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

Epizode

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  What to Read After Watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (SLOMW) | Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik 14.09.2026 39min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.This podcast originally aired March 2026What 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.Bonus Book Recommendations Check out my latest Substack episode with 2 additional bonus recommendations and my thoughts of the latest SLOMW episode drop of Season 5.https://whattoreadnextpodcast.substack.com/p/books-like-mormon-wives🕒 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 FictionLittle One by Olivia Muenter — Cult Fiction | Dual Timeline | Psychological DramaPaper Cut by Rachel Taff — Literary Fiction | Power & Family DynamicsTehrangeles by Porochista Khakpour — Satire | Reality TV Culture | Pandemic FictionGlossy by Marisa Meltzer — Nonfiction | Business Biography | Millennial CEOWorkhorse by Caroline Palmer — Literary Fiction | Publishing Industry | Ambitious Female LeadJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  The Myth of the Debut Author, Explained by an Agent | Siren Says by Jennifer Herrera 08.09.2026 32min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a literary agent decides to become the author she's spent her career championing for other people? Jennifer Herrera joins us to talk genre-hopping, feminine rage, and why her new witchy fantasy almost didn't happen.Jennifer Herrera — literary agent at the David Black Agency and author of the thriller The Hunter — is back with something completely different: Siren Says, a Celtic-Welsh botanical fantasy about power, curses, and reclaiming your humanity. If you've ever wondered what agents actually do for writers (beyond "sell the book"), or you're hunting for your next romantasy pick with real teeth, this one's for you.📚 Books MentionedSiren Says by Jennifer Herrera — Buy on Amazon | Fantasy / Romantasy (Celtic-Welsh mythology, botanical magic) |The Hunter by Jennifer Herrera — Buy on Amazon | Thriller | If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction / Mythology & Feminism |Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross — Buy on Amazon | Fantasy Romance (Letters of Enchantment prequel) | The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle — Buy on Amazon | Classic Fantasy |⏱️ Time Stamps [00:00] Welcome & intro[01:00] From philosophy grad school to literary agent[02:00] Moving to NYC to break into publishing[03:00]–[05:00] Why writing rarely pays the bills — and why that's okay[06:00]–[08:00] The myth of the "debut author"[09:00]–[10:00] Why thrillers feel easy and fantasy feels hard to write[10:00] Elevator pitch for Siren Says[11:00]–[13:00] The myth of Mis, power, and reclaiming humanity[13:00]–[16:00] Romance, healthy relationships, and feminist themes in fantasy[16:00]–[20:00] What writers should expect from a literary agent[20:00]–[23:00] Networking, community, and building your author platform[23:00]–[25:00] Marketing, selling vs. giving, and how author podcasts changed[26:00]–[29:00] Book recs: If Women Rose Rooted, Wild Reverence, The Last Unicorn[29:00]–[32:00] On aging, identity, and living an interesting life[32:00] Where to find Jennifer onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  3 Monster Hunter Books for Horror Beginners | Book Goose Substack 06.09.2026 24min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wanted to try horror but didn't know where to start? This episode is your gentle on-ramp.Bri from the Book Goose Substack joins the show to talk about building a book community from scratch — and brings three monster hunter reads perfect for horror-curious readers. If you love found-family adventure stories, a dash of romance, or eerie underground worlds but want something that won't keep you up at night, this episode is for you.📚 Books MentionedA Fable for Hollow Creatures by R.R. Schaeffer — Buy on Amazon | Dark Fantasy/Horror | Releases Oct 27, 2026(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall — Buy on Amazon | Borrow on Libby | Horror/Fantasy, light Romance | What Feeds Below by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne — Buy on Amazon | Horror/Fantasy | Releases Oct 6, 2026⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro[00:01] Bri's blogging journey: from Blogger to horror blog to Substack[00:07] Substack community & the ARC conversation[00:09] Book Goose publication & upcoming virtual book club[00:12] How Bri finds hidden-gem books to recommend[00:16] Bookseller mindset & intro to today's trope[00:17] Trope reveal: Monster Hunters[00:17] Book 1: A Fable for Hollow Creatures[00:19] Book 2: (Mostly) Human Resources[00:21] Book 3: What Feeds Below[00:24] Where to find Bri online & outroCONNECT WITH BRIhttps://bookgooseblog.substack.com/Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  5 Pirate Romantasy Reads You Need on Your TBR | The Siren's Kiss by Leslie Vedder 01.09.2026 12min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Pirates, mermaids, sea witches, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance — this episode has everything.Leslie Vedder joins us to talk about The Siren's Kiss, a sapphic fantasy romance she describes as Pirates of the Caribbean meets The Little Mermaid, following a cursed pirate and a fierce mermaid who team up to take down ancient sea gods. We dig into her love of anime and manga, her upcoming graphic novel, and get five (okay, six) can't-miss pirate and fantasy-romance recommendations for your TBR.📚 Books MentionedThe Siren's Kiss by Leslie Vedder — Buy on Amazon | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy Romance / Sapphic / Pirates Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy / Romantasy / Pirates The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy / Sapphic / Pirates The Devourer by Alison Ames — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy / Sapphic / Pirates In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy Romance / Mermaids The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | YA Fantasy / Historical Piracy / Trans MC A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames (bonus) — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Search on Libby | Fantasy Romance ⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome back Leslie Vedder[00:30] What she's been up to since her debut trilogy[01:00] Elevator pitch for The Siren's Kiss[01:30] Sapphic pirates and badass female pirate captains[02:00] Pirate history research and the reality behind the myth[03:30] Anime and manga influence on her writing[05:00] Upcoming sapphic Robin Hood graphic novel ⚠️ genre departure[07:00] Book recommendations: pirates and mermaids[10:30] Where to find Leslie onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  2026 Hugo Awards: The Best Novel Nominees, Ranked | Fantasy & Sci-Fi 26.08.2026 36min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Six books, one vote, and a whole community weighing in — Deedi's back to break down this year's Hugo Awards Best Novel nominees.Our resident awards correspondent Deedi (@DeediReads) returns to walk us through the 2026 Hugo Awards — sci-fi and fantasy's biggest fan-voted prize. We cover how Hugo voting actually works, break down all six Best Novel nominees, and Deedi tells us which one she's rooting for (and which one she thinks will actually win). Perfect for anyone who loves a good genre awards deep-dive or is just looking for their next fantasy or sci-fi read.📚 Books MentionedThe Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy/Mystery A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy MysteryThe Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy Mystery | 2025 Hugo winner, prequelThe Incandescent by Emily Tesh — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Science Fiction Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Science FictionCinderhouse by Freya Marske — Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy Novella The River Has Roots by Amar El-Mohtar— Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Fantasy Novella⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Welcome back, Deedi — our official awards correspondent[00:01] Why the Hugos are different from literary prizes[00:02] How Hugo voting actually works (Worldcon membership, nominating)[00:03] All the Hugo categories beyond Best Novel[00:05] Popular vote pros and cons — vs. the Goodreads Choice Awards[00:07] This year's six Best Novel nominees, announced[00:08] Novella category as an easier entry point (Cinderhouse, The River Has Roots)[00:09] How Deedi fits 6 award books into a realistic reading pace[00:13] Deedi's "three words" method for choosing what to read next[00:17] Letting go of reading identity and genre guilt[00:19] Revisiting YA dystopia — Hunger Games, Divergent, and a brewing essay[00:22] Breaking up with Amazon and the Kindle ecosystem[00:26] Why indie bookstores give you more than just books[00:27] Supporting indie authors outside Amazon[00:32] Deedi's personal favorite — and her prediction for the win[00:35] Where to find Deedi onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Silent Book Club for Two: My New Favorite Reading Ritual 10.08.2026 9min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Laura's back with a solo update on slowing down, making reading friends in a new city, and two mysteries that actually caught her off guard.In this episode, Laura shares how she's navigating a season of burnout, the low-key monthly reading date she's started with a friend (dubbed "Silent Book Club for Two"), and gives full reviews of two standout reads — a cozy small-town mystery obsessed with designer dogs, and a millennial mystery starring a very unlucky crossing guard. If you're looking for your next cozy or millennial-mystery pick, or just want a simple way to build more reading time into your life, this one's for you.📚 Books MentionedMurder Bites by Mimi Montgomery | Cozy Mystery | Audio ✅Don't Cross Mo Ellery by Birdie Horne | Mystery | Audio ✅⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Intro + August update[01:00] Birthday PTO and navigating a season of burnout[02:00] Making local reading friends through her yoga studio[03:00] How the "Silent Book Club for Two" reading date started[04:00] Why a one-on-one reading date beats a full book club[05:00] Murder Bites by Mimi Montgomery — setup and premise[06:00] Murder Bites — the reveal that actually surprised her[07:00] Don't Cross Mo Ellery — setup and premise[09:00] Currently reading Dungeon Crawl Carl + KU cancellation + sign-offJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  How to Love You When You're Gone with Gabriela Gonzales | YA Rom-Coms 04.08.2026 40min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What if the boy secretly writing your story isn't just trying to help you grieve — he's trying to get into college with it?Debut author Gabriela Gonzales joins the show to talk about her YA rom-com How to Love You When You're Gone, a fake-friends-to-lovers story about grief, first love, and the messy business of growing up. We dig into writing Latine representation in genre fiction beyond trauma narratives, why romance's happy ending is actually the hardest thing to earn, and Gabriela's favorite grief-and-joy reads.