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Julia Diaz-Young is back on the pod! In this episode, we catch up on her new role in wellness nonfiction marketing and dive into why nonfiction can feel just as gripping as your favorite rom-com. Julia shares upcoming books she’s working on—from Anatomy of a Con Artist to Mundane Magic—plus her current romance and historical reads.

We also talk about her favorite new reading app, Page Bound, breaking up with Goodreads, and why romance readers will fall in love with inclusive historicals and witchy self-help.

If you love smart, joyful book talk with a publishing insider, this one’s for you.

Anatomy of a Con Artist by Jonathan Walton — Buy on Amazon | True Crime | Nonfiction | Audio ✅

Mundane Magic by Molly Donlan — Buy on Amazon | Witchy Wellness | Self-Help | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria — Buy on Amazon | Latina Romance | Audio ✅

Only Earl in the World by Amalie Howard — Buy on Amazon | Historical Romance | KU ✅/ Audio ✅

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | Vacation Rom-Com | Audio ✅

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | STEM Rom-Com | Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅

[00:00] Catch-up + Julia’s new publishing role

[02:45] Why nonfiction can feel like fiction

[03:30] Anatomy of a Con Artist discussion

[06:00] Mundane Magic and the witchy wellness trend

[10:00] Taking what works from self-help books

[11:00] How publishing verifies wellness info

[12:00] Julia’s latest rom-com and historical romance recs

[15:00] Breaking up with Goodreads + discovering Page Bound

[18:00] Ali Hazelwood and Amalie Howard chat

[22:00] Julia’s book club and publishing behind-the-scenes

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Ever wondered what happens when Bookstagram meets cosplay and orc romances? In this episode, I’m catching up with my longtime friend Katie from KSquaredReads, one half of the OG Bookstagram duo you’ve seen everywhere.

We talk about her transition to BookTok, why cosplay has become her creative escape, and how the Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn completely reignited her love of monster romance. We also chat about the evolution of romance heroes—from the red-flag alpha males of 2016 to today’s morally-gray men and golden retrievers. If you’ve ever defended your love of dark romance, this one’s for you.

The Orc Sworn Series by Finley Fenn — Buy on Amazon | Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon — Buy on Amazon | Shifter Romance | Audio ✅

Ensnared (The Spider’s Mate Series) by Tiffany Roberts — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi / Monster Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne — Buy on Amazon | Enemies to Lovers / Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering — Buy on Amazon | Toxic Relationship / Domestic Fiction | Audio ✅

Credence by Penelope Douglas — Buy on Amazon | Dark Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

[00:00] – Catching up with Katie from KSquaredReads

[02:00] – Wedding chaos & friendship with Kellisa

[05:00] – How cosplay became her creative escape

[08:00] – Fanfic eras & new obsessions

[10:00] – The evolution of romance heroes

[14:00] – Orc Sworn & monster romance recommendations

[16:00] – Other monster romances: Ruby Dixon & Tiffany Roberts

[17:00] – Where to find Katie online

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🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners.

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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.

This episode originally aired 9/3/2024

If you’ve ever burned yourself out trying to make the holidays perfect, this episode will hit home. A Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth reminded me that joy doesn’t come from doing it all — it comes from slowing down and setting boundaries.

In this re-air from the What to Read Next vault, I revisit my conversation with author Morgan Elizabeth — queen of small-town, feel-good rom-coms with early-2000s movie vibes. Before our chat, I share my reflections on A Bright Side of Christmas, a story about Wren, a teacher who embodies the Christmas spirit but loses herself to people-pleasing and burnout. This one hit me hard because I’ve been there — learning that saying “no” can be an act of self-care.

Then, Morgan joins me to talk about her journey from blogger to bestselling rom-com author, her signature “vibes only” writing style, and why her books feel like pumpkin-spice-scented serotonin. If you’re craving small-town romance, pop-culture nostalgia, and cozy holiday feels, this episode is for you.

A Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Small Town, Teacher/Grumpy Neighbor | KU ✅

Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Legally Blonde Vibes | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Cruel Summer by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Mean Girls Inspired | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Passenger Princess by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com | Grumpy Bodyguard / Road Trip | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

If This Was a Movie by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Rom-Com | Friends to Lovers, Hallmark Vibes | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

Marriage and Masti by Nisha Sharma — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood — Buy on Amazon | STEMinist Romance | People-Pleaser Heroine | Audio ✅

Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Vacation Fling | Audio ✅

Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young — Buy on Amazon | Emotional Contemporary | Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Mom | Audio ✅

[00:00] — Why I’m re-airing this episode & my reflection on A Bright Side of Christmas

[02:00] — How Wren’s burnout reminded me of my own people-pleasing years

[04:00] — Morgan’s rom-com universe and the comfort of her small-town worlds

[06:00] — Morgan’s journey from mom blogger to full-time author

[08:00] — How “vibes-only” writing keeps her stories fun and cozy

[09:00] — Where new readers should start with Morgan’s books

[12:00] — The story behind...

