What to Read Next Podcast l Book Recommendation Show

• These Mafia Captive Romances Are SO Wrong... But You Won't Stop Reading

  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 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!Books Mentioned:Dante by Sadie Kincaid https://amzn.to/3yrRggBMafia Mistress by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/3WIlST4Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/46GEojjCarnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger https://amzn.to/3SMoi1IThe Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas https://amzn.to/3Am7mIZRun, Posy, Run by Cate C. Wells https://amzn.to/3AheQgkTimestamps:[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!Links Mentioned:🔎 Search Mafia Romance at WhattoReadNextBlog.com📬 Join the Newsletter for exclusive recommendations: https://wtrnblog.substack.comCall to Action: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 UnityNeed 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 `Advertise with UsDo 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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  12:47
• Cried All Night Over These Books… Then Found Monster Romance Bliss!

  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!Books MentionedTearjerkers:If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin https://amzn.to/42RmIzKA Curse for the Homesick by Laura Brooke Robson https://amzn.to/4lNPrOyMonster Romance Palate Cleansers:No, Knot About It by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #1) https://amzn.to/42z1d88Bass Desires by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #2)https://amzn.to/4cQl9XoTimestamps[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 OutroWhere to Find BeckyPodcast: Too Stupid to Live (available on all podcast platforms)TikTok & Substack: @tstlpodcast (https://tstlpodcast.substack.com)Call to Action👉 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.Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with usAdvertise With Us

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  9:15
• Smart, Sharp, and Unputdownable: Beach Reads with Substance

  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⏱️ Timestamps[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📚 Books MentionedMargot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/3RwSKMhAll the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman https://amzn.to/42Q60krThe Favorites by Layne Fargo https://amzn.to/3ExrFpqThe 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!Join the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with usAdvertise With UsCook UnityNeed 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 `

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  15:33
• 3 Historical Fiction Books About Women Who Changed the World

  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 this special Women's History Month episode of What to Read Next, Victoria shares three powerful historical fiction novels spotlighting extraordinary women who defied expectations and shaped history. From courtroom drama in colonial America to feminist trailblazers rubbing shoulders with literary legends, these stories celebrate resilience, courage, and ambition. Whether you're a seasoned historical fiction fan or looking to branch out from WWII-era tales, this episode offers compelling reads with heart and substance.📖 Books MentionedThe Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon https://amzn.to/42VglN0Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray https://amzn.to/42VhdRMFinding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki https://amzn.to/4jNKPGA⏱ Timestamps[00:00] Intro & What to Expect[01:00] The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon[03:00] Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray[06:00] Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki[09:00] Bonus: More books by Stephanie Dray[10:00] Wrap-up & Support the ShowJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review! Mentioned in this episode:Advertise with UsDo you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with usAdvertise With UsCook UnityNeed 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 `

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  12:14
• We Read the New Emily Henry So You Don’t Have To (Here’s What to Read Instead)

  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 this episode of What to Read Next, Laura is joined by guest Amy (from @novelgossip) to chat all things Emily Henry—specifically, what to read if you’ve already devoured her entire backlist and need your next fix of smart, emotional, and heartwarming romance. The duo also spills the tea on ARC drama, library hacks, and why Big Beautiful Life might not live up to the hype. Plus, they share six excellent book recommendations (and one bonus pick!) that offer the same emotional payoff and vibrant settings as your favorite Emily Henry novels.📚 Books Recommended/MentionedPassion Project by London Sperry https://amzn.to/3EshxyfSummer in the City by Alex Aster https://amzn.to/3Y9vN5y Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine https://amzn.to/3YbTVoaPromise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone https://amzn.to/4d1DZexNora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan https://amzn.to/4is6NxwSummer Romance by Annabel Monaghan https://amzn.to/3Gj18wBBig Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (discussed) https://amzn.to/4jGGHbbThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (comparison mention) https://amzn.to/4jNstFM⏱️ Time Stamps [00:00] Welcome and weather chat: cold in Arizona, gators in Florida [02:30] Emily Henry ARC discourse & behind-the-scenes on influencer drama [08:00] Library hacks: how to access books without ARCs [09:00] Spoiler-free review of Big Beautiful Life and why it didn’t work [14:00] What to read instead: intro to alternative author picks [15:00] Passion Project by Bethany Rutter — grief, NYC, friends to lovers [17:00] Summer in the City — classic NYC vibes, fake dating, and grand gestures [21:00] Any Trope But You — Alaska setting, one-tent trope, romance author chaos [24:30] Plug for the Spice & Swoon Book Club [26:00] Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone — slow burn romance in Brooklyn [30:00] Bonus picks: Annabel Monaghan’s summer novels [31:30] Where to find Amy online + closing remarksJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.Follow & Subscribe: What to...

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  32:41

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