What if the Duke was a woman — and the courtesan trying to blackmail her was the love interest? If that premise just made you sit up straighter, this episode is for you.

Anna Cowan joins us to talk about The Duke, her long-awaited second novel — a queer Regency romance that flips the classic historical hero archetype on its head. This one is for readers who love the lush world of Regency fiction but are hungry for something that feels fresh, politically charged, and unapologetically modern in its sensibilities. We dig into Anna's world-building process, the evolution of historical romance as a genre post-Bridgerton, and what it means to write a female Duke who's conceptually hot in exactly the way the brooding Regency hero always was.

Anna also shares a stack of book recommendations spanning classic historicals, gay hockey romance, and Kindle Unlimited reads that will genuinely spark your brain.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Duke by Anna Cowan — Buy on Amazon | Queer Historical Romance / Regency | KU ✅

Black Silk by Judith Ivory — Buy on Amazon | Classic Historical Romance | Backlist gem

Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance | Beauty & the Beast vibes

Tempting the Bride by Sherry Thomas — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance | Amnesia / enemies-to-lovers

Game Misconduct (Penalty Box #1) by Ari Baran — Buy on Amazon | Gay Hockey Romance | Audio ✅ — narrated by Cooper North

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & Anna Cowan introduction

[00:45] About The Duke — the premise: female Duke + French courtier blackmail romance

[01:30] World-building a queer Regency where female nobles are the norm

[03:00] Character deep-dive: the Duke of Howard vs. Céline — power dynamics & political intrigue

[04:30] The romance hero archetype reimagined — what makes a character "conceptually hot"

[06:00] Anna's history with romance reading — from Dolly Fiction to Julia Quinn & Lisa Kleypas

[08:00] Historical romance in 2026: genre reckoning, post-Bridgerton, mass market decline

[10:00] Writing modern sensibilities into historical fiction — Emma Alban, KJ Charles & beyond

[12:00] The Kindle Unlimited rabbit hole — queer romance, omegaverse & niche reads

[14:30] Anna's classic historical romance recommendations: Judith Ivory's Black Silk

[15:30] Meredith Duran's Fool Me Twice & Sherry Thomas's Tempting the Bride

[17:30] Gay hockey romance rec: Ari Barron's Game Misconduct + the audiobook

[19:00] Sherry Thomas's Lady Sherlock series & the case for more historical romance

[20:00] Where to find Anna Cowan online

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A cozy mystery with a messy friendship, a locked-room setting, and just enough murder to keep things interesting? I’m in.

In this episode, I sit down with Molly Harper to talk about her pivot from paranormal romance to murder mysteries and her newest release, A Cute Little Murder. We dive into millennial mysteries, toxic friendships, “final girl” energy, and why sometimes you just need a little murder in your reading life—without the gore.

📚 Books Mentioned

A Cute Little Murder by Molly Harper — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery / Millennial Mystery | Audio ✅

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery / Millennial Mystery | Audio ✅

The Farmhouse by Chelsea Conradt — Buy on Amazon | Domestic Horror | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction to Molly Harper

[01:00] – Transition from romance to murder mysteries

[02:30] – Inspiration behind A Cute Little Murder

[04:00] – Final girl trope and character dynamics

[05:00] – Locked-room mystery settings explained

[06:30] – Toxic friendships and character growth

[09:00] – Why this mystery feels cozy but modern

[10:00] – Molly Harper’s writing journey

[12:00] – From journalist to full-time author

[14:00] – Audible originals and writing for audio

[15:00] – Book recommendations (domestic horror)

[16:00] – Where to find Molly Harper online

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Looking for your next addictive summer thriller with rich people behaving badly vibes? This one set at the Cannes Film Festival delivers glam, secrets, and a murder you won’t see coming.

In this episode, I sit down with Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau to talk about her transition from YA romance to twisty adult thrillers and her latest novel We Will Never Tell. We dive into how she crafts suspense, builds layered characters, and why she loves writing about “the people behind the people” in glamorous spaces. Plus, she shares some of her favorite recent reads—including thrillers and book club fiction you’ll want on your TBR ASAP.

📚 Books Mentioned

We Will Never Tell by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau — Buy on Amazon | Thriller

The French Honeymoon by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau — Buy on Amazon | Thriller

Good People by Patnmeena Sabit — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Mystery Elements

Somebody Worth Killing by Jessica Payne — Buy on Amazon | Thriller / Domestic Suspense

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary / Thriller Elements

Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild — Buy on Amazon | Literary / Thriller / Romance Blend

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] — Intro + Anne-Sophie Jouhenneau returns to the podcast

[01:00] — Transition from YA romance to thrillers

[02:00] — How to write suspense, twists, and structure

[05:00] — Inside We Will Never Tell + Cannes setting

[06:30] — The “people behind the people” concept

[09:00] — Cannes glam vs reality (parties, work, chaos)

[11:30] — Why this is the perfect summer thriller

[12:30] — Book recommendations begin

[17:00] — Where to find Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau online

Link to Anne-Sophie's previous WTRN episode on Spotify

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A chaotic wedding, secret crushes, and one very inconvenient almost-divorce—this episode is for rom-com lovers who live for messy, multi-POV drama.

In today’s episode, I chat with Mallory Kass (also known as Kass Morgan) about her transition from YA to adult romance, her new book Save the Date, and why writing adult relationships hits differently than coming-of-age stories. We also get into rom-com tropes, ensemble casts, and even the possibility of adding a murder subplot (yes, really).

If you love layered romantic stories, dreamy settings, and a little emotional chaos, this one’s for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Save the Date by Mallory Kass — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Royal Summer by Kass Morgan — Buy on Amazon | YA Romance | Audio ✅

The Trouble with Anna by Rachel Griffith — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance | Audio ✅

The Write Off by Kara McDowell — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke — Buy on Amazon | Mystery Romance | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro + Meet Mallory Kass

[01:00] – Transition from YA to adult romance

[02:00] – Differences between YA and adult storytelling

[05:00] – Breaking down Save the Date (multi-storyline rom-com)

[06:30] – Writing challenges with multiple POVs

[07:30] – Making character voices distinct

[08:30] – Why romance needs emotional tension (not random chaos)

[09:30] – The rise of mystery + romance mashups

[10:30] – Jeopardy experience + fun behind-the-scenes moment

[13:30] – Book recommendations you need to add to your TBR

[15:00 – Where to find Mallory Kass online

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What happens when the one that got away becomes the inspiration for your bestselling book boyfriend… and then walks back into your life?

In this episode, I sit down with Kara McDowell to talk about her latest novel, The Write-Off—a second chance romance packed with college nostalgia, writer drama, and all the angst we love. We dive into dual timelines, messy twenties, and why sometimes love only works the second time around.

We also chat about balancing writing and motherhood, the “glass vs. plastic balls” metaphor for life, and Kara shares her favorite contemporary romance reads right now.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Write-Off by Kara McDowell — Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens — Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center — Romantic Comedy | Audio ✅

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood — Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia — Small Town Romance | Audio ✅

Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb — Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] – Meet Kara McDowell & writing from the sidelines

[01:00] – Balancing writing, motherhood & deadlines

[02:00] – The “glass vs. plastic balls” life metaphor

[03:00] – Inside The Write-Off (plot + inspiration)

[05:00] – Book boyfriend inspired by real life

[06:00] – Why second chance romance hits differently

[07:00] – College vs adult love stories

[08:00] – Kara’s reading habits & favorite genres

[09:00] – Is She Really Going Out With Him? rec

[10:00] – Why The Rom-Commers is a perfect romcom

[12:00] – Ali Hazelwood & dual timeline romance

[14:00] – Cozy small-town vibes in If It Makes You Happy

[17:00] – Birding with Benefits & fake dating trope

[18:00] – Where to find Kara online

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I read 32 books in Q1 2026—and I’m breaking down the cozy mysteries, thrillers, romances, and standout 5-star reads you need on your radar.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest reading recap from the first quarter of the year, including what worked, what didn’t, and the books I’m still thinking about. From bingeing cozy mysteries in Puerto Rico to discovering new favorite romances and thrillers, this is your inside look at what’s worth adding to your TBR.

📚 Books Mentioned

Cozy Mysteries:

• Death al Dente by Leslie Budewitz
• The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
• Catch Me If You Candy by Ellie Alexander
• Sticks and Scones by Ellie Alexander
• Killing Me Soufflé by Ellie Alexander
• The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis
• Death of a Country Fried Redneck by Lee Hollis
• Death of the Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis

Thrillers:

• We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda
• The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
• Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Romance:

• The Grumpiest Billionaire by Pippa Grant
• Still Into You by Erin Connor
• It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
• In Her Spotlight by Amy Spalding
• Picnics and Promises in the Strawberry Fields by Victoria Walters
• The Cherry Crush Flower Shop by Harper Graham
• Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score

Mystery

• The Primrose Murder Society by Stacey Hackney

Non-fiction

• All Consuming by Ruby Tandoh
• Parks and Rec by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong

5⭐ Reads:

• Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills (Mystery)
• Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Women’s Fiction)
• The Heir by Sophia Travers (Romance - KU)
• Hunter’s Treasure by Olivia Jackson (Romance)
• Before We Wake by Sophia Glock (Graphic Novel)
• This Story Will Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum (Thriller)

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro + Q1 reading recap overview

[01:00] – Cozy mystery binge in Puerto Rico

[02:00] – Books that didn’t work for me

[03:00] – 4-star cozy mysteries

[03:30] – Thriller recommendations

[04:30] – Cozy mystery series I loved

[05:00] – Romance reads (billionaire, rockstar, small town)

[07:00] – Cottagecore + flower shop romances

[08:00] – Mother-daughter mystery rec

[09:00] – Nonfiction reads

[10:00] – Small town romance highlight

[11:00] – 5-star reads overview

[13:30] – First graphic novel experience

[14:30] – Thriller with immersive audio

[15:00] – Wrap up + final thoughts

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What happens when you’re forced to attend your ex-husband’s family wedding… in Paris? 😬✨ In this episode, I sit down with romance author Kate Clayborn to talk about her newest release The Paris Match and why messy adulthood makes the best love stories.