📚 Books MentionedHow to Love You When You're Gone by Gabriela Gonzales — Buy on Amazon | YA Romance/Rom-Com | Audio ✅ (narrated by Elena Rey & Jeff Ebner)Our Way Back to Always by Nina Moreno — Buy on Amazon | YA Rom-Com | Audio ✅Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce — Buy on Amazon | YA Rom-Com | Audio ✅Book Lovers by Emily Henry — Buy on Amazon | Adult Romance/Rom-Com | Audio ✅⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Welcome + Gabriela's arts school & circus class background[00:03] Deciding to become a writer at age five[00:05] Signing with her agent in 2020 on a dystopian circus novel[00:06] Her sister's passing and discovering rom-coms[00:09] Why a happy ending is the hardest thing to write[00:11] The many subgenres of romance — there's a book for everyone[00:12] Writing Latine characters beyond trauma narratives[00:14] Latina identity isn't monolithic[00:17] Elevator pitch: How to Love You When You're Gone[00:19] The "grief backpack" metaphor[00:21] DBT, glimmers of hope, and managing big emotions[00:25] Book recommendations begin[00:26] Our Way Back to Always by Nina Moreno[00:31] Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce[00:35] Book Lovers by Emily Henry[00:39] Where to find Gabriela onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  A Golden Girls Heist Novel with Julia London 01.08.2026 21min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Four best friends, one Vegas casino, and absolutely nothing left to lose — meet the septuagenarian heist crew you didn't know you needed.Bestselling author Julia London joins the show to talk about her genre-bending new release, Rules for Aging and Larceny, a commercial fiction romp about four 70-something women reuniting to pull off one last con — this time against a crypto scammer. Julia also shares four wide-ranging reading recommendations, from a quietly devastating Norwegian translation to the LitRPG series everyone's talking about.📚 Books MentionedRules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London — Buy on Amazon | Commercial Fiction, Heist | Audio ✅ (narrated by Christina Moore)Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, Classic | Audio ✅The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten (trans. Alison McCullough) — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, Translated | Audio ✅Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman — Buy on Amazon | LitRPG, Sci-Fi/Fantasy | KU ✅/ Audio ✅ (highly praised narration)Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley — Buy on Amazon | Commercial Fiction | Audio✅⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro[01:00] 29 years in publishing, starting in historical romance[02:00] The shift away from historical romance/mass market[03:00] Backlist entry points: dog-centric rom-coms & women's fiction[04:00] Elevator pitch: Rules for Aging and Larceny[05:00] The friend group, the original heist, and the fallout[06:00] The health diagnosis that brings the gang back together[07:00] Planning the casino heist — and why being "invisible" helps[08:00] Being underestimated as an older woman in public spaces[09:00] Julia's real-life stint as a white-collar crime investigator[10:00] Would you still have it? The book's central question[11:00] Recommendation: Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell[12:00]–[13:00] Why Mrs. Bridge still feels relevant nearly 100 years later[14:00] Recommendation: The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten[15:00] Comparing Grytten to Fredrik Backman[16:00] Recommendation: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman[17:00]–[18:00] Why the audiobook and LitRPG genre have taken off[19:00] Recommendation: Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley[20:00] Where to find Julia online[21:00] Social media, content strategy, and closing thoughtsJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Kelly Creagh on Her Grim Reaper Rom-Com 30.07.2026 23min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when the Grim Reaper falls for a children's librarian? Kelly Creagh's adult debut says: absolute chaos, and a whole lot of heart.YA fan-favorite Kelly Creagh (the Nevermore trilogy) makes her adult debut with A Date with Death, a spicy, comedy-forward paranormal rom-com about a Grim Reaper and the sunshine-y librarian who steals his afterlife. In this episode, Kelly talks about jumping from YA to adult romance, writing comedy after years in paranormal horror, and her upcoming Hades and Persephone romantasy retelling — plus she shares the books currently topping her TBR. Perfect for readers who love cozy paranormal rom-coms, monster romance, and stories about finding your process as a writer.📚 Books MentionedA Date with Death by Kelly Creagh — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Rom-Com | Audio ✅A Promise to Hades by Kelly Creagh —YA Romantasy (upcoming) My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Rom-Com | Audio ✅ Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson — Buy on Amazon | Monster Romance | Audio ✅The Cruel Prince by Holly Black — Buy on Amazon | Fantasy/Romantasy |Audio ✅How to Write Best-Selling Fiction by James Scott Bell — Buy on Audible | Writing Craft | Audio ✅ (Audible-exclusive)⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome + intro to Kelly's adult debut, A Date with Death[01:00] Moving from YA to adult romance[02:00] Adult problems vs. YA coming-of-age stakes[03:00] Writing a heroine with romantic baggage[04:00] Where the Grim Reaper concept came from (thanks, nephew Ethan)[05:00] Why cozy romance is resonating right now[06:00] Kelly's comedy background[07:00] Family humor, playwriting, and theater roots[08:00] Working in a library — and that infamous bookmobile[09:00] What's next: A Promise to Hades, a Hades/Persephone romantasy[10:00] Researching mythology and the Vestal Virgins[12:00] On retellings and finding your voice as a writer[14:00] What Kelly reads across genres[15:00] Advice on finding your own writing process[16:00] Learning structure before you break the rules[19:00] The business side of being a writer[21:00] Craft book recommendation: James Scott Bell[22:00] Fiction recs: vampire rom-coms, monster romance, and The Cruel Prince[23:00] Where to find Kelly onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Evann Normandin on The Good Parts & Speculative Romance Recs 28.07.2026 16min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Can you imagine erasing your worst memory — even if it meant erasing the people in it too? Debut author Evann Normandin joins us to talk about her stunning new dual-timeline novel, The Good Parts.In this episode, Evann shares her long road to publication, the musical that inspired her book's structure, and why she believes The Good Parts was always meant to be her debut. We also dig into her book club-ready recommendations for readers who love a powerful "what if" premise, propulsive second-chance romance, and stories that leave you thinking about what a happy ending really means.📚 Books MentionedThe Good Parts by Evann Normandin — Buy on Amazon | Speculative Romance, Book Club FictionIn Five Years by Rebecca Serle — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary/Romance, Book Club FictionThe Measure by Nikki Erlick — Buy on Amazon | Speculative Fiction, Book Club FictionEvery Version of You by Natalie Messier — Buy on Amazon | Second Chance Romance⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro to Evann Normandin[00:01] Evann's day job in educational publishing[00:02] The path to debut: earlier books that didn't sell[00:04] Signing with agent Michelle Wolfson & landing the book deal[00:05] Elevator pitch: the dual past/present timeline structure[00:06] How the musical The Last Five Years inspired the format[00:07] Plotting vs. pantsing — how much was mapped out in advance[00:09] The full elevator pitch: Rose, Landon, and the memory-erasing pill[00:10] The ethical questions that make it a great book club pick[00:12] Evann's reading life & recommendations begin[00:12] In Five Years by Rebecca Serle[00:14] The Measure by Nikki Erlick[00:15] Every Version of You by Natalie Messier[00:16] Where to find Evann onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Victoria Lavine on Her Best Enemies-to-Lovers Yet | RomCom Recs 20.07.2026 15min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Rom-com author Victoria Lavine joins us to talk enemies-to-lovers banter, writing wedding chaos, and the funniest, freshest romance reads on her TBR.Victoria Lavine, author of Any Trope But You and the upcoming Not That Kind of Proposal, sits down to talk about crafting high-stakes rom-coms, why banter is her favorite thing to write, and the books that made her cackle out loud this year. If you love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy-meets-sunshine energy, this episode is for you.📚 Books MentionedAny Trope But You by Victoria Lavine — Buy on Amazon | Romance / Rom-Com, Alaska-set, Enemies-to-LoversNot That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine — Buy on Amazon | Romance / Rom-Com, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced ProximityLet's Kiss and Tell by Joss Richards — Buy on Amazon | RomanceIt's Different This Time by Joss Richards — Buy on Amazon | Romance, Second ChancePot Shot by Laura Piper Lee — Buy on Amazon | Romance, HumorSuccubus: A Love Story by Kate Fox — Buy on Amazon | Paranormal Romance, Humor⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome + intro to Victoria Lavine[01:00] Life in Maine, escaping mud season[02:00] Growing up in Alaska and its influence on her debut[03:00] Any Trope But You — the retreat, the grumpy hero, writing it fast[04:00] Not That Kind of Proposal — premise: wedding planner vs. divorce lawyer[06:00] Researching wedding planning for the book[08:00] Favorite part of writing: the banter between enemies-to-lovers leads[10:00] Let's Kiss and Tell and It's Different This Time by Joss Richards[12:00] Potshot by Laura Piper Lee[13:00] Succubus: A Love Story by Kate Fox[15:00] Where to find Victoria onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  What Elin Hilderbrand Book Should You Read Next? | Friday Night Readers Crossover 19.07.2026 31min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Every summer, one question comes up again and again: what Elin Hilderbrand book should I read next? This week, Laura teams up with Julianne Buonocore of Friday Night Readers to answer it once and for all.Laura and Julianne each count down their personal Top 5 Elin Hilderbrand novels — from Nantucket scandals to a St. John getaway gone sideways — then hand over a list of read-alike authors for anyone who's already blown through the backlist. Perfect for beach bag planning, TBR building, or anyone debating where to start with the Queen of Beach Reads.📚 Books MentionedLaura's Top 5 Elin Hilderbrand's Books:The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Women's Fiction/NantucketSwan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Mystery/Women's FictionThe Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | MysterySilver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Women's FictionWinter in Paradise trilogy by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Women's Fiction/St. JohnJulianne's Top 5 Elin Hilderbrand's Books:The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Women's Fiction/Light Mystery — recommended starting point for new readersThe Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | MysterySwan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Mystery/Women's FictionSummer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary RomanceIf You Love Elin Hilderbrand, Try These Books Next:The Wash Ashores by Hannah McKinnon — Buy on Amazon | Women's Fiction/NantucketWorse Than Strangers by Kyleigh Leddy — Buy on Amazon | Women's FictionThese Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary FictionPretty as a Peach & Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz — Buy on Amazon | Southern Women's FictionThis Summer Will Be Different, Meet Me at the Lake, Every Summer After by Carley Fortune — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary RomanceAlso recommended: Jenny Hale, Emily Giffin, Nancy Thayer, Pamela M. Kelly, Brooke Lea Foster, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Dorothea Benton Frank, Victoria Benton Frank⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Intro & summer catch-up[00:02] The eternal question: what Hilderbrand book should I read next?[00:07] How many Hilderbrand books have each of us actually read?[00:08] Laura's #5: A Rumor[00:10] Julianne's #5: The Hotel Nantucket (great starting point!)[00:13] Laura's #4: Swan Song[00:16] Julianne's #4: The Perfect Couple[00:18] Laura's #3: The Perfect Couple / Julianne's #3: Swan Song[00:18] Laura's #2: Silver Girl[00:19] Julianne's #2: Summer of '69[00:20] Laura's #1: Winter in Paradise trilogy[00:22] Julianne's #1: 28 Summers[00:24] If you love Elin Hilderbrand, read these authors next[00:29] Five Star Weekend Peacock adaptation + wrap-up[00:29] What's behind our Substack paywalls this weekConnect with Julianne from Friday Night Readers: https://fridaynightreaders.substack.com/p/best-elin-hilderbrand-booksJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Chelsea Curto on Going From Flight Attendant to Bestselling Author 14.07.2026 32min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.From flight attendant to hybrid author with a bookstore-ready hockey series — Chelsea Curto is proof that a wild pivot can turn into a career you never saw coming.Romance author Chelsea Curto (the DC Stars hockey series, In Stormy Weather) joins the show to talk about her journey from flight attendant to indie-author-turned-hybrid-with-Atria, plus the wild "it might be the line of believability" story behind putting a woman in the NHL for her breakout hit Face Off. She also shares the hurricane-chasing inspiration behind her new meteorologist romance In Stormy Weather, and gives us her go-to book recommendations for readers who love emotionally deep sports romance. Perfect for readers who love sports romance, indie-to-trad publishing journeys, and hurricane season reads with heart.📚 Books MentionedIn Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Hurricane/Weather Romance | Audio✅Face Off (DC Stars #1) by Chelsea Curto — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance (Hockey) | KU ✅| Audio ✅ Hat Trick (DC Stars #4) by Chelsea Curto — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance (Hockey) | KU ✅| Audio ✅An Unexpected Paradise by Chelsea Curto — Buy on Amazon | Romance (debut) | KU ✅| Audio ✅Caught on Camera by Chelsea Curto — Buy on Amazon | Holiday/Seasonal Romance | KU ✅| Audio ✅Unsteady by Peyton Corinne— Buy on Amazon | College Sports Romance (Hockey) | Audio ✅Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance (Basketball) | KU ✅| Audio ✅People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Audio ✅⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro to Chelsea[00:01] Flight attendant career & current leave[00:02] Life as a flight attendant, myths vs. reality[00:03] How Chelsea started writing during COVID[00:04] Growth as an author since 2022[00:05] Indie publishing & connecting with agent Caitlin[00:06] Indie vs. traditional publishing pros/cons[00:09] The DC Stars hockey series origin[00:10] Writing Face Off & putting a woman in the NHL[00:12] Atria picks up DC Stars books 1–5[00:13] Face Off's breakout success story[00:15] Women's sports (PWHL/WNBA) & future series ideas[00:16] Introducing In Stormy Weather[00:17] Hurricane Charlie 2004 & growing up in Florida[00:18] Hurricane Ian 2022 sparks the book idea[00:20] Hat Trick & feeling "this one is special"[00:21] Release details & themes of In Stormy Weather[00:22] Laura's own hurricane history[00:25] Hurricane Maria & community resilience[00:27] The "Waffle House/Disney World" hurricane barometer[00:29] Clarifying the "elements" series concept (not meteorology)[00:30] Book recommendations: Peyton Corinne & Kennedy Ryan[00:31] Where to find Chelsea onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Manga & Graphic Novels You Need to Read | Coming out Perfect by Richard Mercado 11.07.2026 23min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wondered what a graphic novelist reads for fun? This week we're stepping outside our usual romance and mystery lanes to talk graphic novels and manga with debut author Richard Mercado.Richard Mercado joins the podcast to talk about his debut YA graphic novel Coming Out Perfect (pitched as Heartstopper meets Mean Girls), his journey from indie zine-maker in the Philippines to Scholastic Graphix author, and his process for plotting a graphic novel from script to thumbnails to final art. Then he shares five graphic novel and manga recommendations — perfect for readers looking to branch into visual storytelling, or longtime manga fans looking for their next read.📚 Books MentionedComing Out Perfect by Richard Mercado — Buy on Amazon | YA Graphic Novel / LGBTQ ContemporaryRoaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki — Buy on Amazon | Graphic Novel / ContemporaryHoney and Clover by Chica Umino — Buy on Amazon | Manga / Josei / Coming-of-AgePlease Be My Star by Victoria Grace Elliot — Buy on Amazon | YA Graphic Novel / Contemporary RomanceConvenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction |Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Short Stories⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro to Richard Mercado[00:00] Richard introduces himself, his debut graphic novel Coming Out Perfect[01:00] Filipino and Puerto Rican cultural parallels; parental acceptance themes[01:30] Elevator pitch for Coming Out Perfect[04:00] Richard's path from indie zine cartoonist in the Philippines to Scholastic Graphix[07:00] How Richard builds a graphic novel — outline, script, thumbnails, art[11:00] Book recommendations begin[11:30] Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki[15:00] Honey and Clover by Chica Umino[17:00] Please Be My Star by Victoria Grace Elliot[19:00] Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata[21:00] Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte[23:00] Where to find Richard online & outroJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Sci-Fi Romance Recs With Formula Zero's Author Meredith Lanzen 08.07.2026 21min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Ever wondered what happens when Formula 1 gets launched into zero gravity — and thrown in a childhood-best-friends-to-lovers arc for good measure? Debut author Meredith Lanzen joins us to talk about her sci-fi sports romance, Formula Zero.We dig into how a Drive to Survive rabbit hole turned into a book deal, why she wanted her leads to be equals on the racetrack, and her go-to recommendations for readers who love character-driven sci-fi, banter-heavy urban fantasy, and rom-coms with real emotional depth. If you love found family, slow-burn trust, and worlds that feel just a little bit magic around the edges, this episode is for you.📚 Books MentionedFormula Zero by Meredith Lanzen — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Romance / Sports Romance | Audio ✅Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Romance | Audio ✅The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards — Buy on Amazon | Urban Fantasy | Audio ✅The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Rom-Com | Audio ✅Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir — Buy on Amazon | Sci-Fi Fantasy Mystery | Audio ✅⏱️Timestamps[00:00] Intro & welcome[01:00] Meredith's side quests: jigsaw puzzling, sourdough[02:00] The Formula 1 obsession begins[03:00] Discovering F1 via Drive to Survive; the writing journey starts[04:00] The idea for Formula Zero is born[06:00] Why she wanted her racers to be true equals[08:00] Formula Zero plot: Clark & Julian's fractured friendship[10:00] The fake-friendship PR twist[11:00] Favorite sci-fi elements & comfort rereads[13:00] Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell[14:00] The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards[16:00] The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun[19:00] Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir[21:00] Where to find Meredith onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Lindsay Hameroff on Writing Rom-Coms & Second Chances 06.07.2026 19min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Rom-com author Lindsay Hameroff joins us to talk Wegmans obsessions, writing her first single-mom heroine, and the books that turned her into a romance reader for life. Lindsay Hameroff — author of Till There Was You and Never Planned on You — stops by to talk about her new release Rewrite the Stars, a second-chance summer romance between a semi-retired actress and the sexy contractor renovating her lake house. We dig into why she writes '90s-and-2000s-style rom-coms, what it's like writing a neurodivergent-parenting storyline drawn from her own life, and her go-to recommendations for readers who want books that make them laugh and swoon — perfect for romance and rom-com fans looking for their next beachy, feel-good read.⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & intro to Lindsay Hameroff[00:30] Lindsay's background: teacher to full-time writer[02:00] Wegmans tangent + Alisha Rai's grocery-family series rec[04:00] From Stephen King to romance: Lindsay's reading journey[05:00] Writing humor during the pandemic, joining Twitter[07:00] Threads vs. Substack as writer communities[07:30] Deep dive: Rewrite the Stars — premise & single-mom heroine[08:30] Writing a neurodivergent-parenting storyline[10:00] Why it's the perfect summer/beach read[11:00] What Lindsay loves in rom-coms (needs to be funny!)[11:30] Rec: Red, White & Royal Blue[13:00] Rec: A Love Song for Ricki Wilde[15:00] Rec: Practice Makes Perfect[16:00] Rec: The Seven Year Slip[16:30] Rec: Happy Place (the "controversial" pick)[18:00] Rec: Married with Benefits[19:00] Where to find Lindsay online[19:30] Outro📚 Books MentionedRewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Summer Read | Audio ✅Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston — Buy on Amazon | Romance, LGBTQ+, Political Rom-Com | Audio ✅A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams — Buy on Amazon | Romance, Magical Realism, Contemporary | Audio ✅Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Small Town, Frothy | Audio ✅The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston — Buy on Amazon | Romance, Magical Realism, Time Slip | Audio ✅Happy Place by Emily Henry — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance, Friends to Lovers | Audio ✅Married with Benefits by Ellie Palmer — Buy on Amazon | Rom-Com, Marriage of Convenience | Audio ✅Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  7 Books to Read If You're Obsessed With Love Island 04.07.2026 8min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Still thinking about recouplings, Casa Amor twists, and the text that ruined someone's summer? Same. So this week we're doing a full villa walkthrough — in book form. This solo episode rounds up the best Love Island–inspired reads out right now: one juicy nonfiction deep dive into the show itself, five rom-coms that borrow the format's chaos (bombshells, recouplings, and all), and one dating-show read with a body count. Perfect for anyone who wants their reality TV obsession to last past finale night. ⏱️ Timestamps [00:00] Intro: Love Island obsession + reality-TV-inspired book trend[00:01] Enter the Villa — nonfiction deep dive[00:03] Reality Bites — STEM scientist on a dating show[00:04] Hot Summer — queer Love Island rom-com[00:05] Coupling Up — twin swap chaos[00:06] Palm Villa — classic Love Island wish-fulfillment[00:06] Stranded in Paradise — enemies-to-lovers producers[00:07] Reality Check — dating show + murder mystery[00:08] Substack teaser + outro📚 Books MentionedEnter the Villa: The (Unauthorized) Reality Behind Love Island by Anna Peel — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction Reality Bites by Amy Mass — Buy on Amazon | Romance / STEM Rom-ComHot Summer by Elle Everhart — Buy on Amazon | Romance / Queer Coupling Up by Jo Lyons — Buy on Amazon | Romance | KU ✅Palm Villa by Ashley Hartley — Buy on Amazon | Romance | KU ✅Stranded in Paradise by Portia Mcintosh — Buy on Amazon | Romance / Enemies-to-Lovers | KU ✅Reality Check by Kara Loo and Jennifer Young — Buy on Amazon | Romantic Mystery Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Mystery Rom-Coms, Jersey Shore Murder & the Millennial Mystery Trend | Liz Lawson 30.06.2026 22min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.What happens when a journalist with a nose for a story, a caterer with a glow-up, and a Jersey Shore murder collide? Enemies-to-lovers chaos — and we are here for it.In this episode, I'm chatting with Liz Lawson, author of the adult debut It Happened One Murder — a mystery rom-com packed with second-chance romance, a murder that needs solving, and all the messy feelings of your mid-20s. We talk about Liz's journey from writing emotional YA to crafting this genre-mashup mystery, why the "millennial mystery" is having such a moment, and what it really feels like to move back home in your 20s when life doesn't go according to plan. Plus, Liz shares what she's been reading lately — including a buzzy weird-girl lit pick and a memoir about rich people behaving very badly.📚 Books MentionedIt Happened One Murder by Liz Lawson — Buy on Amazon | Mystery Rom-Com, Second-Chance Romance | Audio ✅Famesick by Lena Dunham — Buy on Amazon | Memoir | Audio ✅ (author-narrated)Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Weird Girl Lit A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington — Buy on Amazon | Holiday Mystery Rom-Com | (forthcoming at time of recording)The Most Wonderful Crime by Ally Carter — Buy on Amazon | Mystery Romance Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden — Buy on Amazon | Memoir | Audio ✅ (author-narrated)⏱️ Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & introduction — Liz Lawson's adult debut It Happened One Murder[00:01] Liz's author journey — from YA to adult fiction[00:02] Writing The Agathas with Kathleen Glasgow & the pivot to mystery[00:03] Why Liz decided to write for adult readers[00:04] The YA market's identity crisis — what's changing and why[00:05] The rise of millennial mysteries and genre-mashup cozies[00:07] What it really feels like to be in your mid-20s — and how that shaped It Happened One Murder[00:09] Harriet's story: journalism, moving home, and family dysfunction[00:10] Nick's story: loyalty, culinary dreams, and the catering business[00:11] The murder wall — and Laura's real-life career as a white-collar crime investigator[00:13] Why white-collar crime makes for the juiciest stories[00:15] The second-chance romance plot — ghosting, glow-ups, and unfinished business[00:17] Liz's current reads: Famesick by Lena Dunham[00:17] Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash & the weird-girl lit trend[00:18] A Killer for Christmas by Kim Harrington & The Most Wonderful Crime by Ally Carter[00:20] Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden — rich people, divorce, and drama[00:22] Where to find Liz Lawson onlineJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Book Club Fiction, Cozy Mysteries & Summer Rom-Coms With Bookish AF 25.06.2026 32min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you're the kind of reader who wants heartfelt book recs and a peek behind the curtain of building a reading life worth writing about, this one's for you.Audry Fryer of the Bookish AF Substack joins us to talk about the books she can't stop recommending — from Fredrik Backman's quietly devastating My Friends to the winter read she's still thinking about, The Frozen River. We also get into the joys of audiobooks as genuine self-care, how to ease into romantasy without the overwhelm, and why "millennial mysteries" might be exactly the cozy-but-not-too-cozy genre you've been looking for.📚 Books MentionedMy Friends by Fredrik Backman — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Contemporary | Audio ✅Beartown by Fredrik Backman — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Sports | Audio ✅A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon — Buy on Amazon | Historical Fiction | Audio ✅Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall — Buy on Amazon | Literary FictionThe God of the Woods by Liz Moore— Buy on Amazon | Literary Thriller / Mystery | Audio ✅Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction | Audio ✅Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry — Buy on Amazon | Women's Fiction / Romance | Audio ✅It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Rom-Com | Audio ✅Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction | Audio ✅The Guncle by Steven Rowley — Buy on Amazon | Commercial Fiction / LGBTQ+ | Audio ✅ (author narrates)Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet by Emma Mills — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery⏱️ Timestamps[00:00:00] Welcome & introducing Audry Fryer of Bookish AF[00:01:00] Audry's background: teaching, twins, and how she started writing[00:03:00] Writing Until Next Sunday — historical fiction from real family letters[00:04:00] Substack, blogging nostalgia & bringing back the personal touch[00:08:00] Audry's reading tastes: contemporary fiction, character arcs & book club picks[00:10:00] Audiobook debate: are some books better on audio?[00:11:00] Graphic audio & how to ease into romantasy[00:13:00] Audiobooks as self-care & the "bookending" reading habit[00:15:00] Book recommendations begin![00:16:00] My Friends by Fredrik Backman & the joy of translated fiction[00:17:00] The Frozen River — a historical fiction winter read[00:18:00] Broken Country & The God of the Woods[00:19:00] Evvie Drake Starts Over — lightening things up[00:20:00] Morally gray romance tangent & captive romance confessions[00:21:00] Great Big Beautiful Life & It's a Love Story — laughing out loud[00:22:00] Nora Goes Off Script rec from Laura[00:23:00] Library tips: Libby app & sharing a Kindle account with mom[00:24:00] Mother-daughter book club: Golden Girls Cozy Mystery & the follow-up[00:25:00] The Guncle by Steven Rowley — a Palm Springs rec[00:27:00] Millennial mysteries vs. cozy mysteries — what's the difference?[00:27:00] Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet — Hollywood murder mystery rec[00:29:00] What to expect from Bookish AF on Substack[00:31:00] Wrap-up & thank yousJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!
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  Chase Me If You Can: A Storm-Chasing Debut + 4 Romance Recs with Heather Frances 23.06.2026 19min

  This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Storm chasing, forced proximity, and a debut romance that's giving Twisters — but make it swoony. This episode is for every reader whose TBR needs a little weather event.Debut author Heather Frances joins the show to talk about Chase Me If You Can, her contemporary romance about two rival storm-chasing photographers stuck in the same car for the season. We dig into forced proximity done right, the black cat/golden retriever dynamic, and why Sloane is the eldest-daughter coded heroine we didn't know we needed. Heather also shares four romance recommendations she's been loving — cozy dark romance with surprising humor, a chef romance with genuinely great ADHD rep, a Scotland-set romcom full of dysfunctional family yearning, and a messy FMC contemporary that makes you earn the HEA. If you love tropey, emotionally rich romance with characters who feel deeply real, this one's for you.📚 BOOKS MENTIONEDChase Me If You Can by Heather Frances — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Forced Proximity, Rivals to Lovers, Black Cat/Golden Retriever, Storm Chasing, He Falls First, Single POV Prey for Me by Allie Oleander — Buy on Amazon | Dark Romance (cozy dark) | Black Cat FMC, Sunshine MMC, He Falls First, Kink Exploration, Humor | Note: mind content warningsYes, Chef by Grace Reilly — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Grumpy Sunshine, Chef Romance, ADHD Rep, Tattooed MMC, Messy Characters | Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Scotland/Travel, Forced Proximity, Dysfunctional Family, Yearning, Romcom | Upcoming release at time of recordingNow That We Don't Talk by Rachel Pologe — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Romance | Grief, Messy FMC, He Falls First, Laugh-Out-Loud Humor, Yearning | Upcoming release at time of recording⏱️ TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Welcome & intro — Heather Frances, debut author, photographer, storm chaser[00:01] Storm chasing 101 — plains chasing, monsoon season, photography goals vs. proximity[00:03] Heather's romance reading journey — historicals, Pride & Prejudice variations, arriving at contemporary[00:05] Writing Chase Me If You Can — how storm chasing became a romance setup, the forced proximity logic, balancing technical detail with emotional story[00:07] Book spotlight: Chase Me If You Can — elevator pitch, Wes & Sloane, black cat/golden retriever, he falls first, single POV[00:09] Book rec: Prey for Me by Allie Oleander — cozy dark romance, humor, kink with emotional grounding, Caine & Margot[00:10] Book rec: Yes, Chef by Grace Reilly — grumpy sunshine, chef romance, ADHD rep done with subtlety[00:12] Book rec: Highland Fling by Naina Kumar — Scotland travel romance, dysfunctional family layers, laugh-out-loud moments[00:15] Conversation: dysfunctional families in romance, eldest daughter coded characters, trauma and character arcs[00:17] Book rec: Now That We Don't Talk by Rachel Pologe — messy FMC, grief, earning the HEA, TV comedy writer voice[00:19] Pre-orders matter — why supporting debut and upcoming authors with pre-orders makes a difference[00:19] Where to find Heather — Instagram, Threads (@heatherfrancesauthor)Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!