🕑 Time Stamps00:00 — Traci’s podcasting origin story and The Stacks03:00 — Shifts in publishing and BookTok trends06:00 — Diversity, representation, and trans authors09:00 — What to expect from The Stacks Podcast12:00 — How Traci picks book club selections14:00 — Publishers vs. audience-first book content18:00 — The role of influencers in book discovery22:00 — Why Traci champions nonfiction24:00 — How to pick a nonfiction book you’ll love27:00 — Keywords that reveal nonfiction styles28:00 — Starter nonfiction recommendations31:00 — Business, microhistories, and niche nonfiction33:00 — Gossip, culture, and memoirs35:00 — Where to find Traci online✨ Follow Traci Thomas:

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.This interview was initially published February 14, 2022A moody island, missing girls, and a grumpy bard? Today, we revisit my 2022 chat with Rebecca Ross about her adult fantasy debut, River Enchanted, her writing journey, and the twisty books she loves.Recorded in February 2022 (before the release of Divine Rivals), this conversation is perfect if you’re curious about Rebecca’s path from YA to adult fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, multi-POV storytelling, and backlist recs you can snag from your library.📚 Books MentionedRiver Enchanted by Rebecca Ross — Buy on Amazon | Adult Fantasy | Audio ✅The Fifth Season (Broken Earth #1) by N.K. Jemisin — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | Audio ✅Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary YA | Audio ✅Lumatere Chronicles (trilogy) by Melina Marchetta — Buy on Amazon | Fantasy | Audio ✅The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black — Buy on Amazon | YA Fantasy | Audio ✅(Note: Episode recorded before Divine Rivals; not discussed in this interview.)⏳Time Stamps 00:00 – Why this replay + context01:00 – Rebecca’s origin story & love of fantasy02:00 – Life updates, routines, and creativity03:00 – The seamless shift: YA → Adult fantasy05:00 – Pitching River Enchanted in one line06:00 – Musical magic, rivals-to-partners, missing girls07:00 – The island as character: setting that drives plot08:00 – Multi-POV strategy & adding Adaira’s voice10:00 – Reading while drafting on deadlines11:00 – Theme: books with jaw-drop reveals12:00 – The Fifth Season: structure & scope13:00 – Jellicoe Road: dual narratives that click14:00 – The Cruel Prince: political intrigue masterclass15:00 – Where to follow Rebecca + playlists16:00 – Outro & next readsJoin 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...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Star-crossed lovers, time loops, and letters that change everything. In this episode, Anastasia drops four recs where love defies lifetimes—perfect for readers craving angst, magic, and lyrical feels.We chat Bookstagram, Tampa’s Sip & Book Club, why libraries are a reader’s best friend, and a mini-tour through soulmate-through-time stories: from war-torn timelines to typewriter love letters and a cliffhanger-filled fairytale. Cozy-fantasy curious? YA at heart? Romance-first? There’s a book here for you.📚 Books Mentioned Our Infinite Fate by Laura Steven — Buy on Amazon | YA Fantasy, Reincarnation, Star-Crossed | Audio ✅ / KU ✅This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Novella, Enemies-to-Lovers, Epistolary | Audio ✅Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross — Buy on Amazon | Historical-tinged Fantasy Romance, Rivals-to-Lovers, Epistolary | Audio ✅/ KU ✅Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber — Buy on Amazon | YA Fantasy, Dark Fairytale, Morally-Gray MMC | Audio ✅Timestamps00:00 — Meet Anastasia + Tampa Sip & Book Club (social + bookish vibes)02:00 — Reading tastes: seasonal cozies, thrillers, and mood-reading04:30 — Library love: audiobooks, holds, and hidden gems07:00 — Theme: “Soulmates Through Time” + Rec #1 Our Infinite Fate09:00 — Rec #2 This Is How You Lose the Time War (why audio shines)12:00 — Rec #3 Divine Rivals (rivals, typewriters, and gods at war)15:00 — Rec #4 Once Upon a Broken Heart (fast-paced, bingeable)17:00 — Adjacent vibes: lyrical, whimsical, a dash of darkness19:00 — Reading today vs. the dystopia era; picking palate cleansers20:30 — Where to find Anastasia + wrap-upJoin 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

Originally published July 21, 2022Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.What happens when a legendary romance author daydreams in church and accidentally plots a thriller? In this archival interview, Julie Garwood shares the surprising sparks behind fan-favorite books, her love of Scottish settings, and why she only ever kills the bad guys.We trace Julie’s start from a serendipitous Russian history class to medieval romances, the Buchanan family across centuries, and the real-life moment that inspired Heartbreaker. You’ll also hear how Grace Under Fire came together, plus the comfort-read philosophy that guided her work. Perfect for romance, romantic-suspense, and cozy-mystery readers who love HEAs and strong heroines.Note: This conversation was originally recorded in July 2022 while Julie was promoting her last published novel, Grace Under Fire. Julie Garwood passed away in the summer of 2023. We are honored to share her words and celebrate her legacy.📚 Books Mentioned Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance (Medieval)For the Roses by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Western Historical RomanceHeartbreaker by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense; Buchanan seriesThe Secret by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance; Scottish HighlandsRansom by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance; Scottish HighlandsThe Ideal Man by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Romantic SuspenseGrace Under Fire by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense; Buchanan seriesA Girl Named Summer by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | YA/Contemporary; family dynamicsWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens — Buy on Amazon | Literary/Coming-of-Age Mystery (Julie’s TBR)⏱️ Time Stamps [00:00] – Welcome + co-host Addie; Julie’s early writing roots[01:00] – A Russian history class that sparked medieval romance love[04:00] – First sale: A Girl Named Summer and YA origins[07:00] – Western pivot with For the Roses; writing where the story fits[08:00] – London church “I know” sermon → the seed for Heartbreaker[11:00] – Buchanan family: from medieval (The Secret, Ransom) to modern RS[12:00] – The Ideal Man: opening scene, plotting while at T-ball games[14:00] – Football story, daydreaming → segue to Grace Under Fire[15:00] – Grace Under Fire: setup,...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Ice-princess heroines, business rivals-to-lovers, and the case for rediscovering historical romance—today Aurora Palit joins us to talk Sunshine & Spice and her spicy new standalone, Honey & Heat.We dig into how Aurora writes deliciously awkward meet-cutes, why “hotter, sooner” worked for Honey & Heat, and a mini masterclass on historical romance: the BookTok slump, gateway recs, and the authors who still slap. Plus: Sherry Thomas pining, Loretta Chase perfection, and a love letter to Julie Garwood.📚Books MentionedSunshine & Spice by Aurora Palit — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Fake Dating, Bengali rep  |  Audio ✅Honey & Heat by Aurora Palit — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Workplace Rivals, Heavier Spice  |  Audio ✅Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance, Longing/Marriage of Convenience |  Audio ✅Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers | Audio ✅The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance, Found Family Caper | Audio ✅Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance, Rogues, “Cinnamon Roll Inside” Hero | Audio ✅Ransom by Julie Garwood — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance, Adventure, Mystery Thread | Audio ✅Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas — Start with A Study in Scarlet Women | Historical Mystery/Romance Adjacent | Audio ✅ Timestamps [00:00] Intro + Aurora in Alberta; 2-book overview (Sunshine & Spice; Honey & Heat)[02:00] Debut rundown: Sunshine & Spice—Bengali rep, fake dating, brand-revamp plot[04:00] Honey & Heat—one-night past, workplace rivals, “hotter and sooner” spice notes[06:00[ Why write romance? Meet-cutes, character-first drafting, loving the cringe[10:00] State of historical romance: BookTok trends, KU economics, reissues/rewrites[16:00] Recs: Sherry Thomas’s Ravishing the Heiress (emo pining masterclass)[18:00] Recs: Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels (required reading!)[19:30] Recs: Erica Ridley’s The Duke Heist (found family fun)[21:00] Recs: Sarah MacLean’s Wicked and the Wallflower (hard shell, soft center hero)[22:30] Recs: Julie Garwood’s Ransom + WTRN’s past Garwood interview note[24:30] Lady Sherlock shoutout + covers, stigma then vs. now[26:30] Where to find Aurora; release week reminder; wrap-upJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Longing can lead us to unexpected places. In this intimate conversation, literary agent–turned–debut author Samantha Browning Shea unpacks the themes behind her novel Marrow—from fertility and “wellness” culture to coming home, belonging, and the power (and danger) of wanting something deeply.We also go behind the scenes of agent life: what submissions actually look like, how editorial advocacy works after a book sells, and why your author–agent relationship matters just as much as your editor. Samantha closes with thoughtful book recs if you loved the emotional core of Marrow.📚 Books Mentioned Marrow by Samantha Browning Shea — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Climate | Audio ✅Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Eco-Thriller | Audio ✅Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary Suspense | Audio ✅The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett — Buy on Amazon | Upmarket/Literary | Audio ✅House of Beth by Kerry Cullen— Buy on Amazon | Literary/Upmarket | Audio ✅A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar — Buy on Amazon | Speculative/Upmarket | Audio ✅The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan — Buy on Amazon | Dystopian/Upmarket | Audio ✅ ⏱️ Time Stamps[00:00 – 01:10] Meet Samantha Browning Shea & the Marrow elevator pitch.[01:10 – 06:30] Longing, belonging, and the messy math of wanting a life.[03:30 – 08:30] Infertility, wellness culture, and predatory “solutions.”[07:30 – 10:30] Groupthink, cult dynamics, and influencer authority.[10:30 – 12:30] From abandoned projects to writing Marrow in the pandemic.[12:30 – 18:30] Agent life 101: editorial work, freedom, and building lists.[16:00 – 18:30] What “on submission” really means.[19:00 – 23:30] How much reading agents do (and the advocacy after a deal).[24:00 – 26:30] Samantha’s reading recs if you loved Marrow.[26:30 – end] Where to find Samantha online + outro.Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube:

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Messy reality TV chat turns into a smart, warm conversation about disability representation in romance. Laura and Becky from Buzzing About Romance share go-to authors, tropes, and why authentic, own-voices rep matters.In this episode, we talk about how disability and mental health are portrayed on the page (beyond “love cures all”), the rise of neurodivergent heroines and heroes, chronic illness storylines, mobility device users, and thoughtful depictions of PTSD, OCD, dyslexia, Menière’s disease, and more—plus a stack of recs across indie and trad romance. Perfect for readers building an inclusive, feel-good TBR.📚 Books Mentioned Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Limb difference rep | Audio ✅Next of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Found family | Audio ✅The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Autism rep | Audio ✅Knitting in the City/Green Valley (selected titles) by Penny Reid — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Neurodivergent repLizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Mental health & neurodivergent repUnsteady by Peyton Corinne — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Vertigo/Menière’s & hearing loss | Audio ✅Unloved by Peyton Corinne — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Dyslexia rep | Audio ✅Inscrutable Mr. Yang by Lindo Forbes — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Social anxiety repHolding (St. Louis Hockey) by Alexandria House — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance | Bipolar rep | Audio ✅Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Anxiety & depression rep | Audio ✅My True Love by Melissa Foster — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Amputee + PTSD rep | Audio ✅Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Wheelchair user rep | Audio ✅The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | C-PTSD rep | Audio ✅⏱️ Time Stamps (Topics)[00:00] – Welcome + intro to Becky & Buzzing About Romance[01:00] – Nicknames, Bravo chat, Vanderpump & Below Deck detour[08:00] – Today’s focus: disability rep...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.This episode originally aired on February 11, 2023. Canadian small-town romance author Elsie Silver joins us to chat about her writing journey, her beloved Chestnut Springs series, and the books she can’t stop recommending.We talk about how she went from academic editor to bestselling romance author, why found families and ranch life inspire her stories, and what makes Powerless such a standout childhood friends-to-lovers romance. Elsie also shares her favorite romance reads—from angsty audiobooks to hilarious banter-filled contemporaries—that will definitely add to your TBR.📚 Books MentionedLove and Other Words by Christina Lauren — Buy on Amazon | Friends to Lovers | Audio ✅ Deal with the Devil (Devil series) by Elizabeth O’Rourke — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅/ Audio ✅ Darling Venom by Parker S. Huntington — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅/ Audio ✅ Maestro by Auden Dar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary, Angsty Romance | KU ✅/ Audio ✅🕒 Timestamps[00:00] – Meet Elsie Silver & her writing journey[03:00] – From passion project to self-publishing success[04:30] – The Chestnut Springs series explained[06:00] – Trope breakdown of Powerless[08:30] – Elsie’s romance reading life and early book memories[09:30] – Book recommendations she loves right now[11:00] – Where to find Elsie online👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more romance book recommendations! ✨ More book lists & guides on the blog: whattoreadnextblog.com 💌 Join our Substack for exclusive Kindle Unlimited recs: wtrnblog.substack.comMentioned 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

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.In today’s conversation, Laura chats with Jason Blitman of the Gays Reading podcast about how he went from a non-reader to a passionate book podcaster as an adult. They talk about the joy of discovering books that speak to your identity, the overwhelm of re-entering the book world, and how reading as an adult is different—and better—than it was in school. If you’ve ever said, “I want to read more,” but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you.📚 Books MentionedFind Me by André Aciman — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, LGBTQ+ | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, LGBTQ+ | KU ❌ / Audio ✅A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅How I Paid for College by Marc Acito — Buy on Amazon | Queer Coming-of-Age, Humor | KU  ❌  / Audio ✅The Nix by Nathan Hill — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Audition by Katie Kitamura — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Intimacies by Katie Kitamura — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel — Buy on Amazon | Speculative Literary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson — Buy on Amazon | Family Drama | KU ❌ / Audio ✅Death of the Author by Aidan Marchine — Buy on Amazon | Thriller |  KU ❌ / Audio ✅⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] - Welcome & Guest Intro: Jason from Gays Reading[01:00] - Jason's Journey: From Non-Reader to Book Podcasterp[02:00] - Discovering the Joy of Author Conversations[03:00]- Reading as an Adult: Freedom, Pleasure & Identity[04:00] - Overcoming Book Overwhelm with ARCs[05:00] - Gateway Book: Find Me by André Aciman[06:00] - First Adult Rec: A Visit from the Goon Squad[07:00] - A Queer Coming-of-Age Classic: How I Paid for College[09:00] - Monetizing the Hobby & Becoming a Podcaster[10:00] - Discovering Genre Preferences: The Nix & Homegoing[12:00] - Reading with Intention & Author Interviews[14:00] - Why Knowing Authors Deepens Book Appreciation[15:00] - Jason’s Favorite Interviews &...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.What happens when fat joy meets sports romance? Author and podcaster Kelly Reynolds joins me to talk about why plus-size characters in romance—especially sports romance—matter more than ever.We chat about the politics of body representation, how romance can normalize diverse body types, and Kelly’s own baseball romance series. Kelly also shares plenty of book recs—from rugby poly romances to fat girl hockey series—that will expand your TBR with joyful, body-positive reads.📚 Books Mentioned Hit It and Quit It by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅Pitches Be Crazy by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅All Bats Are Off by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅Addicted to Glove by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅Every Move You Make by Sloan Spencer — Buy on Amazon | Rugby, Why-Choose Poly Romance | KU ✅No Cooldown for Love by Aliyah Burke — Buy on Amazon | Basketball, Interracial Romance  | KU ✅Stumped by Anna P — Buy on Amazon | Cricket, Age Gap Romance | South Asian repThe Game by Leonor Soliz — Buy on Amazon | Football, Grumpy QB/PR Manager Romance | KU ✅The Cock Down the Block by Amy Awards — Buy on Amazon | Football Romance, Plus Size Heroine  | KU ✅Pucking Around series by Emily Rath — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romance (Book 2 heroine plus size) | KU ✅Conner (Glendale Magic Series) by Mary Warren — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romance, Plus Size Heroine⏱️ Time Stamps[00:00] Intro & Kelly’s writing journey[06:00] Why plus size romance is political (and joyful)[12:00] Body neutrality, fat rep & realism in romance[15:00] Kelly’s baseball romances (plus size heroines)[17:30] Rugby polyamorous romance rec[19:00] Basketball romance rec[21:00] Cricket romance rec[22:00] Football grumpy QB/PR romance rec[24:00] Hockey series with fat heroines[26:00] Fat Girls in Fiction & community resources[29:00] Kelly’s holiday romances and upcoming projects🎧 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes: wtrnblog.substack.comMentioned 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...