We dive into second chances, complicated family dynamics, and what it really means to rebuild your life in your thirties. Kate also shares how she approached writing Paris as more than just a setting—and why romance readers keep coming back to stories that feel both grounded and emotionally rich.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Beginner’s Luck by Kate Clayborn — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Isola by Allegra Goodman — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | Audio ✅

Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] – Introduction to Kate Clayborn

[01:00] – Beginner’s Luck and pandemic reading memories

[02:00] – Overview of The Paris Match

[03:00] – Grumpy sunshine dynamic + character setup

[04:00] – Writing Paris as a character

[06:00] – Language, culture, and realism in Paris

[07:00] – Layla’s career and emotional avoidance

[08:00] – What a hospitalist does (and why it matters)

[09:00] – Life in your 30s vs 20s vs 40s

[11:00] – Griffin’s character and isolation

[12:00] – Kate’s reading life (romance + beyond)

[13:00] – Favorite romance subgenres and tropes

[14:00] – Auto-buy authors and recommendations

[15:00] – Where to find Kate online

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Romantasy before it was cool? In this episode, I sit down with Elly Blake to talk about her journey writing fantasy romance—and how the genre has completely transformed over the years.

We chat about the evolution from YA fantasy to adult romantasy, what readers really want (hint: it’s the romance), and how Elly built her newest Thirstwood series from fairy tales, folklore, and a haunting “bloodthirsty forest” idea. If you love enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and magical worlds with high emotional stakes, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Frostblood by Elly Blake — Buy on Amazon | Fantasy Romance | Audio ✅

Forest King’s Daughter by Elly Blake — Buy on Amazon | Romantasy, Fairy Tale Inspired | Audio ✅

Curse Queen’s Daughter by Elly Blake — Buy on Amazon | Romantasy, Enemies-to-Lovers | Audio ✅

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alicia Dow — Buy on Amazon | YA Fantasy Romance, Fairytale | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Elly Blake

[01:00] Her journey into fantasy & romantasy

[02:30] What “romantasy” really means

[04:30] How romance reshaped the fantasy market

[06:00] YA vs adult fantasy—what’s changing

[08:00] Overview of Thirstwood series

[10:00] The bloodthirsty forest concept

[11:30] Book 1: friends-to-enemies-to-lovers setup

[12:30] Book 2: Hades & Persephone vibes + mystery

[14:30] Coming-of-age themes in fantasy

[16:00] Reading habits: paper vs audiobooks

[17:00] Book recommendation: Alicia Dow

[19:30] Where to find Elly Blake

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Graphic novels aren’t just for kids—and this episode completely changed how I think about them.

In this conversation, I sit down with cartoonist Sophia Glock to talk about her haunting and emotional graphic novel Before We Wake. We dive into how comics can explore big themes like grief in a way that feels accessible, immersive, and deeply personal—and why adults should absolutely be reading graphic novels.

We also talk about nostalgia (hello early 2000s 👀), the creative process behind blending art and storytelling, and where to start if you’ve never picked up a graphic novel before.

📚 Books Mentioned

Before We Wake by Sophia Glock — Buy on Amazon | YA Graphic Novel | Grief, paranormal, friendship

Maus by Art Spiegelman — Buy on Amazon | Historical Graphic Novel | Holocaust, memoir

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi — Buy on Amazon | Graphic Memoir | Iran, coming-of-age

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel — Buy on Amazon | Literary Graphic Memoir | Family, identity

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki & Jillian Tamaki — Buy on Amazon | YA/Adult Graphic Novel | Coming-of-age

Spinning by Tillie Walden — Buy on Amazon | Graphic Memoir | Identity, adolescence

Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden — Buy on Amazon | Graphic Novel | Historical

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Intro + meeting Sophia Glock

[01:00] Why graphic novels are underrated for adults

[02:00] Writing about grief in Before We Wake

[04:00] Sophia’s creative process (writing vs drawing)

[05:30] Plot overview + lucid dreaming concept

[07:00] Setting the book in early 2000s nostalgia

[09:30] Nostalgia, pop culture, and generational memory

[12:30] Where to start with graphic novels

[15:00] YA vs adult tone in storytelling

[16:00] Where to find Sophia online

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From sorority sisters to bookish besties—this episode is all about finding your reading groove and building a community that keeps you turning pages.

In this episode, I sit down with Nathalie Cañadas to talk about her reading glow-up—from occasional reader to devouring 200+ books a year. We chat about audiobooks, immersive reading, Kindle Unlimited, and how joining a book club completely changed her reading life. Plus, we dive into her favorite romance reads, dark twists, and underrated gems you need on your TBR.

If you’ve ever struggled to find time to read—or didn’t know where to start—this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Broken Romeo by Leisa Rayven — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage — Buy on Amazon | Cowboy Romance | Audio ✅

Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense | Audio ✅

Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger — Buy on Amazon | Mafia Romance | Audio ✅

Bourbon Boys Series by Victoria Wilder — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Welcome + how Nathalie and I met

[02:00] – What Latin sororities actually look like

[05:30] – Nathalie’s reading journey (pre-2024 vs now)

[07:30] – Discovering audiobooks + Libby + Hoopla

[08:30] – What is immersive reading (and why it works)

[09:30] – Finding your reading groove

[10:30] – Romance genre deep dive + BookTok impact

[13:00] – Library hacks + how to get multiple cards

[15:30] – Supporting libraries + budget reading

[16:00] – Book recommendations begin

[16:30] – Broken Romeo discussion

[17:30] – Cowboy romance (Lyla Sage)

[18:30] – Dark twist reads (Pen Pal)

[20:00] – Mafia romance recs

[22:00] – Dark romcoms + Lights Out

[23:00] – Bourbon Boys series

[24:00] – Abby Jimenez spotlight

[25:30] – Inside the Baddies Book Club

[27:30] – Book club retreat + community building

[28:30] – Nathalie’s Instagram + where to follow

Follow Nathalie on Instagram: Nats Next Book

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What happens when romance meets real life—immigration, identity, and the courage to choose joy anyway?

In this episode, I sit down with Sonali Dev to talk about her latest novel How Simi Got Her Groom Back—a deeply emotional story about sisterhood, love, and what it really means to belong. We dive into the themes behind the book (including immigration and chosen family), plus a powerful conversation about romance as a tool for healing, self-worth, and rewriting the rules we’ve been given.

If you love romance with depth, second chances, and stories that make you feel something real—this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

How Simi Got Her Groom Back by Sonali Dev — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

The Caste and the Star by Leylah Attar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Second Chance

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy / Second Chance / Heist Romance

⏱️ Timestamps

1. 00:00 – Welcome back Sonali Dev
2. 01:00 – Behind the scenes of her latest book release
3. 03:00 – Writing process & juggling multiple books
4. 04:30 – What How Simi Got Her Groom Back is about
5. 06:30 – Immigration, legality vs. morality, and storytelling
6. 08:00 – Why joy is an act of rebellion
7. 10:00 – How books build empathy
8. 11:00 – Romance novels and self-worth
9. 13:30 – Raising your standards in love & life
10. 15:00 – Choosing joy in everyday decisions
11. 17:00 – Visibility, bravery, and showing up authentically
12. 19:30 – What Sonali loves to read
13. 21:30 – Reading across genres vs. sticking to romance
14. 24:00 – Book rec: The Caste and the Star
15. 27:00 – Book rec: Partners in Crime
16. 30:00 – Where to find Sonali Dev

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What happens when a neuroscientist writes a romance set in academia? In this episode, I’m chatting with debut author Hannah Brohm about Love and Other Brain Experiments—a workplace romance inspired by the chaotic world of research labs, anonymous peer reviews, and the surprising ways love can show up when you least expect it.

We talk about Hannah’s journey from cognitive neuroscience to romance writing, how academia shaped the story, and why romance became a comforting escape during grad school and the pandemic. Plus, we dive into her reading life—from workplace romcoms to cozy mysteries—and she shares a few book recommendations that belong on your TBR.

If you love smart romcoms, STEM heroines, and enemies-to-lovers tension, this conversation is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Love and Other Brain Experiments by Hannah Brohm — Contemporary Romance | STEM Romance

All in Your Head by Sabina Norquist — Contemporary Romance | Fake Dating | Disability Rep

And Then There Was the One by Martha Waters — Cozy Mystery Rom-Com | Historical

The Friendship Fling by Georgia Stone — Romantic Comedy | Friends to Lovers | London

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon — Workplace Romance | Media

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas — Fake Dating Romance

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins — YA Romance

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne — Enemies to Lovers | Workplace Romance

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Hannah Brohm and her debut romance

[01:00] What cognitive neuroscience is and how it inspired the book

[03:00] The realities of working in academia and postdoc life

[05:00] The premise of Love and Other Brain Experiments

[06:00] Hannah’s romance reading journey and early influences

[07:00] Discovering adult romance during grad school and COVID

[09:00] How peer review inspired the book’s enemies-to-lovers setup

[10:00] Balancing academia, writing, and reading

[12:00] Why writing romance can be cathartic

[14:00] Hannah’s reading tastes and current reads

[15:00] Fake dating romance recommendation: All in Your Head

[16:00] Cozy mystery rom-com recommendation

[17:00] Romcom set in London recommendation

[20:00] Writing New York as a setting and personal connections to the city

[21:00] Where to find Hannah online

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If you love mystery-romance heroines who are juggling work, family, and the occasional international investigation, you’re going to love today’s episode. I’m joined by author Sam Tschida to talk about the latest installment in the Gabby Green series and the chaos that comes with writing spy-adjacent romantic mysteries.

In this conversation, Sam shares how she built the second Gabby Green adventure—from tropical settings and Hollywood wellness culture to espionage twists and unexpected romance. We also talk about writing messy but lovable heroines, the reality of balancing motherhood with high-stakes careers, and why cozy mystery fans love returning to the same sleuth again and again.

We also chat about writing inspiration, the real-life research behind spy stories, and the books we’ve been loving lately.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & catching up with Sam Tschida

[00:01] Writing the second Gabby Green mystery

[00:03] The tropical investigation setting and spy elements

[00:05] Researching espionage and consulting real sources

[00:06] Why the book’s setting changed from Hawaii to the Azores

[00:07] Plot twists, mystery pacing, and balancing romance

[00:08] Delegation, chaos, and Gabby learning she can’t do everything

[00:09] Possible movie adaptation news for Errands and Espionage

[00:10] Why readers love returning to the same sleuth in mystery series

[00:11] Cozy mysteries, baking mysteries, and comfort reads

[00:12] Laura’s dream Puerto Rican cozy mystery series

[00:16] Book recommendations from Sam

[00:18] Where to find Sam online

📚 Books Mentioned

Gabby Green Who Knows Whodunit by Sam Tschida — Mystery Romance | Amateur Sleuth | Series

Errands and Espionage by Sam Tschida — Mystery Romance | Travel Mystery | Amateur Sleuth

Undead and Unwed by Sam Tschida — Paranormal Romance | Vampire Comedy | Audio ✅

Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell — Dark Comedy Thriller | Mystery | Audio ✅

Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell — Thriller | Dark Romance | Audio ✅

The ReDo List by Denise Williams — Contemporary Romance | Cinnamon Roll Hero | Audio ✅

Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne — Romantic Comedy | Classic Retelling | Audio ✅

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What happens when a rom-com meets a slasher movie? In this episode, I’m joined by debut author Shaylee Thompson to talk about her wildly fun genre-bending novel How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates — a slasher rom-com set during a speed-dating event gone horribly wrong.

We chat about how Shaylee blended two formula-driven genres, her journey from English teacher to full-time writer, and why sometimes the book that becomes your debut isn’t the first book you wrote. If you love horror movies, rom-coms, and stories that break the rules, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights.

Plus, Shaylee shares a few book recommendations for readers who love horror comedy, meta storytelling, and genre-bending fiction.

📚 Books Mentioned

How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates by Shailee Thompson — Slasher Rom-Com | Horror Comedy

Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver — Dark Romantic Comedy | Serial Killer Romance | KU ✅ | Audio ✅

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix — Horror | Slasher Film Tribute | Thriller | Audio ✅

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan — Fantasy | Villain Story | Meta Fantasy | Audio ✅

Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins — Nonfiction | Horror Film Analysis | Pop Culture

Persuasion by Jane Austen — Classic Romance | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] Introduction to Shaylee Thompson and her debut novel

[01:00] The premise of How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates

[02:00] Combining rom-com and slasher genres

[04:00] Why the book released around Valentine’s Day

[05:00] Shaylee’s writing journey and early books

[07:00] Signing with an agent and finding the right debut

[08:00] Writing discipline and finishing a draft in four months

[09:00] Becoming a full-time writer

[11:00] Shaylee’s reading tastes and favorite genres

[12:00] Book recommendations for horror and rom-com fans

[14:00] Where to find Shaylee online

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If you’ve ever masked your anxiety while looking wildly “high-functioning,” this episode is going to hit.

Today I’m chatting with returning guest Cat Sebastian about her new contemporary romance Star Shipped — a slow-burn, forced-proximity love story between two actors on a long-running sci-fi show who “hate” each other in the most domestic way possible.

We talk about why Cat took a risk moving from historical to contemporary romance, how fandom and sci-fi shaped this book, and why she wanted to write a character with anxiety, OCD, and migraines who doesn’t magically “heal” by the final chapter. This is a conversation about radical acceptance, surviving in a noisy world, and finding love without fixing yourself first.

If you loved the emotional intensity of hockey romances but want celebrity PR chaos instead, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Welcoming Cat back + what she’s been up to

[00:01] Inside Star Shipped — enemies-to-lovers on a sci-fi set

[00:02] The Gene Roddenberry letter that inspired the book

[00:04] Taking the risk from historical to contemporary

[00:06] Researching fandom vs. TV industry details

[00:08] Writing invisible disability & high-functioning anxiety

[00:12] No “pink cloud” healing — why incremental growth matters

[00:16] Radical acceptance in romance

[00:18] Romance recommendations with buttoned-up/chaos pairings

[00:23] Where to find Cat + newsletter over social media

📚 Books Mentioned

Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian — Contemporary Romance | Celebrity | Enemies-to-Lovers | Anxiety Rep | Audio ✅

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly — LGBTQ+ Romance | Outdoors Setting | Neurodivergent Rep | Audio ✅

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson — Workplace Romance | Opposites Attract | Slow Burn | Audio ✅

Chef’s Kiss by TJ Alexander — Workplace Romance | Queer Romance | Polyamory Rep | Audio ✅

A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander — Historical Romance | Queer Romance | Tender Slow Burn | Audio ✅

What happens when book bans aren’t just headlines — but federal law?

In this episode, I’m chatting with historical fiction author Shelley Noble about The Sisters of Book Row, a novel set in 1915 New York during the height of the Comstock censorship laws. We talk about rare bookstores, banned poetry, Margaret Sanger, and why 100-year-old history feels… uncomfortably familiar today. If you care about protecting books, women’s voices, and literary legacy — this one will stay with you.

We also dive into Shelley’s unexpected path to publishing (spoiler: it started with a dare), why she left mysteries for historical women’s fiction, and her favorite historical mystery comfort reads.

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Shelley’s journey from dancer to published mystery author

[03:00] Writing historical mysteries vs. women’s fiction

[06:30] Discovering the Tiffany Girls & shifting genres

[07:45] The Comstock Laws explained

[09:30] Margaret Sanger and censorship in 1915

[11:00] The Sisters of Book Row premise

[14:30] Book banning today vs. 1915

[18:30] Research process & using primary sources

[22:00] Historical mystery & romantic suspense recommendations

📚 Books Mentioned

The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble — Historical Women’s Fiction | Bookstore Drama | Women’s Rights

This Rough Magic by Mary Stewart — Romantic Suspense | Classic Mystery

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley — Time Slip Romance | Historical Fiction

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters — Historical Mystery | Victorian Egypt | Humor

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What happens when influencer culture, megachurch ambition, and algorithm-driven community collide?

This week, I’m joined by longtime friend and fellow early-podcaster Alli Hoff Kosik to talk about her debut novel, Too Blessed to Stress — a sharp, nuanced story about faith, friendship, ambition, and the very online world we’re all living in.

We talk about how her MFA journey led her here, why religion in fiction felt like a “risky” topic just a few years ago, and how influencer culture (hello Mormon wives and MomTok 👀) makes this story more relevant than ever. If you love messy friend groups, big institutions, powerful men, and complicated women trying to build something meaningful — this one is for you.

🕒 Timestamps

[00:00] Early podcast days & friendship origin story

[02:00] Alli’s MFA journey and first abandoned manuscript

[05:00] The Christian influencer rabbit hole

[07:30] Influencer monetization & megachurch power

[10:00] Religion, algorithms & modern politics

[14:00] Community after the pandemic

[21:30] Behind the Scenes podcast (BTS-TBTS)

[24:00] Book recommendations: cults, ambition & satire

[37:00] Where to find Alli & audiobook details

📚 Books Mentioned

Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik — Book Club Fiction | Influencer Culture | Literary Fiction

Little One by Olivia Muenter — Cult Fiction | Dual Timeline | Psychological Drama

Paper Cut by Rachel Taff — Literary Fiction | Power & Family Dynamics

Tehrangeles by Porochista Khakpour — Satire | Reality TV Culture | Pandemic Fiction

Glossy by Marisa Meltzer — Nonfiction | Business Biography | Millennial CEO

Workhorse by Caroline Palmer — Literary Fiction | Publishing Industry | Ambitious Female Lead

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Queer joy, Hollywood theater, and why romance doesn’t have to earn its happy ending.

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Amy Spalding to talk about In Her Spotlight, her latest sapphic romance set at the intersection of celebrity culture, live theater, and second-chance love. We dig into why queer joy matters, how power dynamics shift when fame enters the room, and why it finally feels possible to tell coming-out stories without centering tragedy.

We also chat about reading across genres, unexpected nonfiction rabbit holes, and Amy’s favorite sapphic and bisexual romances to add to your TBR—especially if you love stories about ambition, community, and women figuring it out together.

📚 Books Mentioned

In Her Spotlight by Amy Spalding — Sapphic Romance | Celebrity Romance | Second Chance | Theater Setting

Rooting Interest by Cat Dibasato — Sapphic Romance | Sports Romance | Career-Driven Characters

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory — Sapphic Romance | Contemporary Romance | Wine Country Setting

Writers & Lovers by Lily King— Literary Fiction | Women’s Fiction | Writing & Ambition

Alice Rue Evades the Truth by Emily Zips — Bisexual Romance | Contemporary Romance | While You Were Sleeping Retelling

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome back + first impressions of In Her Spotlight

[01:00] Writing queer joy during bleak times

[02:00] Why sapphic romance has changed so much

[04:00] Coming-out stories with nuance and community

[05:00] In Her Spotlight elevator pitch

[06:00] Power, consent, and the #MeToo context

[08:00] Celebrity culture vs. theater life

[11:00] Companion standalones & the Out in Hollywood series

[12:00] Reading across genres as a writer

[13:00] Nonfiction deep dives & pop culture obsessions

[15:00] Sapphic and bisexual romance recommendations

[19:00] Where to find Amy online

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Quick Note Before You Press Play:

The audio quality on this episode isn’t my usual standard (thank you for your grace 😅). If you want the best experience, I highly recommend watching the video version — it includes captions and the sound is much clearer. You can find it on Spotify and YouTube.

Thank you for being here and for always supporting the show. 💛

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What happens when a virgin sex toy engineer asks her coworker for sex lessons… and ends up getting way more than she bargained for?

This week, I’m chatting with author Alys Murray about her steamy new romance A Little Buzzed, why sex scenes need emotional arcs, and how the sex toy industry has completely transformed over the last decade. We talk mutual pleasure, power dynamics, writing for Hallmark vs. high-heat romance, and why “horny jail” only lasts so long.

If you love workplace romance, sex-positive stories, mafia rom-coms, and books that balance spice with heart — this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

A Little Buzzed by Alys Murray — Contemporary Romance | Workplace | Sex Lessons Trope | High Heat

The Seduction of Mr. Alfred Saintsbury by Lydia Lloyd — Regency Historical Romance | Power Dynamics | High Spice

Dom Com by Adriana Anders — Workplace Romance | High Heat | Sex-Positive Romance

The ReDo List by Denise Williams — Contemporary Romance | Second Chance at Life | Emotional Growth

Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards — Mafia Rom-Com | Female Mob Boss | Cinnamon Roll Hero

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome + why Alys and I have similar book taste

[02:00] The premise of A Little Buzzed

[03:30] Mutual “sex lessons” + flipping the virgin trope

[04:30] How the sex toy industry has evolved

[07:00] Virginity, pleasure, and agency in 2026

[08:00] Why sex scenes need emotional arcs (Heated Rivalry reference 👀)

[10:00] Screenwriting for Hallmark vs. writing spicy romance

[14:00] Lydia Lloyd’s filthy Regency recommendation

[16:00] Workplace spice: Dom Com

[17:00] The Redo List by Denise Williams

[17:30] Mafia rom-com obsession: Love Most Fatal

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What happens when you drop a retired serial killer into a luxury retirement home full of former investigators? You get chaos, secrets… and one very suspicious death.

In this episode, I chat with British comedian-turned-mystery author Fergus Craig about his latest cozy crime novel, I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home. We talk about writing a likable serial killer, the art of “cracked cozy” mysteries, and how parody crime novels unexpectedly launched his fiction career. If you love cozy mysteries with a dark twist — and characters who blur the line between wrong and relatable — this one’s for you.

We also dive into his favorite reads (including a book he calls the best he’s ever read), and why sometimes escape fiction is exactly what readers need right now.

📚 Books Mentioned

I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery | Dark Comedy | Serial Killer Protagonist

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Family Drama

East of Eden by John Steinbeck — Buy on Amazon | Classic Literary Fiction

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction to Fergus Craig

[01:00] The premise behind I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home

[02:00] What is a “cracked cozy” mystery?

[03:00] Writing a likable serial killer

[05:00] Balancing flashbacks and present-day mystery

[06:00] From comedian and actor to novelist

[07:00] Parody crime novels and landing a book deal

[08:00] Why readers want escape fiction right now

[09:00] Fergus’s reading life and audiobook habits

[10:00] The Bee Sting by Paul Murray recommendation

[12:00] Literary fiction and reading widely

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What happens when a swoony rom-com set in Venezuela meets fake dating, music, and telenovela-level drama? I’m joined by debut author Maria José Morillo to talk about romance, bilingual reading, and writing against the odds.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Maria José Morillo, a Venezuelan author making her Big Five debut with The Ex-Perimento. We talk about growing up bilingual, discovering romance through Harry Potter and Twilight, and what it means to write English-language romance from Venezuela.

We also dive into celebrity rom-com tropes, Latin American pop culture (yes, Miss Universe matters), and how Maria José went from fanfiction to landing a traditional publishing deal. If you love high-concept rom-coms, global romance, or behind-the-scenes publishing journeys, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Ex-Perimento by Maria José Morillo — Contemporary Romance | Celebrity Romance

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle — Rom-Com | Enemies-to-Lovers

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry — Friends-to-Lovers | Travel Romance

Happy Place by Emily Henry — Second-Chance Romance | Emotional Romance

The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero-Lacruz — Fantasy | Venezuelan Folklore

Bochica by Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro — Gothic Horror | Latin American Folklore

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & why Venezuela pop culture feels familiar

[02:00] Becoming a reader through Harry Potter

[05:00] Switching from Spanish to English reading

[07:00] E-reading vs physical books outside the U.S.

[09:00] From fanfiction to writing original romance

[12:00] Why writing in English opened publishing doors

[15:00] The book that didn’t sell — and why that matters

[17:00] The origin story of The Ex-Perimento

[20:00] Miss Universe, telenovelas & Latin American fame

[24:00] Romance recommendations & reading for joy

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What happens when a pandemic side project turns into a full-time creative career?

In this episode, I’m joined by fantasy romance author Kate Golden to talk about writing through uncertainty, leaving a stable career, and why urban fantasy is having a moment.

We get into Kate’s journey from working as a studio executive in Hollywood to indie publishing A Dawn of Onyx, landing a traditional book deal with Berkley, and finally quitting her day job to write full-time. We also dive deep into Half City, her dark academia–meets–urban fantasy trilogy set in a reimagined New York City — complete with demon hunters, secret colleges, forbidden romance, and Buffy-level vibes.

This conversation is for readers who love grounded fantasy, creative career pivots, and honest talk about monetizing passion projects without losing your mind.

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Making adult friends is hard — but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

In this Galentine’s Day special, I’m joined by my friend Jules from Friday Night Readers to talk about how we met as adults, how to build meaningful female friendships, and the six books that celebrate the complicated, beautiful, soul-shaping power of friendship.

We share how sliding into DMs, podcast interviews, book communities, and even fitness classes can turn into real-life connection. If you’re craving community, feeling isolated, or just want book recommendations centered on female friendships (from literary fiction to cozy mysteries), this episode is for you.

📚 Books Recommended

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction |Audio ✅

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett — Buy on Amazon | Memoir | Audio ✅

Love & Saffron by Kim Fay — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | Audio ✅

Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction | Audio ✅

Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Mystery | Audio ✅

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery | Audio Audible Exclusive

⏰ Timestamps

[00:00] Why Galentine’s Day matters

[02:00] How Laura and Jules became friends as adults

[06:00] Loneliness vs. being alone

[08:30] My Brilliant Friend & complex literary friendships

[15:30] Truth and Beauty & unconditional friendship

[19:00] Millennial mystery nostalgia (2008 tabloid era!)

[23:00] Love & Saffron & long-distance friendships

[26:00] Golden Girls cozy mystery vibes

[30:00] Real-life ideas to build adult friendships

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What happens when love, music, and unfinished business collide—20 years later?

In this episode, I’m joined by novelist Lisa Peers to talk about Motor City Love Song, a sapphic second-chance romance set against Detroit’s indie music scene—then and now.

We dive into the late ’90s Detroit garage-rock era, the rise and fall of live music venues, and what it means to revisit the love and choices that shape who we become. If you love music-driven novels, queer romance with emotional depth, and stories about creative communities surviving change, this one’s for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Motor City Love Song by Lisa Peers — Queer Romance | Music Fiction

Life by Keith Richards — Memoir | Music History

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby — Literary Fiction | Music Obsession

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan — Literary Fiction | Music Industry

Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon — Memoir | Rock Music

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Lisa Peers & the inspiration behind Motor City Love Song

[02:00] Detroit’s ’90s indie music scene explained

[06:30] Music, community, and surviving industry shifts

[09:00] Second-chance love & dual timelines

[14:00] Writing younger vs. older characters

[16:00] Music memoirs Lisa loves

[22:00] Final book recommendations for music lovers

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Cozy Mysteries 101: Finding the Series That Actually Works for You

If you’ve ever wanted to get into cozy mysteries but didn’t know where to start — or bounced off one that just didn’t work — this episode is for you. Amy from Novel Gossip joins me to break down what actually makes a cozy mystery work (and why some beloved classics… don’t anymore).

We talk about cozy mystery conventions, foodie cozies, long-running series vs. short arcs, seasonal reads, and the difference between nostalgic comfort and outdated, problematic storytelling. Plus, we compare three major cozy series we read together — including one we’re obsessed with and one we’re officially done with.

This episode is perfect for readers who love low-stress mysteries, strong sense of place, found family vibes, and a little romance on the side.

📚 Books & Series Discussed

1. Lucy Stone Mysteries by Leslie Meier
2. Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke
3. Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander
4. Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah

📚 Books Mentioned

Lucy Stone Mysteries by Leslie Meier — Cozy Mystery | Small Town | Married Sleuth | Seasonal Reads

Hannah Swensen Mysteries by Joanne Fluke — Cozy Mystery | Bakery Setting | Long-Running Series | Food-Forward

Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander — Cozy Mystery | Bakery | Found Family | Pacific Northwest

Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Lakeside Setting | Animal Companion | Foodie Cozy

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why we fell into cozy mysteries

[02:00] Cozy mystery conventions & formulas

[05:00] Foodie cozies and niche hobbies

[08:00] Seasonal and holiday cozy reads

[11:00] Lucy Stone series overview

[14:00] Hannah Swensen: nostalgia vs. modern reads

[18:00] Why Bakeshop Mysteries became our favorite

[23:00] Long-running series, side characters & growth

[29:00] Cozy mysteries vs. TV adaptations

[34:00] Final thoughts & where to find Amy

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What happens when a true-crime podcaster is forced to host a romance podcast… and a real murder hits close to home?

In this episode, I’m joined by author Letizia Lorini to talk about her rom-com-meets-mystery debut A Killer Kind of Romance — a smart, funny love story with serial-killer vibes and a guaranteed happily ever after.

We talk about Letizia’s journey from criminology to romance writing, how her background in white-collar and environmental crime shaped this story, and why mixing romance, comedy, and murder works better than you’d think. If you love rom-coms with a dark edge, true-crime energy, and an external mystery driving the romance, this one’s for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

A Killer Kind of Romance by Letizia Lorini — Romantic Mystery | Rom-Com with Murder | Small-Town Romance | True-Crime Vibes

Brave and Reckless by Dilan Dyer — Contemporary Romance | Cowboy Romance | Theme Park Setting

Hoax and Kisses by Elodie Colliard — Small-Town Romance | Fake Dating | Contemporary Rom-Com | Florist Hero

Poisoned Ivy by Ava Rani — Romantic Mystery | Dark Academia Romance | External Mystery Plot

Whiskey Business by Elliot Fletcher — Contemporary Romance | Scottish Romance | Small-Town Vibes

Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher — Contemporary Romance | Scottish Romance | Series Romance

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Letizia Lorini & her criminology background

[01:00] White-collar crime, environmental crime, and “victimless” myths

[02:00] Falling back in love with romance (and starting to write)

[03:00] Indie → traditional publishing & why hybrid works

[03:30] A Killer Kind of Romance — rom-com + murder pitch

[05:00] Balancing romance and mystery without overpowering either

[06:00] Why dark themes pair perfectly with rom-com energy

[07:00] Pantsing vs plotting & writing twists

[08:00] Book recommendations & favorite rom-com reads

[11:00] Where to find Letizia online

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Coming out doesn’t always look the way we expect — especially when bisexuality, straight-presenting relationships, and queer community intersect in complicated ways. In this episode, I’m joined by novelist and journalist Jordyn Taylor to talk about her adult debut See You at the Summit and why bisexual representation in romance still matters.

We dig into bi-erasure, “double discrimination,” and what it means to claim your identity even when the world reads you incorrectly. Jordyn also shares how her background as a sex and relationships editor shaped her fiction, why she chose Canada as the setting for her adult debut, and how fitness (yes, Hyrox!) fuels her creative life. Plus, we swap book recommendations that explore queer relationships, polyamory, and emotionally devastating love stories you’ll never forget.

📚 Books Mentioned

See You at the Summit by Jordyn Taylor — Queer Romance | Contemporary Rom-Com | Coming Out Story

Triple Sec by TJ Alexander— Polyamorous Romance | LGBTQ+ | Contemporary

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Historical Fiction | Queer Love Story | Audiobook Favorite

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Jordyn Taylor’s writing journey and adult debut

[02:30] Why bisexual representation needs nuance

[05:30] Bi-erasure and “double discrimination”

[08:00] Setting queer romance in Canada

[10:30] Hyrox, fitness culture, and creative discipline

[15:00] Polyamory in romance fiction (Triple Sec)

[17:00] Emotional audiobooks and Atmosphere

[18:45] Where to find Jordyn and what’s next

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Haunted lighthouses, bake shops, ghost hunters, and cozy mysteries with heart.

In this episode, I’m joined by cozy mystery author Darci Hannah to talk about how she went from historical fiction to building three beloved cozy mystery series — including haunted lighthouses in Michigan, small-town bake shops, and a ghost-hunting food show gone very wrong.

We dive into her Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries, the origin of her haunted lighthouse setting, how real Midwest ghost stories inspired Captain Willie Riggs, and why cozy mysteries are evolving into something funnier, smarter, and more emotionally rich. Plus, Darci shares her favorite cozy mystery reads and classic comfort authors.

📚 Books Mentioned

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Paranormal Lite

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Food-Forward

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Halloween

A Fatal Feast at Bransford Manor by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Food & Ghosts

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah — Cozy Mystery | Scottish Folklore

The Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin) by M. C. Beaton — Cozy Mystery |

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie — Classic Cozy Mystery |

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Meeting Darci Hannah & her writing origin story

[03:00] From historical fiction to cozy mysteries

[05:00] Michigan lighthouses & real ghost lore

[08:00] Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries setup

[11:00] Murder at the Lemon Berry Tea

[14:00] Halloween, ghost hunts & pumpkin pageants

[18:00] Food & Spirits Mysteries concept

[22:00] Writing cozy mysteries with humor

[26:00] Darci’s favorite cozy mystery reads

[30:00] Where to find Darci Hannah online

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Some books don’t just retell a classic — they hold your hand through a hard season. In this episode, I’m joined by Virginia Kantra to talk about Anne of a Different Island, a modern homage to Anne of Green Gables set in the shadow of COVID, nostalgia, and finding your way forward when life doesn’t follow the script.

We talk about why Anne Shirley still resonates more than a century later, how stories help us process collective trauma, and why comfort reads matter — especially for readers who came of age during the pandemic. This conversation is about resilience, imagination, chosen paths, and the quiet power of books to make us feel seen.

📚 Books Mentioned

Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra — Contemporary women’s fiction | Romance elements

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood — Literary fiction | Found family

Far and Away by Amy Poeppel — Contemporary women’s fiction

The Last Letter from Rachel Allworth by Barbara O’Neal — Emotional women’s fiction

How Simi Got Her Groove Back by Sonali Dev — Contemporary romance

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome + Virginia Kantra’s writing journey

[04:00] Why Anne of Green Gables still matters

[08:30] Why Anne of a Different Island is set on Mackinac Island

[16:45] Writing COVID into fiction — without retraumatizing readers

[24:00] Healthy relationships vs. romanticized toxicity

[33:00] Comfort reads, nostalgia, and emotional safety in books

[41:00] Book recommendations for hard seasons

[49:00] Classroom libraries, book bans, and why representation matters

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Bridgerton Season 4 Is Going Full Cinderella — Here’s What to Read While You Wait

Bridgerton Season 4 is officially heading into Cinderella territory, and I’m breaking down what that means — from class divide drama to why Benedict might finally be the Bridgerton brother we root for. Joined by returning guest Julia Diaz-Young, we talk book canon vs. show changes, why Sophie Beckett is such a compelling heroine, and which historical romances perfectly capture that upstairs-downstairs energy.

If you love Bridgerton but don’t want to wait around for Netflix release schedules, we’ve got you covered with cozy, library-friendly historical romance recs you can borrow right now — no ballgown required.

📚 Books Mentioned

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn — Historical Romance | Cinderella trope

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare — Historical Romance | Marriage of convenience

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke — Historical Romance | Class divide

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James — Historical Romance | Fairy tale retelling

Marry Me at Midnight by Felicia Grossman — Historical Romance | Gender-swap Cinderella

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Bridgerton as a romance gateway & genre hopping

[00:02] Cozy mysteries, historical mysteries & reading moods

[00:05] Why Season 4 feels like “classic” Bridgerton

[00:07] Cinderella, class divide & Sophie’s story

[00:09] Netflix binge fatigue vs weekly releases

[00:11] Bridgerton music, pop covers & iconic scenes

[00:13] Benedict as a hero & Sophie’s strength

[00:14] Cinderella-inspired historical romance recs

[00:17] Where to find Julia & what she’s working on

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Some historical figures feel larger than life — until you finally meet the woman behind the myth.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lynn Cullen, an acclaimed historical fiction author who has spent decades uncovering the real people behind cultural legends. We dive into her latest novel about Marilyn Monroe, focusing on Marilyn’s deeply personal relationship with photographer Eve Arnold — the only woman Marilyn ever trusted to photograph her.

We talk about trauma, fame, the female gaze, and what happens when a woman known entirely through images finally gets to be seen as herself. If you love feminist historical fiction, celebrity history, or stories that reclaim women’s narratives from the male gaze, this conversation is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Women’s History

The Woman with the Cure by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Medical History

Writers & Lovers by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Writers & Relationships

Euphoria by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Anthropology & Love

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell — Historical Fiction | Women’s Lives

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson — Literary Fiction | Time & History

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Lynn Cullen’s journey from children’s books to historical fiction

[02:00] Why history is never boring (and always connected)

[05:00] Why Marilyn Monroe still fascinates us

[07:00] Eve Arnold and the female gaze

[10:00] Trauma, fame, and Norma Jeane vs. Marilyn

[14:00] Sleep, self-doubt, and the cost of celebrity

[18:00] Women artists, recognition, and late success

[22:00] Literary fiction recommendations & influences

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If you love romance but want to dip your toes into mystery without gore, trauma, or thriller chaos—this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Jenny Elder Moke, author of the millennial cozy mystery-romcom She Doesn’t Have a Clue and her upcoming release Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies. We talk about why mystery is not the same as thrillers, how “millennial cozies” are changing the genre, and why her books are the perfect gateway for romance readers who want puzzles, banter, and emotional payoff—without nightmare fuel.

We also dig into why Jenny chose to write standalone companion novels instead of a single sleuth series, the rise of cozy mysteries set in big cities, and the nonfiction rabbit holes (poison! art theft!) that inspire her storytelling.

📚 Books Mentioned

She Doesn’t Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke — Mystery-RomCom | Audio ✅

Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke — Mystery-RomCom | Audio ✅

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel — True Crime / Nonfiction | Audio ✅

The Change by Kirsten Miller — Feminine Rage Thriller | Audio ✅

Witch of These Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland — Witchy Contemporary Fantasy | Audio ✅

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz — Meta Mystery | Audio ✅

Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian — Cozy Mystery | Audio ✅

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why mystery-romcoms work for romance readers

[03:00] Cozy mysteries vs thrillers (and why it matters)

[06:00] The rise of “millennial cozy mysteries”

[09:00] Standalone companion novels vs series sleuths

[13:00] Romance-forward mysteries without trauma

[15:00] Jenny’s nonfiction obsession & research rabbit holes

[20:00] Book recommendations: fiction & nonfiction

[27:00] Where to find Jenny Elder Moke

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In this throwback episode, I’m sharing a 2016 interview that quietly reshaped how I read, why I read, and eventually, why this podcast exists at all. We talk about losing your reading life in grad school, rediscovering books as an adult, and the joy of falling headfirst into stories again—without pressure, productivity, or obligation.

This episode is for anyone who used to love reading, feels disconnected from it now, or wants permission to read purely for joy again.

Say Yes episode was originally recorded in 2016. This episode was originally aired on WTRN on March 2021.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The audio leveling is off. Unfortunately, I no longer have the raw audio from 2016 and 2021.

What happens when you don’t give up on writing—even after a failed debut attempt, agent rejections, and a long detour through corporate life? In this episode, I’m joined by London-based author Rosie Storey, whose debut novel Dandelion Is Dead is finally making its U.S. release.

We talk honestly about Rosie’s nonlinear publishing journey, the persistence it takes to keep writing after rejection, and why messy, mid-thirties lives deserve to be at the center of fiction. We also dive into Dandelion Is Dead—a sharp, emotionally layered novel about grief, identity, and the lies we tell when we’re trying to survive loss. Plus, Rosie shares three literary recommendations that balance humor and heartbreak beautifully.

📚 Books Mentioned

Dandelion Is Dead by Rosie Storey — Literary Fiction | Grief, Identity

The First Bad Man by Miranda July — Literary Fiction | Unconventional Women

Self-Help by Lorrie Moore — Short Stories | Humor & Heartbreak

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason — Literary Fiction | Mental Health, Marriage

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Meeting Rosie Storey & debut novel introduction

[01:00] Early writing life and corporate career detour

[02:00] Quitting work, failed first novel, and starting again

[03:00] Rejections, agents, and persistence

[04:00] Dandelion Is Dead — premise and themes

[05:00] Writing messy midlife stories

[06:00] Why no life is neat and tidy

[07:00] Book recommendation: The First Bad Man

[09:00] Book recommendation: Self-Help

[11:00] Book recommendation: Sorrow and Bliss

[12:30] Where to find Rosie online

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What if Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and a swoony rom-com had a bookish baby? That’s exactly what today’s episode delivers. I’m joined by Jo Segura, author of adventure rom-coms that bring danger, banter, and kissing back into the genre.

We talk about why Hollywood stopped making true adventure romances, how Jo blends real archaeology research with rom-com pacing, and why her heroines are always smart, capable, and never damsels in distress. If you love romance with puzzles, mythology, librarians, lost treasure, and external stakes that actually matter, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

The Lust Crusade by Jo Segura — Adventure Romance

Toe to Toe by Fallon Ballard — Contemporary Romance

Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen — Contemporary Romance

What Is Love? by Jen Comfort — Contemporary Rom-Com

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Jo Segura & the rise of adventure rom-coms

[01:30] Why Hollywood abandoned adventure romances

[03:00] Real archaeology vs movie myths

[05:00] Researching Aztec culture, the Amazon & Greek mythology

[07:00] Librarians, archaeology & problem-solving heroines

[09:00] Writing capable women (no damsels allowed)

[10:30] What Jo reads while drafting romance

[12:30] Romance & thriller recommendations

[14:30] Where to find Jo online

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What does it really look like to make a living as a romance author in today’s publishing landscape?

In this episode, I’m joined by romance author Lauren Connolly for a candid conversation about hybrid publishing, creative sustainability, and her latest rom-com Love in Plane Sight.

We talk about Lauren’s journey from libraries to publishing nearly 30 books, why diversifying income streams matters, and how she balances self-publishing with Big Five contracts without burning out. We also dive into pilot romances, found family, money trauma, and why a Gantt chart might just save your creative life.

📚 Books Mentioned

Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly — Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy | Audio ✅

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy | Audio ✅

Drawn Together by Juliana Smith — Contemporary Romance | Closed Door | Audio ✅

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce — YA Fantasy | Classic | Audio ✅

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & Lauren’s publishing journey

[01:30] From libraries to romance writing

[03:00] Why hybrid publishing works

[05:00] The reality of advances & author income

[07:30] Diversifying revenue streams

[08:45] Gantt charts & managing multiple deadlines

[11:30] Negotiating realistic publishing timelines

[13:30] Introducing Love in Plane Sight

[16:00] Money trauma, people-pleasing & romance heroes

[19:30] Audiobooks & narration talk

[20:30] Cozy book recommendations

[24:00] Little Free Libraries & nostalgia reads

[25:30] Where to find Lauren + upcoming events

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What My Reading Taste Actually Looks Like (and Why I Let Go of Goals)

What happens when you stop chasing trends, ditch reading streaks, and finally admit what you don’t like to read? In this off-the-cuff solo episode, I’m talking honestly about my reading taste reset — what 2025 taught me, what I’m leaving behind, and how I’m shaping my reading life heading into 2026.

I’m sharing how cozy mysteries pulled me out of burnout, why I stopped forcing genres that don’t work for me (hello, fantasy), and how setting gentle boundaries helped me read more — and actually enjoy it again. If you’ve been stuck in decision paralysis, overwhelmed by recommendations, or quietly falling out of love with reading, this episode is for you.

📚 What I Talk About in This Episode

1. Why 2025 became a “taste discovery” year instead of a goal-driven one
2. Letting go of fantasy, high-stress thrillers, and reading guilt
3. Falling hard for cozy mysteries, millennial mysteries, and mystery rom-coms
4. Why pop-culture nonfiction works when fiction doesn’t
5. How I use boundaries (not rules) to choose what to read next
6. Why I broke up with Goodreads, streaks, and daily reading pressure
7. Reading like meditation: consistency over perfection
8. What you’ll see more (and less) of from me going forward

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why I needed a reading reset

[02:00] From romance burnout to cozy mysteries

[04:00] Decision paralysis & setting reading boundaries

[06:00] What romance still works for me (and what doesn’t)

[08:00] Mysteries, millennial sleuths & cozy trends

[10:00] Genres I’m stepping away from

[12:00] Pop-culture nonfiction & reading curiosity

[14:00] Letting go of Goodreads & reading streaks

[16:00] Reading for joy, not numbers

[18:00] How I plan my reading without overwhelm

📣 Call to Action

Want the journal prompts I use to define my reading taste — plus curated Kindle Unlimited gems, library tips, and bonus podcast content?

👉 Join my free Substack at whattoreadnextblog.com

What happens when a former newspaper crime reporter turns her real-life investigative instincts into pulse-pounding fiction? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Griffin to talk about crime fiction, small-town mysteries, and the real-world research that makes her thrillers feel terrifyingly real.

We dig into Laura’s journey from journalism to romantic suspense and thrillers, how she researches police work and cold cases, and why setting Innocence Road in a remote West Texas town inspired by Marfa added an entirely new layer of tension. If you love smart thrillers, layered investigations, and books that reward close readers, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Innocence Road by Laura Griffin — Crime Thriller | Cold Case | Small-Town Mystery

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter — Psychological Thriller

While It Was Snowing by Julia London — Holiday Rom-Com

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Literary Suspense / Emotional Drama

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Laura Griffin’s journalism background

[01:30] Researching police work & crime scenes

[03:00] Why West Texas inspired Innocence Road

[06:30] Pacing suspense & planting clues

[09:00] Romantic suspense vs. thrillers

[12:00] What Laura Griffin loves to read

[14:00] Book recommendations for thriller fans

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What happens when a romance author leans fully into the dark, twisty world of thrillers—but keeps the emotional payoff readers crave? In this episode, I’m joined by Mia Sheridan to talk about her evolution from emotional romance to romantic thrillers—and why this hybrid genre works so well for readers who want suspense and heart.

We dig into her latest release The Fix, how she builds layered mysteries with romantic soft landings, and why trauma-forward stories can still be deeply comforting when handled with care. We also rewind to some unforgettable ’90s reading staples that shaped her as a reader and writer.

If you love popcorn thrillers, romantic suspense, or books that push you forward while still offering hope, this episode is for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

The Fix by Mia Sheridan — Romantic Thriller | KU ✅

The Road by Cormac McCarthy — Literary Dystopian Fiction

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough — Epic Romance / Family Saga

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver — Literary Fiction

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt — Memoir / Literary Nonfiction

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & Mia Sheridan’s genre journey

[02:00] What defines a romantic thriller

[03:30] Inside The Fix (spoiler-free premise)

[06:00] Writing trauma-heavy stories as an author

[08:30] Why romance provides a “soft place to land”

[09:30] Reading tastes & genre flexibility

[12:00] ’90s books that shaped a reader

[18:30] Where to find Mia online

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We talk about reading paralysis, juggling ARCs and backlist titles, the joy of cozy mysteries, why Goodreads ratings don’t tell the whole story, and how libraries, audiobooks, and Kindle Unlimited completely changed the way we read. If you’ve ever stared at your TBR feeling overwhelmed instead of excited, this episode is for you.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome + reading apps & Pagebound

[01:00] Reading paralysis & year-end overwhelm

[02:00] Short holiday audiobooks that actually work

[05:00] Reading before Bookstagram

[07:00] Cozy mysteries & Chick Lit nostalgia

[10:00] Finding reading community online

[13:00] Virgin River & audiobook obsession

[16:00] Trusting reading taste (not star ratings)

[19:00] When a 3-star book is perfect

[22:00] Mood reading vs forcing yourself

[26:00] Backlist reading as burnout recovery

[29:00] Why fantasy doesn’t work for everyone

[32:00] How we organize (or don’t) our TBRs

[36:00] Library browsing as self-care

[38:00] Letting go of “must finish” reading guilt

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In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Zhao and Jennifer Dobak, the co-founders of Pagebound, a beautifully designed, reader-first book tracking app that brings back the joy of talking about books while you’re reading them.

We talk about why they built Pagebound as a community—not an algorithm—how anonymous discussion makes reading feel safer and more fun, and why gamified reading challenges (hello, sparkly badges ✨) are helping readers rediscover their love of books. If you’ve ever felt burned out by Goodreads, overwhelmed by BookTok, or just want real conversations with other readers, this episode is for you.

🔗 Try Pagebound

1. Web: https://pagebound.co
2. App: Search Pagebound – Social Book Tracker in your app store

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Why I broke up with Goodreads

[02:00] Meet the Pagebound founders

[04:30] What makes Pagebound different

[06:00] Talking about books while reading

[08:00] Mood reading & finding reading twins

[10:00] Lists, human recs, and no algorithms

[11:30] Quests, badges & gamification

[13:00] Importing Goodreads & StoryGraph

[14:30] Supporting Pagebound & Royalty

[15:30] Why Pagebound uses Substack

[17:00] How to get started with Pagebound

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What happens when you take one of the most toxic masculinity sports cultures in the world—and rewrite it with tenderness, queer joy, and emotional honesty? 🏒💖

In this retro What to Read Next author interview, I’m joined by my friend Amanda (from Escape from a Book) to chat with romance author Rachel Reid, the creator of the beloved Game Changers hockey romance series.

We talk about Rachel’s lifelong love of hockey, why she wanted to challenge toxic masculinity in sports romance, and how Heated Rivalry broke every romance “rule” and somehow became a fan favorite anyway. Rachel also opens up about writing sex scenes with purpose, representing mental health and anxiety on the page, and what’s coming next—including Common Goal, Role Model, and the long-awaited sequel to Heated Rivalry.

📚 Books Mentioned

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid — Rivals-to-lovers | Sports Romance | Queer

Game Changer by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Queer

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Mental Health Rep

Common Goal by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Bisexual Rep

Role Model by Rachel Reid — Hockey Romance | Redemption Arc

The Long Game by Rachel Reid — Sequel to Heated Rivalry | Established Couple

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian — Historical Queer Romance

The Last Kiss by Sally Malcolm — WWI Historical Queer Romance | KU ✅

Spellbound by Allie Therin — Historical Fantasy Romance

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome & intro to Rachel Reid

[02:00] From hockey fan to published romance author

[06:00] Why queer hockey romance matters

[09:00] Writing Heated Rivalry & breaking romance rules

[13:00] Mental health & toxic masculinity in sports

[15:00] Crafting unforgettable sex scenes

[17:00] Upcoming books: Common Goal & Role Model

[19:00] The Heated Rivalry sequel (The Long Game)

[24:00] Rachel’s favorite books & reading recs

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Tropical Christmas romance, but make it mermaids + bartenders + island chaos. In this episode, I’m chatting with Lizzie Stanley, Natalie Parker, and Christina Berry about their Merry Mermaids holiday novella series—aka the underserved niche of Christmas reads where nobody is pretending it’s snowing.

We get into how they built a shared rom-com universe around The Salty Palms (a bar where “Happy Mermaid Hour” is absolutely a thing), plus what makes each novella hit: insta-love-turned-slow-burn injuries, reverse grumpy/sunshine with a town “bitch” heroine, and a marriage of convenience featuring ace-spectrum rep and a yacht-owning boat captain.

📚 Books Mentioned 

Seas & Greetings by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | KU ✅

Tropical Tidings by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com |  KU ✅

Jingle Shells by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | KU ✅

Fast and Dirty by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Rom-Com | KU ✅

Lavender Moon by Natalie Parker — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Small Town Romance | KU ✅

Hearts of Texas (series) by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Firefighter Rom-Com | KU ✅

Lost in Austin (series) by Christina Berry — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ (mentioned upcoming)

That Perfect Fit by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Short Rom-Com | KU ✅

Wishbone Tattoo (series) by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Romance Series | KU ✅

Still by Lizzie Stanley — Buy on Amazon | Romance (Wishbone world spinoff) | KU ✅

⏱️Time Stamps

[00:00] Welcome + why tropical Christmas is underrated

[00:01] Meet the authors + how they all became writing besties

[00:04] Building the shared universe: The Salty Palms + Happy Mermaid Hour

[00:06] Seas & Greetings pitch (insta-love → slow burn via injuries)

[00:08] Tropical Tidings pitch (reverse grumpy/sunshine + sheriff crush)

[00:10] Jingle Shell pitch (marriage of convenience + ace-spectrum rep)

[00:14] Where to start in Natalie’s backlist (Fast and Dirty + more)

[00:18] Where to start in Christina’s backlist (Hearts of Texas, Lost in Austin)

[00:19] Where to start in Lizzie’s backlist (That Perfect Fit, Wishbone Tattoo)

[00:26] Writing friendship + character crossovers + future collab ideas

[00:29] Where to find each author online

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Small-town Christmas chaos + rom-com hijinks? Yes, please. In this episode, I’m joined by romance author Erin Nicholas to talk holiday books, audio “girlie” life, and her newest festive romcom, Merry Mayhem.

Erin’s been publishing since 2009/2010 (and has 70–80+ books… she’s lost count in the best way). We get into how the romance industry has shifted from the “dark ages” of early ebooks to today’s audio boom, plus why small towns hit peak magic at Christmas.

📚 Books Mentioned 

Merry Mayhem by Erin Nicholas — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romcom, Small Town | KU ✅ 

Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild by Erin Nicholas — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Romcom Series | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

In a Rush by Kate Canterbary — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Shucked by Kate Canterbary — Buy on Amazon | Small Town Romance, Fish-Out-of-Water | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Copper Valley Thrusters by Pippa Grant — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romcom Series | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance (Golf) | Audio ✅

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland — Buy on Amazon | Romcom | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards — Buy on Amazon | Mafia Rom-Com | KU ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Erin Nicholas + 16 years in romance

[00:01] Industry shifts: early ebooks → Kindle → 2020 romance boom

[00:02] Erin’s origin story: writing since childhood + first publishing path

[00:07] Audio “girlie” life + cozy mysteries at bedtime

[00:08] Merry Mayhem setup: holiday competition + romcom chaos

[00:09] Writing Christmas in September (peppermint mocha + Mariah)

[00:10] Why small towns feel extra magical at Christmas

[00:12] Where to start with Erin’s backlist + Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild

[00:14] Erin’s romcom recs (Kate Canterbary, Pippa Grant, Tessa Bailey, etc.)

[00:18] The wildest rec: My Favorite Kidnapper

[00:19] Mafia romcom chat + A Love Most Fatal

[00:22] Where to find Erin online

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A holiday romance for people who hate the holidays? Yes, please. In this episode, I’m hanging out with romance author Natasha Madison to talk messy Christmas travel, big-family chaos, and why a happily-ever-after matters—even in true crime.

Natasha and I also get into how romance trends have shifted (alpha heroes, golden retrievers, dark romance, and the whole “tropes-everywhere” era), plus the comfort reads she’ll never stop recommending. If you’ve ever wanted a holiday book that doesn’t feel like a Hallmark script—or you’ve got thoughts about how romance marketing has changed—this one’s for you.

📚 Books Mentioned 

Holiday Unscripted by Natasha Madison — Buy on Amazon | Holiday romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Golden Trail by Kristen Ashley — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary romance (second chance vibes) | KU ✅ / Audio ✅ 

This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary romance (alpha hero) | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps 

[00:00] Welcome + “wait… people read my books?!”

[00:05] Romance covers then vs. now (Fabio era!)

[00:06] True crime rules: it MUST be solved

[00:06] Reality TV chat: TLC, Sister Wives, Love Island

[00:13] Holiday Unscripted setup: stranded heroine + forced proximity

[00:16] Writing Christmas in May (and hating every second)

[00:17] Holiday expectations, big family logistics, and gift burnout

[00:22] Natasha’s comfort read: Golden Trail by Kristen Ashley

[00:24] Alpha heroes vs. golden retrievers vs. dark romance extremes

[00:29] Trope-ification + writing ahead of trends

[00:34] Where to find Natasha online

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What happens when a former Harlequin author turns indie, builds a direct sales empire, and writes an entire series about small-town single dads? In this episode, I sit down with contemporary romance author Amy Knupp to talk about the business of romance and her cozy, Christmasy small-town world.

We chat about Amy’s journey from writing category romance for Harlequin to going fully indie, how she uses direct sales and Shopify to connect with readers, and why she loves writing emotional, character-driven small-town stories. Then we dive into her Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series and her new Christmas romance Single Wish, featuring a grumpy Christmas tree farmer, a reformed mean girl, and a delicious second-chance enemies-to-lovers arc set in a Tennessee lake town.

📚 Books Mentioned

Singled Out by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance | Audio ✅

Single All the Way by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Friends-to-Lovers |  Audio ✅

Single Wish by Amy Knupp — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance, Holiday Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers | Audio ✅

Bootleg Springs (series) by Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley — Buy on Amazon | Small-Town Romance, Romantic Comedy, Light Mystery Threads | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

🕒 Timestamps

[00:00] – Meet Amy Knupp

[02:00] – From Llamas to Harlequin

[02:30] – What Category Romance Really Is

[05:00] – Learning to Revise Like a Pro

[07:00] – Going Indie & Finding Creative Freedom

[08:30] – The Indie Boom She Missed

[10:00] – Treating Publishing Like a Business

[11:30] – Why Amy Publishes Wide

[12:00] – Direct Sales 101

[15:00] – Audiobooks Beyond Audible

[16:00] – Why Buying Direct Helps Everyone

[18:30] – How to Find Authors Who Sell Direct

[19:30] – Signed Books & Pretty Packaging

[20:30] – Welcome to Dragonfly Lake

[22:00] – Inside Single Wish

[23:30] – Enemies to Lovers + Secret Pasts

[24:30] – Reading Order & More Holiday Books

[25:30] – Book Recs from Amy

[27:00] – Where to Find Amy Online

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A royal Christmas ball, a mischievous rescue dog, and a dog trainer who drives the princess up the palace walls—what could possibly go wrong? In this feel-good holiday episode, I’m chatting with Christmas romcom queen Karen Schaler, writer of A Christmas Prince, Christmas Camp, and her new royal romance A Ruff Royal Christmas.

Karen shares how she went from war correspondent and hard-hitting journalist to writing the cozy, comforting Christmas stories so many of us binge every December. We talk about the inspiration behind A Ruff Royal Christmas (including the real-life “devil dog” who inspired Stormy), how she stays in a Christmas mood all year even while living in the desert, and why she’s built a portfolio career across movies, books, audio, travel shows, and even real-life Christmas Camp retreats. We also go behind the scenes of filming Christmas Camp for Hallmark, talk about the power of comfort watches/reads, and get a sneak peek at what she’s working on next.

📚 Books Mentioned

A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Royal RomCom, Christmas Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Christmas Camp by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Christmas Romance, Hallmark Movie Tie-In | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Every Day Is Christmas by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Christmas Romance, A Christmas Carol–inspired | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Karen Schaler — Buy on Amazon | Christmas Romance, Full-Cast Audio Original | Audible Exclusive ✅

⏰Timestamps

[00:00] Meet Karen Schaler & why she literally breathes Christmas

[02:00] From war zones to Christmas romcoms: Karen’s journalism background

[06:00] Inside A Ruff Royal Christmas: royal hijinks, rescue dogs & a big twist

[11:00] Writing Christmas all year long (from the Arizona desert!)

[16:00] Portfolio creative life: movies, books, audio & Christmas Camp IRL

[21:00] Behind the scenes of the Christmas Camp Hallmark movie

[27:00] New non-Christmas series, TV ideas & future Christmas specials

[33:00] Where to find Karen online & holiday well-wishes

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When life feels heavy, sometimes you just need a cozy small town, a perfect pumpkin spice latte, and a YA romance that feels like a warm sweater. In this episode, I’m chatting with author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc about the comfort reads that got her through some of the hardest seasons of her life—and how they might help you, too.

Katie and I talk about her YA novels Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and Mint to Be, how Pumpkin Spice unexpectedly went viral on TikTok, and what it was like to write through chemo and recovery. We also get into cozy, low-gore spooky reads (perfect if you’re squeamish or easily triggered), plus YA and middle grade recommendations that balance heart, hope, and just the right amount of chills. If you’re craving comfort, holiday vibes, and gentle escape, this is the episode for you.

📚 Books Mentioned

Quarantine by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Contemporary 

It’s Going Viral by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Contemporary 

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Romance, Cozy Fall | Audio ✅

Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Holiday Romance, Small Town | Audio ✅

Murder Road by Simone St. James — Buy on Amazon | Mystery, Supernatural Thriller | Audio ✅

Zyla & Kai by Kristina Forest — Buy on Amazon | Young Adult Romance | Audio ✅

Short Story Collection by Leonora Carrington — Buy on Amazon | Surrealism, Magical Realism | Audio ✅

Tales to Keep You Up at Night by Dan Poblocki — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade Horror, Spooky Stories | Audio ✅

More Tales to Keep You Up at Night by Dan Poblocki — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade Horror, Spooky Stories | Audio ✅

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] Meet YA author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc & her book lineup

[00:01] The wild story of Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice going viral

[00:02] Writing through chemo and finding escape in cozy YA worlds

[00:04] Inside Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and the town of Briar Glen

[00:05] Holiday vibes, boarding school, and first love in Mint to Be

[00:07] Why we need comfort reads in weird, heavy times

[00:08] Spooky-but-not-gory recs: Simone St. James, Agatha Christie audios

[00:09] YA romance, therapy-positive characters, and Zyla & Kai

[00:10] Leonora Carrington’s surreal short stories & middle grade spooky picks

[00:11] More Dan Poblocki recs and where to find Katie online

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Forty is not the end of your love story—it might be the beginning of your best one yet. In this episode, I’m chatting with romance author L.B. Dunbar all about love over 40, menopause, midlife reinvention, and why Christmas romances are the perfect escape when life feels like… a lot.

We dig into how L.B. pivoted her career to write romance with characters in their 40s and 50s, what makes second-chance love hit different in midlife, and why today’s Gen X and Millennial readers are craving stories that reflect their real lives—kids, divorce, therapy, hormones and all. Then we switch into full holiday mode to talk about her grumpy/sunshine Christmas romances (including a sexy maybe-Santa), plus a few cozy cowboy recs if you love a small-town escape.

📚 Books Mentioned 

Scroogish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Second Chance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Naughty-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance |  KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Elf-ish by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine |  KU ✅ / Audio ✅

The Holiday Post by L.B. Dunbar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Forced Proximity | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

The Holiday Whoopi by Sarah L. Hudson — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Steamy |KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Between the Pines by Amber Palmer — Buy on Amazon | Cowboy Romance, Small-Town Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Dust Storm by Maggie Gates — Buy on Amazon | Cowboy Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine |KU ✅ / Audio ✅

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] Meet L.B. Dunbar & why she writes romance over 40

[03:00] Millennials, Gen X, and outgrowing 20-something romances

[06:00] Menopause, hormones & not giving a f*ck in midlife

[10:00] How L.B. started writing Christmas romances

[13:00] Scroogish, Naughty-ish, Grouch-ish & Elf-ish: her holiday series

[16:00] Sexy Santa energy & The Holiday Post

[18:00] Current reads, Hideaway Harbor & The Holiday Whoopi

[19:30] Cowboy romance recs: Between the Pines & Dust Storm

[21:00] Where to find L.B. Dunbar online and final thoughts

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Curl up with a blanket, a warm drink, and a stack of Christmas classics—Victoria from BiblioLifestyle is back to help us build a cozy, low-pressure December reading plan. In this episode, we go beyond A Christmas Carol and talk about beginner-friendly classics, emotional reads, and the magic of reading aloud at the holidays.

We chat about why classics hit differently in our hyper-busy lives, how to pick approachable reads if you’re intimidated, and why some stories just land better in December. Victoria walks us through a four-week Christmas classics challenge (with lots of public-domain options), child and adult read-aloud ideas, and her own tradition of reading Letters from Father Christmas every year. I also share a bit about my childhood Christmases, Disney trips, and why I always reach for comfort reads this time of year.

Whether you’re craving something short and heart-squeezing like The Gift of the Magi or want to finally tackle Little Women or Persuasion, this episode is your invitation to slow down, pick one classic, and actually enjoy it—no pressure to rush or “keep up.

📚 Books Mentioned

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens — Buy on Amazon | Classic Christmas novella, redemption arc, ghosts of Christmas past/present/future | Audio ✅

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott — Buy on Amazon | Classic coming-of-age, March sisters, family + generosity at Christmas |  Audio ✅

Persuasion by Jane Austen — Buy on Amazon | Second-chance romance, quiet heroine, emotional restraint | Audio ✅

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — Buy on Amazon | Iconic enemies-to-lovers, witty social commentary, regency classic | Audio ✅

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier — Buy on Amazon | Gothic suspense, eerie mansion, atmospheric classic | Audio ✅

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë — Buy on Amazon | Gothic romance, governess heroine, broody hero | Audio ✅

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry — Buy on Amazon | Short story, bittersweet gift-giving, ultimate Christmas sacrifice |  Audio ✅*

The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin — Buy on Amazon | Short heart-squeezer, sick child planning Christmas for neighbors, bittersweet | Audio ✅

The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen — Buy on Amazon | Classic fairy tale, heartbreaking winter story, emotional | Audio ✅*

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter — Buy on Amazon | Animal classic, Christmas Eve sewing, quiet redemption | Audio ✅*

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg — Buy on Amazon | Picture book, magical train to the North Pole, Christmas wonder | Audio ✅

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss — Buy on Amazon | Rhyming picture book, grumpy-to-softie arc, holiday fun | Audio ✅

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore — Buy on Amazon | Classic Christmas Eve poem, Santa visit, family tradition staple | Audio ✅*

Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry — Buy on Amazon | Picture book, one tree shared by many, charming and clever |  Audio ✅*

The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren — Buy on Amazon | Nordic classic, quiet winter farm night, cozy snow-globe vibes | Audio ✅*

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston — Buy on Amazon | Appalachian Christmas story, mother-child bond, love & sacrifice | Audio ✅*

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote — Buy on Amazon | Memoir-style story, fruitcake tradition, nostalgic and bittersweet | Audio ✅*

In the Bleak Midwinter by Christina Rossetti — Buy on Amazon | Classic Christmas poem, reflective and meditative | Audio ✅*

A Timbered Choir: The Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry — Buy on Amazon | Poetry collection, stillness, nature, gratitude | Audio ✅*

Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien — Buy on Amazon | Illustrated letters from “Father Christmas” to Tolkien’s kids, polar bear mishaps, perfect December nightly read-aloud | Audio ✅*

*Many of these classic/older texts are in the public domain and may be available in free ebooks and assorted audio editions.

⏱️ Time Stamps

[00:00] Catching up with Victoria & why classics hit differently now

[02:00] Christmas staples: A Christmas Carol, Little Women & Persuasion

[06:00] Emotional short classics: The Gift of the Magi & The Birds’ Christmas Carol

[10:00] Childhood Christmas memories, Disney trips & reading as escape

[14:00] Adult read-aloud tradition: Capote, Dickens, poetry & Tolkien

[18:00] Cozy comfort reads, Florida “bubble,” and a 4-week Christmas classics challenge

[21:00] Where to find Victoria (BiblioLifestyle), winter reading guide & outro

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What if your romance career didn’t hinge on going viral—but on quietly writing your way to 118 books and counting? In this episode, I’m chatting with holiday romance queen Samantha Chase about sustainable careers, Christmas comfort reads, and why she’ll always write a Christmas book.

We talk about what it really looks like to treat writing like a job (in the best way), how Samantha built a wide, library-friendly backlist instead of relying on Kindle Unlimited, and why she’s more interested in consistency than fame. Then we dive into her newest holiday romance, A Holly Brown Christmas, plus a whole sleigh-full of her backlist Christmas books and a couple of festive recs from Lauren Blakely.

🎄Holiday Books by Samantha Chase

Holly Brown Christmas by Samantha Chase  

The Christmas Cottage Series by Samantha Chase

Silver Bell Falls Series by Samantha Chase

Mistletoe Between Friends by Samantha Chase 

Mistletoe Between Friends Snowflake Inn Duo by Samantha Chase

Moonlight in Winter Park by Samantha Chase

The Snowflake Inn by Samantha Chase

Waiting for Midnight by Samantha Chase

His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase

Moonlight in Winter Park Waiting for Midnight Duet by Samantha Chase

Baking it Merry by Samantha Chase

🕒 Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro & catching up with Samantha’s current projects

[03:00] – How she plans series, works with her assistant, and stays three books ahead

[06:00] – Building a 118-book backlist & why your first book won’t define you

[08:00] – KU vs wide: sweeter contemporary, libraries, and diversified income

[10:30] – The “old” marketing formulas that stopped working and what she does now

[13:00] – Virality, fame, and why writing is a job—not a shortcut to celebrity

[15:00] – The origin story of The Christmas Cottage and its Hallmark adaptation

[18:00] – A tour of Samantha’s Christmas backlist (Snowflake Inn, Silverbell Falls, Baking it Merry)

[20:30] – All about A Holly Brown Christmas: office party chaos, divorce drama, and a Snoopy-coded pup Schmoop

[23:00] – Holiday romance recs from Lauren Blakely: My Favorite Holidate & Merry Little Kissmas

[26:00] – Where to find Samantha online + buying books directly from her site

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Looking for a cozy, witchy holiday romance with world-building that feels like slipping into a warm sweater? Today I’m sitting down with debut author and longtime video-game writer Morgan Lockhart, whose background explains exactly why her book feels so immersive and magical.

In this episode, we chat about her 20-year career in game writing, the pivot back to her “first love” of books, and how A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart blends cozy romance, magic-light vibes, and real-world emotional stakes. If you love Hallmark holiday romances but wish they had a touch of witchy charm, this is the perfect entry point into the cozy-paranormal space. We also dig into her craft, world-building, burnout, motherhood, and the comforting wave of cozy stories readers are reaching for right now. 

📚 BOOKS MENTIONED 

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart — Cozy Witchy Romance | Holiday | Magic-Light  | Audio ✅

Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman — Contemporary Fiction | Christmas | Feel-Good | Audio ✅

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison — Small Town Romance | Cozy | Holiday | Audio ✅

The Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream — Upmarket Contemporary | Emotional | Literary Lean | Audio ✅

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna — Cozy Fantasy | Found Family | Magic | Audio ✅

The Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping by Sangu Mandanna’s newest — Cozy Fantasy | Warm Magic | Found Family | Audio ✅

🕒 TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] – Meet Morgan Lockhart

[00:20] – How she shifted from 20 years in video-game writing to novels

[01:00] – What video-game writing actually looks like

[02:00] – Narrative vs. action-driven game writing

[03:00] – How game-writing worldbuilding shaped her debut novel

[04:00] – Writing cozy as a response to the last five years

[05:00] – Burnout, motherhood, and pivoting to books

[07:00] – Elevator pitch for A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart

[08:00] – Rivalry, curses, and the romance tension we love

[10:00] – Why cozy-light magic works for contemporary romance readers

[11:00] – What Morgan reads across genres

[12:00] – Her must-read cozy & holiday recommendations

[13:00] – Where to find Morgan online

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When your obsessive book boyfriends start looking a little… reasonable compared to real-life dating disasters, this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with debut author Laura Bishop about her dark rom-com Love Me, Stalk Me—a twisty, funny, walking-red-flag romance that somehow still makes you root for the hero.

We get into why so many of us stay in toxic relationships, what it means to choose the brave-but-scary option in life, and how an AI boyfriend app plus a secretly obsessed coworker turned into one of the buzziest dark rom-coms of the year. Laura also shares her whirlwind path from self-publishing plans to a traditional deal with Atria, her genius BookTok biker content strategy, and why putting yourself on camera is both terrifying and healing.

📚 Books Mentioned 

• Love Me, Stalk Me by Laura Bishop — Dark rom-com | Obsessive hero | Toxic relationship recovery

📺 Other Media Mentioned

• Mr Inbetween (Australian dark dramedy TV series)

⏱️ Timestamps

[00:00] – Meet Laura Bishop: debut author, dark rom-com lover, caffeine girlie in Florida

[00:01] – What Love Me, Stalk Me is about: obsessive coworker, AI boyfriend app, and a toxic relationship

[00:02] – Writing a heroine who stays too long in a bad relationship (and why that’s real for so many of us)

[00:03] – Being your own worst enemy, feeling “trapped,” and choosing the brave, uncertain option in life

[00:04] – Laura’s personal connection to the book and how her own experiences shaped Izzy’s story

[00:05] – When your coworker hijacks your AI boyfriend app: ethical red flags in a safe, fictional space

[00:06] – Why we need people who see our worth before we do—and how that shows up in the romance

[00:07] – Laura’s whirlwind publication journey: cover reveal, book scout, agent call, and Atria deal

[00:09] – Darker, spicier rom-coms as an emerging trend and blending genres that “shouldn’t” go together

[00:10] – Building buzz online: BookTok, bikers, and turning a fun idea into a full-on marketing hook

[00:12] – Approaching bikers in Barnes & Noble, paying them in books and coffee, and making promo fun

[00:14] – Body image, seeing yourself on camera, and pushing past perfectionism

[00:15] – What Laura’s watching when she can’t read: Mr Inbetween and the power of long-form storytelling

[00:17] – Where to find Laura online and follow her biker-filled book content

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If you love cozy small-town romances, holiday charm, and stories that feel like emotional comfort food, this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with fan-favorite author RaeAnne Thayne, whose Christmas novel Snow Kiss delivers all the warmth and heart of a Hallmark movie… with even deeper emotional layers.

In our conversation, RaeAnne shares the inspiration behind Snow Kiss, her plotting process, why fake dating is her new favorite trope to write, and the joy of crafting holiday stories that remind readers to choose kindness. We also talk about her extensive backlist, her women’s fiction summer releases, and her 2025 novel The Lost Book of First Loves. Plus—double book recs from RaeAnne across two different interviews!

📚 Books Mentioned

By RaeAnne Thayne

Snow Kiss — Fake dating, single mom, small-town Christmas Genre: Sweet Romance / Women’s Fiction | Audio: ✅

Christmas at the Shelter Inn — “Return-to-town” holiday romance; sisterhood & community Genre: Holiday Romance | Audio: ✅

The December Market — Best-friend’s-brother + holiday family drama Genre: Holiday Romance | Audio: ✅

Haven Point Series — Cozy small town + emotional arcs Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Audio: ✅

Hope’s Crossing Series — Community-centered romance; best place to start her interconnected world Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Audio: ✅