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.

What happens when your mom spies on the neighbor—and he might be a murderer? Author Sheila Roberts joins me to chat about The Man Next Door, a cozy mystery–meets–women’s fiction read filled with humor, heart, and multigenerational relationships.

In this episode, I sit down with longtime author Sheila Roberts to talk about her writing journey—from regency romances to her modern blend of women’s fiction and mystery. We chat about the joy of writing multi-generational women, the wisdom of aging, and how stories can help us face fears and grow stronger. Sheila also shares three books she’s loving right now, including a mouth-watering Italian escape and a thought-provoking AI thriller.

The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts — Buy on Amazon | Women’s Fiction / Mystery / Humor

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden — Buy on Amazon | Magical Realism / Women’s Fiction | Audio ✅

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction / Women’s Fiction | Audio ✅

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger— Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Fiction / Thriller | Audio ✅

[00:00] – Meet Sheila Roberts and how she became an author

[03:00] – From regency romance to modern women’s fiction

[06:00] – Writing strong heroines and facing fears

[10:00] – How Sheila plots her stories (and keeps control!)

[12:00] – The inspiration behind The Man Next Door

[15:00] – Writing older women and multi-generational stories

[18:00] – The joy and wisdom of aging

[20:00] – Sheila’s current reading life

[21:00] – Book recommendations you’ll want to add to your TBR

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🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners.

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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.

I’m declaring the holiday season officially open—starting November 1. After a tough year and a long reading slump, I decided to chase joy early this year with one thing that never fails to cheer me up: holiday romances.

In this kickoff episode of my holiday reading season, I share why I’m leaning hard into cozy Christmas books this November, how I’m rebuilding my relationship with joy (and Christmas itself), and what I’ve been reading on my own mini reading retreat. Then, bestselling author Lauren Blakely joins me to talk about her newest audio-first release Merry Little Kissmas and the fan-favorite My Favorite Holidate. We chat about her writing process, full-cast audiobooks, and why she loves creating spicy, escapist holiday romances that feel like “Hallmark movies with heat.”

Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | Audio ✅

The Bright Side of Christmas by Morgan Elizabeth — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | KU ✅

The Holiday Hookup List by Alexis Daria — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Romance | Audio ✅

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅

Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction / Sports | Audio ✅

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel — Buy on Amazon | True Crime / Art Heist | Audio ✅

[00:00] – Why I’m starting my holiday season early

[01:00] – Rebuilding my relationship with Christmas and joy

[03:00] – My holiday reading retreat and first books of the season

[04:00] – Interview with Lauren Blakely begins

[06:00] – Lauren’s backlist and audio-first process

[10:00] – My Favorite Holidate and holiday escapism

[12:00] – Merry Little Kissmas preview (grumpy hero, fake dating, hockey!)

[15:00] – Lauren’s recent reads & audiobook recs

[18:00] – Wrap-up and where to find Lauren online

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Toxic friendships, secret games, and deadly consequences. Alissa Lee’s debut takes domestic suspense into dark academia territory — and I couldn’t put it down, even at work.

In this episode, I sit down with debut author Alissa Lee to chat about her upcoming novel — a twisty, character-driven story about five college friends whose secret game spirals into betrayal and murder. We talk about how her background working for the CIA, Capitol Hill, and Big Tech shaped her storytelling; why long-term friendships inspired her book; and how community and writing groups became her creative lifeline.

If you love dark academia, female friendship drama, and slow-burn suspense, this conversation is for you.