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Ready to escape into feel-good, spicy romance reads with a side of reality TV gossip? You’re going to love today’s episode.In this episode, Laura chats with Canadian romance author Ellie K. Wilde about her book Only Between Us, her obsession with reality TV (hello Love Island and Vanderpump Rules), and why she’s excited to write a surfing romance with a female athlete lead. We also get into why sometimes the best reads are ones with green flag men and laugh-out-loud moments.📚 Books MentionedOnly Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance | KU ✅ Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli — Buy on Amazon | Workplace Romance, Contemporary |Audio ✅ Winging It With You by Chip Pons — Buy on Amazon | Fake Dating, Reality TV Romance | Audio ✅⏱️ Time Stamps[00:00] Meet Ellie K. Wilde and her writing journey[01:00] Why her books are the perfect Zoom scroll antidote[03:00] Only Between Us and green flag book boyfriends[04:30] Her reading and writing inspo from reality TV[05:30] Vanderpump Rules, Love Island, and the golden era of reality TV[10:00] Romance reading tastes: thrillers, fantasy, and HEAs[11:30] Upcoming surfing romance with a female athlete[13:00] Book recs: Nisha J. Tuli and Chip Pons[14:00] Where to find Ellie online📣 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes: wtrnblog.substack.com 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

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Get your TBR ready for the messy, fascinating world of multilevel marketing. In this episode, Laura shares her comfort-watch obsession with anti‑MLM commentary and rounds up fiction and nonfiction reads that unpack pyramid schemes, wellness grifts, and the hustle‑culture mindset.You’ll learn what makes MLMs so seductive (and so costly), how “affiliate” pivots still mirror recruitment models, and the book-and-audio picks that read like page‑turners. Expect romance, cozy mysteries, and investigative nonfiction—plus audiobook recs and a few library/KU tips.📚 Books MentionedHow to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin — Buy on Amazon | Romance, Contemporary | Audio ✅The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery, PTA Sleuth | Audio ✅Death in the Downline by Maria Abrams — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth | Audio ✅Homemaker by Ruthie Knox & Annie Mare — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery | KU ✅ / Audio ✅Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Memoir/Investigative | Audio ✅Selling the Dream by Jane Marie — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Business/Culture | Audio ✅Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Cultural History | Audio ✅⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro: recording setup, why anti‑MLM content is a comfort watch01:00 MLM 101: why most people lose money; pyramid/Ponzi dynamics04:00 The MLM pivot: Beachbody → BODi, shutdowns, rebrands & new schemes05:00 Course‑resell (MRRR) trend & “made $$$ from my phone” promises06:00 Recovery & reading as an escape; upcoming guest (ex‑BODi)08:00 Romance pick: How to Sell a Romance (investigative journaling meets MLM)12:00 Cozy mystery: The Game Is Afoot (self‑care “community,” recruitment vibes)14:00 Cozy mystery: Death in the Downline (inside an MLM—then murder)15:00 KU pick: Homemaker (moms, money, and MLM elements)16:00 Nonfiction: Hey, Hun (inside the machine; friendships, money, recovery)17:00 Nonfiction: Selling the Dream + “The Dream” podcast; notable MLM figures20:00 Nonfiction: Little Bosses Everywhere (history of hustle & schemes)21:00 Fraud mindset: why schemes persist & how reading helps22:00 Outro: rate/review/subscribe🎧 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes:

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.This episode originally aired in March 30, 2023. Craving literary fiction that still scratches your romance itch? This episode is your cozy bridge between genres.Laura Anne Bird joins Laura to share beautifully written, emotionally satisfying novels with unforgettable heroines, deep friendships, and just enough love to keep romance readers turning pages.You’ll hear why these picks feel approachable (not intimidating!), how they honor big feelings and found family, and where they overlap with today’s rom-dram trends. Expect nuanced characters, heart-healing endings, and book-club-ready discussion vibes.📚 Books MentionedAll This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, Friendship, Millennial Life | Audio ✅Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Friendship Epic, Creativity | Audio ✅The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell — Buy on Amazon | Historical Literary, Power, Survival | Audio ✅The Sentence by Louise Erdrich — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Literary, Indigenous MC, Bookstore | Audio ✅This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub — Buy on Amazon | Time Travel, Family, Second Chances | Audio ✅Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus — Buy on Amazon | Women-in-STEM, 1960s, Found Family | Audio ✅Crossing the Pressure Line by Laura Ann Bird — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade, Adventure, Outdoors⏱️ Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome back + midlife pep talk03:00 Why lit fic works for romance readers (representation, big feelings)05:00 All This Could Be Different — messy 20s & found family09:00 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — love without romance12:00 The Marriage Portrait — historical stakes + female friendship15:00 The Sentence — bookstore life, 2020, tender marriage core18:00 This Time Tomorrow — time travel, father–daughter heart21:30 Lessons in Chemistry — women-in-STEM sparkle24:00 Where to follow Laura Bird + show wrapJoin our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38) Mentioned in this episode:🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell...