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 of What to Read Next, Sarah Hawley, author of the delightful Glimmer Falls fantasy rom-com series and the upcoming romantasy Servant of Earth, joins Laura to discuss her writing journey, archaeology background, and love of whimsical storytelling. Sarah shares hilarious anecdotes (like buying a haunted doll on Etsy), insights into creating cozy magical worlds, and book recommendations that will leave you with a growing TBR pile. If you love cozy fantasy, high-stakes romantasy, or a good dose of humor with your romance, this episode is a must-listen!What You'll Learn:How Sarah's archaeology background influences her worldbuilding.The inspiration behind her Glimmer Falls series and its cozy, magic-filled small-town vibes.A sneak peek into her upcoming romantasy, Servant of Earth, and its dark, steamy twists.Fun 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.This mini-episode dives into the latest changes in the audiobook industry, including updates to Everand's pricing structure and Amazon Music's new audiobook feature. If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, this is the tea you need to stay informed and save money while enjoying your favorite reads.Topics Covered:Everand's Pricing Changes:Transition from unlimited audiobook access to a credit-based model.Comparison to Audible and the implications for current users.Thoughts on whether this change enhances or detracts from its value.Amazon Music's New Audiobook Feature:Competing with Spotify, offering one Audible title per month.Access to Audible Originals and exclusive titles as part of the subscription.Tips on how to make the most of Amazon Music’s deals.Catch Us Live:Don’t forget to join us for Novel Nights live every Thursday at 7

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, I sit down with bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to discuss her prolific writing career, including her transition from romantic suspense to sweet, small-town romances and heartwarming women's fiction. With an impressive 75-book backlist, RaeAnne shares her journey, writing process, and recommendations for where new readers can dive into her works. We also chat about her love for crafting Christmas-themed novels, the joy of collaborative plotting retreats, and a sneak peek into her upcoming release for 2025, The Lost Book of First Loves.What We Discussed:RaeAnne's career journey, from her first book in 1995 to her 75th book, The December Market.The differences between her women's fiction and small-town romance series.Recommendations for where to start with RaeAnne’s backlist:Women’s Fictio

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 to the What to Read Next Podcast! In this video, I’m sharing the 17 books I read in November 2024. This month’s reading list features a festive mix of holiday romances, cozy mysteries, and a couple of fascinating nonfiction books about shopping culture. Most of these were audiobooks, perfect for the season's cozy vibes!

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 romance author Zoe Allison. They discuss Zoe's journey to writing, her rom-coms set in Scotland, and delve into her latest release, The Wedding Engagement.Key Discussion Points:Zoe Allison’s background as a general practitioner in Scotland and how she transitioned into writing romance novels.The inspiration behind her writing journey including her love for reading romance novels like Sarah Morgan's works.Overview of The Wedding Engagement, a romance between friends-to-lovers and brother's best friend.Zoe's favorite reading genres and her love for romance, rom-coms, and various sub-genres.Book recommendations from Zoe featuring recent reads she loved.Books Mentioned:The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison https://amzn.to/3V8OCnXSleigh Bells in the Snow (Snow Crystal Tril

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 festive episode, Laura chats with Georgia Clark, author of Most Wonderful, a queer Christmas rom-com that’s both edgy and cozy. Georgia dives into her inspiration for writing ensemble romances, her love for Sweet Valley High, and how her Australian upbringing shaped her perspective on Christmas. They also explore how rom-coms and romance novels bring readers joy and connection. Tune in for a delightful conversation packed with insights into writing, the magic of Christmas, and some fantastic book recommendations!Topics Discussed:Georgia’s new release, Most Wonderful, a queer Christmas rom-com.The art of writing ensemble romances: balancing multiple storylines and characters.Setting a Christmas novel in the Catskills and capturing the holiday spirit year-round.Sweet Valley High nostalgia and its influence on Georgia’s w

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.