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.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.