What To Read Next Podcast

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 episode, Laura and Becky dive into the unique niche of orc romances, a subgenre within monster and paranormal romance. As the resident orc romance expert, Becky shares her journey of discovering new orc books, her all-time favorites, and what makes these stories so compelling. They discuss the evolution of orcs as romantic leads, their rich cultural backgrounds, and key themes like interspecies relationships, acceptance, and identity. From tender moments to intense mafia-esque adventures, these recommendations offer something for every romance reader.Key Highlights:Becky’s Orc Discovery Journey: How Becky expanded her reading in September, discovering new authors and worlds in the orc romance genre.The Appeal of Orc Romances: Insights into why orcs make compelling protagonists, from their strong cultural roots to the u

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 What to Read Next Podcast episode, Laura chats with mystery author Olivia Blacke. Olivia shares her journey from reading every Agatha Christie book in her local library as a child to writing her own cozy mysteries. They discuss the inspirations behind Olivia’s transition into edgier, paranormal mysteries with her new series featuring A New Lease on Death (https://amzn.to/3CbGTPb)  where mysteries are solved through the perspectives of both the living and the dead. Olivia also opens up about her love for settings in big cities like Boston, New York, and Brooklyn, which offer a fresh take on the cozy genre and mirror her own diverse living experiences.Key Highlights:Origins in Mystery Writing: Olivia recalls her childhood love for mysteries and early exposure to Agatha Christie books.Big City Settings in Cozy Myster

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 episode, I sit down with Nayantara Roy to discuss her debut novel, The Magnificent Ruins (https://amzn.to/4fmLcFS). We dive into her journey as a writer and how she balances her career as a TV executive with her passion for storytelling. We also explore the themes of family, generational trauma, and the immigrant experience that are woven into her book.Episode Highlights:Nayantara’s Background: Born in India and raised across multiple countries, Nayantara’s multicultural upbringing greatly influences her writing. She talks about her early interest in storytelling, her time studying classics and her transition into film and TV.The Journey to The Magnificent Ruins (https://amzn.to/4fmLcFS): Nayantara shares the seven-year journey of writing her debut novel while working as a TV executive. She explains how she managed to

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 episode, we sit down with contemporary romance author Emma Barry, who shares insights into her writing journey, her latest releases, and some incredible book recommendations. Emma writes about love, connection, and the ways we heal through relationships—all while balancing life as a college literature instructor and mother of twins. Here’s what you can expect in today’s episode:Discussion Highlights:Emma’s New Release: Bad Reputation (https://amzn.to/3UnHUtY) —a celebrity romance featuring a Hollywood actor and an intimacy coordinator, perfect for fans of shows like Bridgerton and Outlander.Audiobook Excitement: The audiobook for Bad Reputation is narrated by Aaron Shedlock and Summer Wharton, who deliver standout performances.Chick Magnet (https://amzn.to/48mLRVA): A romance about a chicken influencer and her grumpy v

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 What to Read Next Podcast episode, host Laura chats with author and illustrator Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. Raquel shares her love for gardening, tarot, and her writing journey. They discuss her magical garden full of native flowers, fruit trees, herbs, and the joy of cross-pollinating flowers. Raquel also delves into her experiences with tarot and the decks she enjoys, including the Tarot of the Pagan Cats.The conversation then shifts to Raquel’s new book series, Witch and the Wild Things (https://amzn.to/4dRoiFg), described as a Latinx Practical Magic with three sisters. Raquel talks about the emotional depth of her characters, particularly in Lightning in Her Hands (https://amzn.to/3Ub6yh4) , where she portrays a bipolar character navigating magical powers and love.Key Topics Discussed:Raquel’s journey into writing an

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 What to Read Next Podcast episode, we chat with author Melissa Weisner, whose works span emotional women’s fiction and lighthearted romance. Melissa talks about her unique journey to becoming an author, starting in her 30s with no plans of writing, and shares the inspiration behind her latest novel, Wish I Were Here( https://amzn.to/3Y6EUTR). We dive into the fascinating concept of identity loss and how Melissa created a fun, uplifting, romantic story from a tragic, real-life event. She also shares her love for audiobooks, how they have changed her reading life, and her latest book recommendations centered on themes of fate, magic, and second chances.Key Takeaways:Melissa’s Writing JourneyInspiration for Wish I Were HereMagical Realism and RomanceAudiobook LoveBook Recommendations from Melissa:The Backtrack by Erin LaR

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 episode of What to Read Next, we welcome back bestselling author Jen DeLuca to discuss her latest novel, Haunted Ever After, a paranormal romance set in a haunted small-town Florida tourist spot. We also revisit Jen’s earlier episode, in which she shared insights about her popular Renaissance Faire series. This extended episode offers a unique mix of book recommendations, discussions about writing paranormal stories, and more!Episode Highlights Include:Setting Inspiration for Haunted Ever After and Rennaisance Faire seriesJen’s Writing ProcessRevisiting the Renaissance Faire SeriesJen DeLuca’s Books: Well Met by Jen DeLuca https://amzn.to/3U3UdLHWell Played by JenDeLuca https://amzn.to/4eZGttzWell Matched by Jen DeLuca https://amzn.to/3NiMaa5Well Traveled by Jen DeLuca https://amzn.to/3NjUztWHaunted Ever After by