With Friends Like These by Alissa Lee — Buy on Amazon | Domestic Suspense / Dark Academia / Female Friendship | Audio ✅ (coming November 4, 2025)

Sea Wife by Amity Gaige — Buy on Amazon | Domestic Suspense / Psychological Fiction | Audio ✅

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — Buy on Amazon | Literary Thriller / Atmospheric Suspense | Audio ✅

Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall — Buy on Amazon | Suspense / Love Story / Gothic Vibes | Audio ✅

[00:00] Meet debut author Alissa Lee

[01:00] From CIA summers to Capitol Hill: her fascinating career path

[05:00] How maternity leave reignited her passion for writing

[07:00] The inspiration behind her debut: toxic friendships and authenticity

[10:00] Her writing process and legal-minded plotting style

[12:00] Why finding a writing community changed everything

[14:00] What Alissa’s reading now — and her mini masterclass in suspense

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Mentioned in this episode:

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

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🎧 Try Audible Today I love Audible for their original novellas, binge-worthy Plus Catalog (like Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series), and their amazing audiobook sales. Currently, Audible is offering a special promotion for new members and returning listeners.

Audible

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

This episode was originally published on March 11, 2023

If your idea of a cozy night includes a glass of wine and a fictional murder—this episode’s for you.

In this Thriller Starter Pack episode, I chat with Chelsea and Olivia from Thrillers by the Bookclub to help new readers dip their toes into the dark, twisty world of thrillers. From cults to cold cases, we share the best gateway thrillers—whether you love fast-paced mysteries, eerie slow burns, or a touch of romantic suspense. If you’ve been living on romance novels and want something that’ll make your heart race for a different reason, this is your essential starter guide.

I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown — Buy on Amazon | Psychological Thriller | Audio ✅

This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel — Buy on Amazon | Cult Thriller | Audio ✅

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell — Buy on Amazon | Domestic Suspense | Audio ✅

The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead — Buy on Amazon | Dark Academia / Cult Thriller | Audio ✅

Nothing Important Happened Today by Will Carver — Buy on Amazon | Literary Thriller / Cult | Audio ✅

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf — Buy on Amazon | Psychological Thriller | Audio ✅

Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Suspense / Police Procedural | Audio ✅

Beneath the Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Suspense | Audio ✅

Catch Her When She Falls by Allison Buccola — Buy on Amazon | Mystery / Legal Thriller | Audio ✅

Dead End Girl by L.T. Vargus & Tim McBain — Buy on Amazon | FBI Procedural / Crime Thriller | KU ✅ / Audio ✅

[00:00] Meet Chelsea & Olivia

[00:08] Why Thrillers by the Bookclub Exists

[00:12] Laura’s Confession: New to Thrillers

[00:13] Chelsea’s Cult-Themed Thriller Recs

[00:21] Olivia’s Starter Thrillers for Every Reader

[00:31] Final Thoughts & Where to Find Them

Connect with Thriller by the Book Club Podcast -https://www.instagram.com/thrillersbythebookclubpod/

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Pickleball is officially the new hotspot for meet-cutes—and now it’s getting the book-romance treatment it deserves.

In this episode, I chat with author Ilana Long about how she brought one of the first traditionally published pickleball romances to life. We talk about her creative background in stand-up and Second City improv, why pickleball is the perfect sport for romance lovers, and what it was like narrating her own audiobook. Plus, Ilana shares the cozy, feel-good books she’s been reading lately—from Irish small-town romcoms to magical realism with a touch of travel escapism.

Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Second-Chance, Vacation Romance | Audio ✅

Pickleballers by Ilana Long — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy, Small Town | Audio ✅

Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Village, Grumpy/Sunshine | Audio ✅

The Wedding Dashers by Heather McBreen — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Comedy, Destination Wedding | Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers | Audio ✅

The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden — Buy on Amazon | Magical Realism, Women’s Fiction | Travel Romance, Foodie Fiction | Audio ✅

[00:00] – Welcome Ilana Long, to the podcast

[01:00] – Her creative journey from stand-up comedy to writing

[05:30] – Finding joy in creative identity & persistence as a writer

[09:00] – What makes pickleball the perfect social (and romantic!) sport

[13:00] – How the pandemic grew the pickleball community

[14:30] – Why pickleball meet-cutes are the new dating trend

[17:00] – Writing Pickle Perfect and setting it in Costa Rica

[18:30] – Narrating her own audiobook & audition process

[20:30] – Ilana’s reading life and favorite genres

[25:00] – Her book club picks & humorous mysteries

[27:00] – Book recommendations for cozy fall escapes

[31:00] – Where to find Ilana online

🏓 Love this episode? Don’t miss my Pickleball Romance Book List, where I share even more laugh-out-loud, feel-good reads set on the court — from flirty doubles partners to small-town tournaments that turn into love stories. → https://whattoreadnextblog.com/pickleball-romance/

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