What to Read Next — Book Recommendations for Romance, Thrillers & Escape Reads

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Dreaming of your next Disney trip but not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m joined by Disney content creator and author Becky Gandillon, who blends her love of the parks with her background in data analytics to help travelers plan smarter, save money, and skip the overwhelm. Becky is the...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Nonfiction doesn’t have to be intimidating—or boring. In this episode, I’m joined by Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast , to talk about the changing book landscape, how she built her long-running show, and why nonfiction can be just as binge-worthy as your favorite romcom. We dive into tren...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This interview was initially published February 14, 2022 A moody island, missing girls, and a grumpy bard? Today, we revisit my 2022 chat with Rebecca Ross about her adult fantasy debut, River Enchanted , her writing journey, and the twisty books she loves. Recorded in February 2022 (before the r...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Star-crossed lovers, time loops, and letters that change everything. In this episode, Anastasia drops four recs where love defies lifetimes—perfect for readers craving angst, magic, and lyrical feels. We chat Bookstagram, Tampa’s Sip & Book Club, why libraries are a reader’s best friend, and...

Originally published July 21, 2022 This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. What happens when a legendary romance author daydreams in church and accidentally plots a thriller? In this archival interview, Julie Garwood shares the surprising sparks behind fan-favorite books, her love of Scottish settings, and why she only ever kills the b...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Ice-princess heroines, business rivals-to-lovers, and the case for rediscovering historical romance—today Aurora Palit joins us to talk Sunshine & Spice and her spicy new standalone, Honey & Heat. We dig into how Aurora writes deliciously awkward meet-cutes, why “hotter, sooner” worked fo...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Longing can lead us to unexpected places. In this intimate conversation, literary agent–turned–debut author Samantha Browning Shea unpacks the themes behind her novel Marrow —from fertility and “wellness” culture to coming home, belonging, and the power (and danger) of wanting something deeply. W...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Messy reality TV chat turns into a smart, warm conversation about disability representation in romance. Laura and Becky from Buzzing About Romance share go-to authors, tropes, and why authentic, own-voices rep matters. In this episode, we talk about how disability and mental health are portrayed...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This episode originally aired on February 11, 2023. Canadian small-town romance author Elsie Silver joins us to chat about her writing journey, her beloved Chestnut Springs series, and the books she can’t stop recommending. We talk about how she went from academic editor to bestselling romance au...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In today’s conversation, Laura chats with Jason Blitman of the Gays Reading podcast about how he went from a non-reader to a passionate book podcaster as an adult. They talk about the joy of discovering books that speak to your identity, the overwhelm of re-entering the book world, and how readin...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. What happens when fat joy meets sports romance? Author and podcaster Kelly Reynolds joins me to talk about why plus-size characters in romance—especially sports romance—matter more than ever. We chat about the politics of body representation, how romance can normalize diverse body types, and Kell...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Ready to escape into feel-good, spicy romance reads with a side of reality TV gossip? You’re going to love today’s episode. In this episode, Laura chats with Canadian romance author Ellie K. Wilde about her book Only Between Us , her obsession with reality TV (hello Love Island and Vanderpump Rul...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get your TBR ready for the messy, fascinating world of multilevel marketing. In this episode, Laura shares her comfort-watch obsession with anti‑MLM commentary and rounds up fiction and nonfiction reads that unpack pyramid schemes, wellness grifts, and the hustle‑culture mindset. You’ll learn wha...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This episode originally aired in March 30, 2023. Craving literary fiction that still scratches your romance itch? This episode is your cozy bridge between genres. Laura Anne Bird joins Laura to share beautifully written, emotionally satisfying novels with unforgettable heroines, deep friendships,...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Booker Prize 2025 longlist is here — and we’ve got the perfect guide to diving in. In this episode, I sit down with bookstagrammer and Substack writer Deedi Brown to talk about her book club Booker of the Month , her favorite reads from the 2024 Booker Prize, and predictions for this year’s l...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Today’s episode is for every reader who dreams of Stars Hollow! I’m joined by Jules Buono of Friday Night Readers , a Gilmore Girls-inspired Substack and community. We delve into the cozy literary world of Rory and Lorelai, sharing six book recommendations that channel the same spirit—from small-...

Today’s episode is a little different—it’s a deep dive into nonfiction and the wellness industry with journalist and author Amy Larocca. Amy’s new book,  How to Be Well,  unpacks the cultural obsession with self-optimization and wellness, touching on everything from fashion to functional medicine, detox diets to supplements, and the way our bodies are treated and perceived in society. As...

In this episode of What to Read Next , Laura shares her personal journey of trying (and slightly failing) to create a Sunday reading retreat—and why a phone detox might be the key to getting back into a satisfying reading groove. From binge-watching Love Island UK to rediscovering how much joy a simple reading day can bring, Laura dives deep into creating your own reading retreat at home. She also...

If you’ve ever watched Bravo’s Summer House and wished you could join a messy friend group getting sunburnt in the Hamptons, this episode is for you! Laura shares her favorite books that capture the same summer vibes—from Hamptons scandals to Fire Island shares and cozy small-town beach escapes. Whether you’re lounging poolside or dreaming of a sandy getaway, these books will transport you straigh...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In today’s off-the-cuff voice memo episode, I’m checking in with a life and reading update from the front seat of my car—literally. I talk about how my reading habits have shifted post-Kindle streak, what it’s been like to return to borrowing physical books, and how audiobooks are saving my readi...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, to spotlight stunning queer books that go far beyond your usual Pride Month roundups. Jason shares four queer literary fiction recommendations that are lyrical, emotionally resonant, and incredibly diverse, plus five must-read memoirs and essay collections written by LGBTQIA+ voices. Whether you’re looking for gothic s...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In today's episode of the What to Read Next Podcast , Laura dives deep into one of her favorite niche romance subgenres — Mafia Romance! Specifically, we’re focusing on the Captive/Captor trope where morally gray, alpha mafia heroes kidnap heroines... and somehow love follows. Laura shares six mu...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Today’s episode is all about big emotions — from tear-jerking reads to delightful monster romances! Laura is joined by frequent guest and BFF Becky, host of Too Stupid to Live . Together, they chat about unexpected tearjerker reads that had them sobbing and the perfect monster romance books that...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In today’s episode of What to Read Next , we're diving into four smart beach reads—books with substance, style, and serious escape vibes. Whether you're on a lounge chair or just daydreaming about it, these titles deliver compelling plots, sharp writing, and unforgettable characters. From OnlyFan...

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In this special Women's History Month episode of What to Read Next , Victoria shares three powerful historical fiction novels spotlighting extraordinary women who defied expectations and shaped history. From courtroom drama in colonial America to feminist trailblazers rubbing shoulders with liter...