What To Read Next Podcast

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.

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-s

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 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.

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.I’m declaring the holiday season officially open—starting November 1. After a tough year and a long reading slump, I decided to chase joy early this year with one thing that never fails to cheer me up: holiday romances.In this kickoff episode of my holiday reading season, I share why I’m leaning hard into cozy Christmas books this November, how I’m rebuilding my relationship with joy (and Christmas itself), and what I’ve been reading on my own mini reading retreat. Then, bestselling author Lauren Blakely joins me to talk about her newest audio-first release Merry Little Kissmas and the fan-favorite My Favorite Holidate. We chat about her writing process, full-cast audiobooks, and why she loves creating spicy, escapist holiday romances that feel like “Hallmark movies with heat.”

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.Toxic friendships, secret games, and deadly consequences. Alissa Lee’s debut takes domestic suspense into dark academia territory — and I couldn’t put it down, even at work.In this episode, I sit down with debut author Alissa Lee to chat about her upcoming novel — a twisty, character-driven story about five college friends whose secret game spirals into betrayal and murder. We talk about how her background working for the CIA, Capitol Hill, and Big Tech shaped her storytelling; why long-term friendships inspired her book; and how community and writing groups became her creative lifeline.If you love dark academia, female friendship drama, and slow-burn suspense, this conversation is for you.

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.Pickleball is officially the new hotspot for meet-cutes—and now it’s getting the book-romance treatment it deserves.In this episode, I chat with author Ilana Long about how she brought one of the first traditionally published pickleball romances to life. We talk about her creative background in stand-up and Second City improv, why pickleball is the perfect sport for romance lovers, and what it was like narrating her own audiobook. Plus, Ilana shares the cozy, feel-good books she’s been reading lately—from Irish small-town romcoms to magical realism with a touch of travel escapism.

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 new What to Read Next series, Laura reunites with her OG book besties — Amy from NovelGossip and Sarah from Really Into This — for an unfiltered, cozy group chat straight from their DMs to your ears.They dish on everything they’re really into right now: Dancing with the Stars drama, Real Housewives chaos, and the books they can’t stop reading (and recommending). Expect laughter, gossip, and plenty of book talk — because that’s what friends do best.

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.If you love Emily Henry, Annabel Monaghan, and Carley Fortune’s brand of emotional, character-driven romance, this episode is for you.This week, I sat down with Rena Rani, the brilliant writer behind the Substack Smart Romance, to talk about what makes a romance “smart” — from up-market rom-coms to Nora Roberts’ lasting influence. We went deep into the craft side of the genre: how authors balance humor with heartbreak, why line-level prose matters, and what defines the new wave of “elevated” romance that still gives you all the feels.Rena also shared her favorite under-the-radar reads and walked me through how she scouts new talent (hint: she loves digging through agent wishlists). If you’re craving thoughtful conversations about love stories that respect both the heart and the art, you’ll love this one.

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.Did you know your local library can unlock thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and even streaming services—all for free?This week, Laura sits down with librarian and Buzzing About Romance co-host Jenni Meyers to chat about the power of libraries as community hubs, how to make the most of your library card, and easy ways to advocate for library funding. Jenni also shares her love for author Penny Reid, with tips on where to start in her quirky romance universe.

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.Bloodsuckers are back, baby. In this episode, Francesca joins Laura to dish on dark, gothic, funny, and YA vampire reads—with a special shout to Kindle Unlimited for budget-friendly bingeing.You’ll hear why vampires are resurging (thanks, romantasy!), what’s new beyond the Black Dagger era, and exactly where to start if you want broody politics, murder-mystery shenanigans, or campus drama. Plus a quick nonfiction detour for Vampire Diaries superfans.

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.Ever wondered what Jane Austen would write if she lived online? Nikki Payne reimagines romance for our era—where identity, love, and culture collide.In this episode, Laura chats with romance author Nikki Payne, a cultural anthropologist and writer of Pride and Protest, Sex, Lies and Sensibility, and The Princess and the PI. They dive into why Nikki reimagines Austen’s classics through a modern, intersectional lens, how online personas shape our identities, and what makes “weird fic” and “out-of-pocket women” so irresistible. Plus, Nikki shares her must-read recommendations across romance, mystery, and literary fiction.

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.Originally Published October 30, 2023Looking for fast-paced thrillers to binge this fall? In this replay episode from 2023, Amy from Novel Gossip joins me to share six twisty, addictive reads that are perfect for cozy nights in.If you love popcorn thrillers, domestic drama, or a touch of supernatural suspense, these backlist titles are easy to find at your local library or on audio.

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.A high-heat, spooky-season romance with a heartbeat. Author Allie Oleander joins us to talk about Willing Prey—a primal-play, midlife-awakening romance where a 40-year-old lawyer proposes a “hunt” for 30 days… and catches real feelings.This episode is for readers who love darker vibes without trauma plots: think obsession, contracts, chase-in-the-woods tension, and the guaranteed safety of a romance HEA. We dig into Allie’s indie-to-trad journey, writing an “obsessed but tender” hero, and why horror and romance are emotional cousins.Books MentionedWilling Prey by Allie Oleander — Buy on Amazon | Dark Contemporary Romance, Primal Play, Age 35+ LeadsLittle Deaths by Nenia Campbell — Buy on Amazon | Erotic Romance/Horror-adjacent, Dub-Con/Non-Con Content, Ex-Horror Actress FMCWhere to find AllieWebsite: allieoleander.meInstagram/

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.A career journalist turned thriller powerhouse, Hank Phillippi Ryan joins Laura to talk about the high-stakes cat-and-mouse ride of her latest novel, how book tour can turn terrifying, and why she writes smart women who fight for justice.In this episode, you’ll hear the real author-on-tour grind (airports, hotels, libraries, bookstores—only!), the secret that could upend everything for protagonist Tessa Calloway in All This Could Be Yours, and Hank’s philosophy on propulsive storytelling and triumphant endings. We also squeeze in a stellar “what to read next” pick.

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 r

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

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.

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.

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 pas

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.