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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 must-read recommendations that helped her break out of a reading slump, highlighting where you can find them, including through Kindle Unlimited and libraries.

If you love dangerous tension, alpha heroes, and high-stakes, forbidden love stories — this episode is for you!

• Dante by Sadie Kincaid https://amzn.to/3yrRggB
• Mafia Mistress by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/3WIlST4
• Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/46GEojj
• Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger https://amzn.to/3SMoi1I
• The Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas https://amzn.to/3Am7mIZ
• Run, Posy, Run by Cate C. Wells https://amzn.to/3AheQgk

• [00:00] Intro: Why Mafia Romance is a current obsession
• [01:00] How mafia romances helped overcome a reading slump
• [02:00] What is the Captive/Captor Trope?
• [02:20] Book #1: Dante by Sadie Kincaid
• [04:00] Book #2: Mafia Mistress by Mila Finelli
• [05:00] Book #3: Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli
• [06:00] Book #4: Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger
• [07:30] Book #5: The Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas
• [08:30] Book #6: Run, Posy, Run by Cate C. Wells
• [10:00] Where to find even more Mafia Romance recommendations!

• 🔎 Search Mafia Romance at WhattoReadNextBlog.com
• 📬 Join the Newsletter for exclusive recommendations: https://wtrnblog.substack.com

If you loved today's recommendations and want even more niche mafia romance recs (think: surprise pregnancy, arranged marriage, mafia princesses!), head to WhattoReadNextBlog.com and join our newsletter community!

Mentioned in this episode:

Cook Unity

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

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 acted as fun, sexy palate cleansers. If you’re looking to feel all the feels — and then laugh and swoon — this episode is for you!

Tearjerkers:

• If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin https://amzn.to/42RmIzK
• A Curse for the Homesick by Laura Brooke Robson https://amzn.to/4lNPrOy
• 
  

Monster Romance Palate Cleansers:

• No, Knot About It by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #1) https://amzn.to/42z1d88
• Bass Desires by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #2)https://amzn.to/4cQl9Xo

• [00:00] Welcome and Introductions
• [00:30] Becky’s Tearjerker Reading Streak
• [01:30] If He Had Been with Me — YA Tragedy and Sadness
• [03:00] A Curse for the Homesick — Unique Speculative Romance
• [05:30] Switching Gears: Monster Romance Palate Cleansers
• [06:00] The Monster Resort Series by Elliot Ason
• [07:00] OmegaVerse and Future Deep Dive Episode Teasers
• [08:00] Where to Find Becky and Outro

• Podcast: Too Stupid to Live (available on all podcast platforms)
• TikTok & Substack: @tstlpodcast (https://tstlpodcast.substack.com)

👉 Love today’s mix of emotional and fun reads? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our upcoming OmegaVerse deep dive with Becky!

👉 Want even more bookish goodness? Sign up for Laura’s Substack (wtrnblog.substack.com) for bonus book recommendations and behind-the-scenes chats.

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Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In today’s episode 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 OnlyFans journeys to literary ice dancers and secret identities, this list blends literary flair with binge-worthy storytelling.

💌 Want personalized book recs? Join the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter

• [00:00] Intro + how this list was inspired by Bravo Cocktails community
• [04:50] Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
• [07:45] All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harmon
• [09:45] The Favorites by Lane Fargo
• [11:00] The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
• [12:30] Call to Action: Submit your recs + newsletter sign-up

• Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/3RwSKMh
• All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman https://amzn.to/42Q60kr
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo https://amzn.to/3ExrFpq
• The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan https://amzn.to/3GpuBoy

🎙️ Like the episode? Share your favorite smart beach read in the comments or sign up at whattoreadnextblog.com for weekly recommendations!

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

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Mentioned in this episode:

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us

Advertise With Us

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `