Synopsis
What to Read Next Podcast is hosted by Laura Yamin. In this show, you will find bite size book reviews, book recommendations in the romance, young adult and literary fiction genre. We have weekly guests come on the show and share their favorite books.
Episodes
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#631 Author Interview: Tif Marcelo 2023
13/04/2023 Duration: 14minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with author Tif Marcelo about her writing journey and upcoming book, "When Jasmine Blooms. " We discussed her diverse stories, including contemporary romance, contemporary fiction, and young adult novels. Tif shared her experience bouncing between genres and her excitement for her future projects, including writing category romance in 2024. We also discussed some fantastic book recommendations, from post-apocalyptic to memoirs and romance. Don't miss this episode full of great insights and book suggestions!SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunnyLicense code: 0RDRBKGH6NGQ
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#630 Author Interview: Hailey Turner 2023
12/04/2023 Duration: 10minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I enjoyed exploring the world of fantasy writing with author Hailey Turner. We discussed her journey in writing science fiction and fantasy romance, focusing on LGBTQ characters. Hailey shared insights into her world-building process, drawing inspiration from real-world politics and technology while adding unique magic systems. She is working on the third book in her "Infernal War Sags Trilogy. " If you're looking for a snarky, British rom-com read, Hailey recommends "Confetti Hearts" by Lily Morton. Join me in this fascinating conversation with Hailey Turner and discover new worlds to explore in her captivating books!SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (
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#629 Author Interview: Carlyn Greenwald
11/04/2023 Duration: 17minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here.In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with romance thriller writer Carlyn Greenwald from Los Angeles. We discussed her background in film school, her journey into writing books, and her recent rescue dog. We explored the world of romance and thriller writing, touching on the rising popularity of adventure rom-coms and the intricacies of writing romance and thriller subplots. We also delved into Carlyn’s experiences in the film industry and her inspiration for her latest book, Sizzle Reel, a celebrity romance with a unique twist. We then shared some book recommendations in the genres of romcoms, adult thrillers, and contemporary YA novels. Carla's gateway book into romcoms was "The Ex Talk" by Rachel Lynn Solomon, and she recommends some of her favorite recent reads,
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#628 Author Interview: Martha Waters 2023
10/04/2023 Duration: 25minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I chat with Martha Waters, a children's librarian and author of Regency romantic comedies. We discuss her experiences in the library world, the challenges librarians face, and the process of curating book lists for libraries. We also dive into Martha's writing journey and how her process has evolved with each book in her series. Additionally, we talk about traveling Europe on a budget, the rise of remote work, and Martha's latest work, To Swoon and To Spar, a story about a vicount who marries and his wife who is haunting the estate. To round things off, we share some book recommendations, including Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries series by Heather Fawcett, Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly, and Hotel of Secret by Diana Biller. Join us for an ins
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#627 Author Interview: Nicole Sanchez
08/04/2023 Duration: 14minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I chat with contemporary romance and romantasy author Nicole Sanchez about her journey from book blogger to published writer. We discuss her love for various genres and her admiration for authors like Katee Robert, who refuse to be confined to a single genre. Nicole shares her series, Game of Gods, and the process of world-building and magic systems in her books. Plus, Nicole shares her book recommendations, including lesser-known titles,SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunnyLicense code: 0RDRBKGH6NGQCAXRBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-to-read-next-podcast-l-b
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#626 Author Interview: Eliza MacArthur
07/04/2023 Duration: 28minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with romance author Eliza about her debut novel, Soft Flannel Hank, which is coming out in April 2023, and her writing journey during the pandemic. We discussed the power of bookstagram and its ability to provide a sense of community, especially for disabled individuals. Eliza shared her experience using Patreon as a tool for accountability and motivation while writing her novel, as well as giving back by donating a portion of her earnings to charity. We also delved into Eliza's upcoming book, Soft Flannel Hank, and the importance of the happily-ever-after guarantee in romance novels. Eliza even shared some fantastic book recommendations, including Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas, Three Kings by Freydis Moon, and Rafe by Rebekah Wea
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#625 Author Interview: Christopher Rice writing as C. Travis Rice
06/04/2023 Duration: 14minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode of the What to Read Next podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with author Christopher Rice about his journey into writing male-male romance under the pen name C Travis Rice. We discussed how he discovered the genre, his decision to create a pen name, and his Saphire Cove series. Christopher shared how writing romance during lockdown provided a much-needed escape and how he plans to continue writing in both romance and thriller genres. We also chatted about the importance of surrendering to the creative process and not attaching ourselves to outcomes or expectations. Finally, Christopher recommended the book "Say Uncle" by Eric Shaw Quinn. SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtu
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#624 Author Interview: Jewel E Ann
05/04/2023 Duration: 19minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I enjoyed catching up with author Jewel E Annl, discussing her busy life as a mother, teacher, and writer. We talked about her process of revisiting old manuscripts and turning them into new releases, as well as the challenges of transforming novellas into full-length novels. Jewel also shared her approach to writing across genres, explaining that she writes based on her mood and what she's interested in at the moment, allowing her to create authentic stories and cater to different audiences with varying tastes. Jewel’s latest release is If This is Love which is a forbidden, heartwrenching romance. We also explored the world of romance novels, discussing favorites from authors like Aly Martinez, Kate Stewart, and Jennifer Hartman, as well as works from Jody Pic
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#623 Author Interview: Lauren Kung Jensen
04/04/2023 Duration: 23minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, we dive into the world of romantic comedies and their impact on author Lauren Kung Jessen, the writer behind Lunar Love. We discuss her passion for movies and food, which led her to create her blog, A Dash's of Cinema, where she whips up dishes inspired by films. As a film major in college, Lauren's love for rom-coms has shaped her views on love and relationships. We also explore the resurgence of romantic comedies in publishing and their significance in providing representation of diverse characters and experiences. We delve into the world of Lunar Love, a romantic comedy about two Chinese Zodiac matchmakers with different approaches to helping people find love. We discuss the importance of cultural elements and traditions in the book, the research process beh
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#622 Author Interview: Piper Rayne
03/04/2023 Duration: 18minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I enjoyed exploring the world of co-authoring with the fantastic author duo Piper Rayne. We delved into their writing process, upcoming releases, and book originations and discussed their decision to launch a Kindle Unlimited pen name. We also took a deeper look at their Kingsmen series, which revolves around the lives of three football players and their romantic relationships. We touched on their upcoming projects, including the Mafia Academy series. Don't miss out on our conversation about book recommendations and where to find Piper and Rayne online. Join us for an insightful journey into the ever-evolving world of publishing and co-authoring!SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel; https://www.whattoreadnextblog.co
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#621 Favorite Reads for March 2023 I Why My Reading Has Slowed Down?
02/04/2023 Duration: 20minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I dive into my favorite books from the past month, exploring various genres and themes, from sports romances like Hail Mary by Kandi Steiner to indie romances like Until You by Catharina Maura. I also discuss my experience with the addictive Zodiac Academy series and share updates on our "Do You Even Read Romance?" book club. Additionally, I touch on the importance of finding a balance between reading for pleasure and reading non-fiction. As a special treat, I invite listeners to join us for the Epigraph Literary Festival, which is free on April 27-29, 2023. If you're enjoying the episode, please feel free to share it with friends and join us for the festival!PODCAST SPONSOR:Epigraph Literary FestivalIf, your idea of a good time, is spending time with book peop
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#620 Best Romance Novels Book Boyfriends (March 2023)
31/03/2023 Duration: 28minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, we dive into the world of romance novels and explore the concept of book boyfriends. We discuss our favorite books and series, like The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren* and the Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti. We discuss the diverse spectrum of book boyfriends in romance novels, from alpha males to cinnamon roll heroes, and how our preferences can change depending on our mood. We also touch on the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and self-actualization in these characters, as well as the influence of romance novels on our own relationships and expectations. Join us as we delve into the world of book boyfriends and the lessons we can learn from them!*Affiliate Links SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlo
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#619 5 Literary Fiction Novels Perfect for Romance Readers
30/03/2023 Duration: 28minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I explore the world of literary fiction and romance, focusing on engaging stories with strong, passionate, and relatable female protagonists. We discuss the evolution of both genres to include more diverse representation and the importance of embracing challenges and personal growth in midlife. We delve into captivating novels like All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Matthews*, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin*, and The Sentence by Louis Erdrich*. If you're a fan of romance or literary fiction, you won't want to miss this episode filled with compelling stories and unforgettable characters!*Affiliate LinksSHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusi
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#618 Thrilling Tales: Exploring Strong Female Protagonist
29/03/2023 Duration: 13minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Ashley, who runs the Tampa chapter of the Thrillers by the Book Club. We explored strong female protagonists in thriller novels and shared our top recommendations for books featuring complex, unlikable, and multifaceted female characters. Some of our favorite picks include Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Craft* The Hunting Wives by May Cobb, The Turnout by Megan Abbott,* My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa*, and People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd* Don't miss this episode packed with thrilling book recommendations.*Affiliate LinksSHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunnyLice
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#617 Author Interview: Tijan
28/03/2023 Duration: 14minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with author Tijan about her writing journey, which began after college when she started using her parents' old computer to get the stories and characters in her head out into the world. Tijan shares her experiences writing on platforms like Fiction Press, Live Journal, and Wattpad, and how her self-published book, Fallen Crest High*, skyrocketed her career.Tijan’s latest book is Hockey with Benefits*, a new adult friends-with-benefits romance. Tijan shares a few of her backlist titles for you to pick up after reading Hockey with Benefits*.We also explored the benefits and challenges of being a hybrid author, working with both traditional and self-publishing. Tijan talks about the support she receives from a team in traditional pub
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#616 Author Interview: Stella Holt
27/03/2023 Duration: 12minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I enjoyed chatting with Stella Hote, an author who has been writing for a long time and reading romance. We discussed her journey to becoming a published author and her exciting new series launching with Tule. Stella shared her love for romance novels, spanning from historical to modern and everything in between. We also delved into her upcoming books, including "Last First Kiss" and "Battle of Hearts," as well as her writing process and the importance of embracing change and learning from professionals in the industry. To wrap up, Stella shared some fantastic romance book recommendations and where you can find her online. Don't miss this episode if you're an avid romance reader or want a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a romance author!*Affiliate Links S
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#615: Books Like Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (Small Town Grumpy Sunshine Romance Recommendations)
26/03/2023 Duration: 13minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I'm excited to launch a new weekly series where I'll be recommending books similar to popular romance novels. First, we'll discuss the 2022 breakout hit "Things We Never Got Over" by Lisa Score* and its sequel, "Things We Hide in the Light.* " I'll also share four book recommendations for fans of the single parent, grumpy hero, and small-town romance stories, including "Juniper Hill" by Devney Perry*, "Charmed" by Laura Pavlov*, "Ignite" by Melanie Harlow*, and "Heartless" by Elsie Silver*. If you're a mood reader craving more romance, this episode is for you! Remember, you can find even more recommendations in the accompanying blog post, Books Like Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (Grumpy- Small Town Romances). Don't hesitate to send me your suggestions
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#614 Author Interview: Brianna Labuskes
25/03/2023 Duration: 21minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. In this episode, I chatted with author Brianna about her journey from journalism to writing psychological thrillers and historical fiction. This spring, Brianna will have two books out: The Librarian of Burned Books* (Historical Fiction) and See It End* (Psychological Thriller, Book 3 in the Dr. Gretchen White series) We discussed the importance of research in both genres and how her background in journalism has helped her transition into fiction writing. We also touched on the timely topic of book banning and censorship, drawing parallels between the 1930s and today, and the power of controlling information. We then dived into discussing our favorite books in the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid*, a male/male hockey romance collection with comforting aspects and deeper issu
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#613 Author Interview: Ren DeStefano
24/03/2023 Duration: 13minDisclosure: 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 & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. Today we are chatting with Ren DeStefano. Ren has been a published author since 2011, but this year, she debuted her adult thriller, How I’ll Kill You, which explores a family of serial killers. In this episode, we chat about the following:How Ren’s passion for true crime led her to write her first thriller How she picked the trope of a serial killer and turned it upside down by choosing a family as opposed to a lone wolfWhat was Ren’s path to true crime from Unsolved Mysteries, Investigative Discovery, and podcastsSome of Ren’s favorite true crime podcastsRen’s writing process of writing How I’ll Kill You**Affiliate Link SHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Cre
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#612 Author Interview: Greer Rivers
23/03/2023 Duration: 09minDisclosure: 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 buy books & you can read our affiliate disclosure here. Today’s guest is Greer Rivers. Greer writes dark, spicy romance. Her latest is Rouge*, part of a retelling series of tragedies that are dark romances with a happily ever after. In this episode, we chat about the following: How Greer ended up writing within the dark romance nicheHow did her career as a former criminal lawyer influence her writing How her books are darkWe chat about Rouge, what to expect from this book, and why you should read it.Greer’s writing process, from fast drafts to spending a lot of time editing*Affiliate LinkSHOWNOTES AND BOOK LINKShttp://WhattoReadNextBlog.comCheck out our YouTube Channel;https://www.whattoreadnextblog.com/youtubeMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/sunnyLicense code: 0RDRBKGH6NGQCAXRBecome a supporter of t