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 episode, Laura chats with author Cat Sebastian about magical libraries and librarians, a fascinating niche in fiction. This conversation was initially recorded in 2022 while Cat was promoting her book The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes, a queer historical romance with a dash of crime and adventure. The episode highlights Cat's recommendations for books centered around magical libraries and librarians, just in time for 'Get a Library Card' month!Books Mentioned:The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian https://amzn.to/3ZYEt0iA queer historical romance about two disaster bisexuals who fall in love via blackmail letters, leading to a thrilling adventure involving murder and a road trip.The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake https://amzn.to/3YdQdL8A story where a group of people gain access to the hidden Library of Alexan

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 episode, I’m thrilled to chat with debut author Lauren Appelbaum about her novel Rachel Weiss's Group Chat. We discuss her writing journey, the inspiration behind her Jewish millennial retelling of Pride and Prejudice, and her favorite part of writing this fun, extroverted heroine. Lauren also gives us a sneak peek into her next novel, set for release in 2025, and shares her favorite book recommendations that are perfect for rom-com lovers.Show Highlights:Lauren’s decade-long journey to publishing her debut novel Rachel Weiss's Group ChatA fun blend of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Broad City in a modern, millennial retellingA glimpse into Lauren's next book, releasing in 2025, featuring a remote worker, a beach house inheritance, and a blossoming romanceLauren's personal experience with inheriting

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 originally aired in the summer of 2021. In this episode of What to Read Next, we sit down with bestselling thriller author Karin Slaughter. We discuss her journey from writing childhood murder stories to becoming a renowned crime novelist. Karin opens up about the influence of trauma in her novels, the challenges of writing during the pandemic, and how she incorporates women's perspectives in a traditionally male-dominated genre. This conversation is filled with laughs, insights into her creative process, and fantastic book recommendations.Key Takeaways:Karin’s Early WritingMultiple Cats, Chaos at HomeFinding Her Voice in Crime FictionIncorporating the Pandemic into FictionThe Power of Fiction in Addressing TraumaBook Mentioned:False Witness by Karin Slaughter https://amzn.to/47RgUZkBook Recommendations:Las

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.Welcome back to the What to Read Next podcast! In this episode of our Novel Nights series, we dive into dark fantasy romances perfect for the fall season. Join Francesca as she shares her top recommendations featuring gothic vibes, dragons, and more. If you're in the mood for a mix of fantasy and romance, this episode is for you!Books Mentioned in this Episode:A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan https://amzn.to/47SAcgF- A dragon romance with a Game of Thrones feel, featuring an arranged marriage and a medieval setting. The Darkest Walz by Ashley R. King https://amzn.to/3Bn5Cja A gothic historical romance set in the 1920s prohibition era with a smuggler heroine and a haunted, secluded island. The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning https://amzn.to/4duUtKv - A southern gothic urban fantasy with a mysterious inheri

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 What to Read Next episode, we’re diving into the perfect cozy, small-town romances for fall, inspired by the TikTok sensation Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore  https://amzn.to/3zgMBhM. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet closed-door romance or something with a bit more spice, we’ve got you covered. These heartwarming reads bring together grumpy x sunshine dynamics, second-chance romances, and charming small-town settings that will make you feel all the autumn vibes. Get ready to fill your TBR with feel-good books perfect for a cozy night!This episode originally aired as part of the Novel Nights Live Show series on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@whattoreadnextblog)Books Mentioned in This Episode:Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore  https://amzn.to/3zgMBhMIt is a cozy, feel-good book with a grumpy x

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 episode, Cat Sebastian joins us to discuss their latest book, You Should Be So Lucky, set in the 1960s New York baseball scene. We dive into the intricacies of writing historical romance, the research involved, and the appeal of underdog stories. Cat also shares their love for audiobooks and discusses how they use them for both leisure and research. We touch on several audiobooks and memoirs and the joy of accessing stories through platforms like Hoopla and Libby.Books Mentioned:You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian https://amzn.to/4gNpqMKConnect with Cat Sebastian:Website: https://catsebastian.com/Instagram @catswritesWant to check out more book recommendations?Visit What to Read Next Blog for reader tips, popular books like recommendations, and many more posts.  Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): h

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 episode, Laura sits down with Courtny Bradley, also known as Courtagonist, to discuss her journey from being a cozy mystery reader to a published cozy author. Courtny shares her writing journey, from starting her cozy mystery Death on Deck (https://amzn.to/4gOzNAf) on her honeymoon, to working with a small indie publisher, The Wild Rose Press, and producing her own audiobook. She offers insight into the audiobook production process, the importance of accessibility, and the unique joy of crafting cozy mysteries.Courtny also discusses her inspirations, from her childhood love for Mary-Kate and Ashley books to her entry into BookTube in 2017. Along the way, she gives fantastic cozy mystery recommendations for readers looking for their next great read.Highlights from the Episode:Courtny's Journey to Becoming a Cozy Author.

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 What to Read Next podcast episode, we welcome Victoria from Biblio Lifestyle back to discuss her Minimalist Fall Reading Guide. Victoria shares six to eight top picks for the fall season, offering a preview of her full reading guide, which includes 33 books across eight categories, from literary fiction to gothic horror.Books Mentioned:Literary Fiction:Entitlement by Rumaan Alam https://amzn.to/4gL6r5MNonfiction:Roman Year by André Aciman https://amzn.to/4gxHOJAHistorical Fiction:The Empusiium by Olga Tokarczuk https://amzn.to/3MY91YpFamily & Friendship:Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner https://amzn.to/3zugF9FMystery & Thriller:You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook https://amzn.to/3XVkLkNRomance:Best Hex Ever by Nadia El Fassi https://amzn.to/4eeMKBvScience Fiction & Fantasy:City in Glass by Nghi Vo https://amzn.to/4d

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 episode, we dive into the world of Dark Academia Romance, which is available on Kindle Unlimited. Originally aired as part of our "Novel Nights" live show, we explore various high school and college bully romances featuring morally gray heroes and lots of drama. From fantasy worlds to secret societies, prepare for a journey through intense and addictive reads.Books Mentioned:Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - https://amzn.to/4ed9oK4 The Ritual by Shantel Tessier - https://amzn.to/4e2GKeKLords of Pain by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue - https://amzn.to/3APmy1JHannaford Prep by J. Bree - https://amzn.to/4cSXpR4Filthy Rich Boys by CM Stunich  -https://amzn.to/3Xuz3bQDeviant King by Rina Kent - https://amzn.to/3MyGusgCorrupt by Penelope Douglas - https://amzn.to/3XccMOtAll the Little Lies by

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 episode, Laura chats with Larissa from Kensington Books about the world of cozy mysteries, perfect for mystery lovers and romance readers. They dive into upcoming fall 2024 releases, cozy mysteries for every type of reader, and even discuss how romance authors are crossing over into mystery writing. Larissa shares exciting new releases, from Halloween-themed mysteries to historical and urban cozy settings.Key Takeaways:Cozy mysteries can be a great way for romance readers to explore mystery genres without the gory elements of thrillers.Kensington Books will publish a wide variety of cozy mysteries this fall, including holiday-themed books and historical cozy mysteries.Romance authors such as Vanessa Kelly are now delving into writing cozy mysteries, bringing new life to this genre.Books Mentioned in This Episode:Chaos

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 episode, Laura chats with Kelsey Rae Dimberg, author of the upcoming novel Snake Oil (https://amzn.to/3XyRmLS). Kelsey discusses the inspiration behind her book, a Hitchcockian suspense set in the high-pressure world of San Francisco startups. The story centers around three women involved with a wellness company named Radical and explores themes of wellness culture, corporate tension, and high-stakes deception. Kelsey also shares her thoughts on the wellness industry and how it influenced her writing.Highlights:Kelsey's background and the concept behind her novel Snake Oil.Discuss the wellness industry and the fine line between genuine wellness practices and snake oil salesmanship.Exploration of startups and the culture of overselling.The dynamic between the three women characters in Snake Oil.Kelsey's reading preferen

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 episode, Laura interviews Penelope Black, a romance author known for her cozy yet edgy romantic suspense novels. Penelope shares her journey from a background in journalism and editing to becoming a published author in 2020. They dive into her latest release, The Broken Pact (https://amzn.to/3MNggCt), the first book in the Avalon Falls series, which blends small-town romance with elements of suspense and angst.Key HighlightsAuthor Background: Penelope Black talks about her writing journey, starting from her background in journalism and editing to taking the leap into publishing her first book in 2020.The Broken Pact : Discussion about Penelope's latest release, The Broken Pact, a small-town fake dating romance with a suspenseful edge. She describes it as "cozy romantic suspense," offering a blend of intimate small-town

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 episode, we're diving into cozy romances perfect for fall reading. Whether you're in the mood for a small-town romance, a bit of fake dating, or something with a touch of magic, there's a book for every type of romance reader.This episode is perfect for Gilmore Girls and Hallmark Movies fans as you get the ideal fall small-town vibes.  Please note all of the books featured in this list are available to borrow via Kindle Unlimited. Episode HighlightsAutumn Vibes and Romance: Dive into the season with cozy romances that bring the charm of small towns, pumpkin patches, and fall magic to life.Variety of Romance Tropes: From fake dating and friends-to-lovers to billionaire romances and grumpy sunshine dynamics, there's something for every romance reader.Closed-Door vs. Open-Door Romances: Find the perfect balance betwe