Welcome to the Novel Hour replay! In this week’s show, we’re diving into audiobook faves, wild book news (RIP TikTok’s publishing dreams), and the latest on Mindf*ck and Butcher & Blackbird adaptations. Plus, we've got new book releases you’ll want on your TBR ASAP.

🎧 Audiobook Recs You Need to Hear:

Here are the ones we’re vibing with:

• The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs (narrated by Kiiri Sandy & John Pirhalla)
• The Perfect Divorce by Geneva Rose (full cast)
• Matriarch by Tina Knowles (narrated by Tina herself, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland & Angie Beyincé)
• Lights Out by Navessa Allen (narrated by Elena Wolfe & Jacob Morgan)
• Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver (narrated by Samantha Brentmoor & Eric Nolan)
• Nocticadia by Keri Lake (narrated by Stella Hunter & Aaron Shedlock)

🖤 Check out our curated list of Duet Narration Romance Audiobooks → Read the list

📺 What We’re Watching:

• 28 Years Later (zombie vibes, mixed reviews)
• Animal Kingdom (season 5 chaos report incoming)

📢 Then it’s on to the bookish news desk:

• Sarah J. Maas signs massive licensing deal — We're talking merch, makeup, immersive experiences & more. Hollywood Reporter source
• TikTok quietly shuts down its publishing house Eighth Note Press after just two years. Read the New York Times article

→ Original post by @brosandprose on Threads

🎬 Book Adaptations You Need to Know About:

• Mindf*ck series is heading to Amazon with Sophia Stallone attached.
• Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver is officially getting a film adaptation. Deadline article | Variety coverage
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts is in development at Amazon despite major plagiarism controversy from Red Queen comparisons.

🆕 New Release Highlights:

• The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood → Read a free excerpt
• Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
• El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott
• When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
• Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler
• Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath (historical romcom)
• One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti (revenge billionaire romance)
• A Happy Marriage by Alessandra Torre (domestic thriller)
• Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong (fake dating romcom with a viral twist)
• A Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox (gothic fantasy, Little Mermaid vibes)

And more!

💬 Let us know your audiobook recs, adaptation thoughts, or hot takes on SJM’s empire and TikTok’s publishing flop—comment, DM, or reply on Substack.

🎥 Watch the full live replay on YouTube →https://youtube.com/live/jmKeVjylZNM?feature=share

✨ If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! It helps more romance readers find us, and I always love hearing what books you’re excited about. See you next time! 💕

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