Book Lounge by Libby

September is bringing some SERIOUS TBR temptation. This week, Joe is joined by Madison (@simon.says.read) to dive into the September 2026 book releases they’re most excited to read. 

From gothic romantasy and fantasy to thrillers, romance, historical fiction and spooky season reads, there are way too many new books fighting for a spot on the TBR.

Plus, Joe and Madison reveal the books they’re already counting down the days to read, the titles they almost included and which September releases might become your next obsession. 

What September 2026 book are you most excited to read? Add it to your TBR and let us know! 

Book Lounge by Libby is your place for book conversations, recommendations and the people behind the stories. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Follow Madison on Instagram! 

Books Recommendations:  

Madison's Picks:  

Joe’s Picks: 
Honorable mentions:  

Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links  

Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. 

Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.  

Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace. 

Browse our cumulative reading list for the season: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41378  
Today's featured books: https://marketplace.overdrive.com/Marketplace/OneCopyOneUserAndMeteredAccess/SuggestedList/41379  

Happy Reading!

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What happens when you take the Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet approach to books? Absolute chaos. 

Joe is joined by Meara to dig through reviews of books they love and discover what happens when readers have opinions. From hilarious hot takes to reviews that make absolutely no sense, this episode is full of laughs, nonsense and some truly unforgettable book commentary. 

Want us to do this again? Tell us what books we should hunt for or send us random reviews to react to! 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:02:22 What’s your relationship with book reviews?  
00:06:00 How do you write your reviews?  
00:09:50 A conversation about negative reviews 
00:13:50 We dive into reading reviews! 
01:30:03 Wrapping up and outro 

Enjoying the show? Follow Book Lounge by Libby, leave a rating or review, and watch every episode on the Libby App YouTube channel. Find us on Libbylife.com/booklounge 

Got a book recommendation, dream guest or just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. 

Looking for Book Lounge merch? Visit Plot Threads.  

Library friends: Add episodes of Book Lounge by Libby to your digital collection for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. You can also purchase the titles featured in today's episode in OverDrive Marketplace. 

Happy Reading!

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August 2026 books are here, and Joe is joined by Bre (@locd_booktician_) to share the new releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. Covering everything from horror, thrillers, romance, fantasy, literary fiction, and beyond, they're highlighting some of the month's biggest releases alongside a few books that deserve more attention. 

As always, the recommendations are only part of the fun. Expect plenty of laughs, bookish tangents, and chaotic energy as Joe and Bre count down the August titles they can't stop thinking about. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book Recommendations 

Bre’s Picks: 

Joe’s Picks:  

Who’s in this episode:  

Bre - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:11 Welcome and catchup with Bre! 
00:13:27 August 2026 Book Picks 
01:38:28 Thanks and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's better than talking about great books? Talking about all the great books. 

This week, Joe is joined by romance novel matchmaker, bookseller, and creator Destinee for a delightfully bookish conversation that bounces around bookish things everyone can't stop talking about. 

Grab your headphones, your library card, and maybe a notebook—you'll definitely leave with a longer TBR. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Welcome and Introductions 
00:01:52 A chatty episode with Destinee 
01:03:55 Wrapping up and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy.  

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is heating up... so naturally it's time for ghosts, monsters, haunted camps, cursed lakes, and things that go bump in the night. 

Joe is joined by Bre to celebrate Summerween 2026, the growing tradition of bringing spooky season into the middle of summer. Whether horror readers are looking for gothic classics, unsettling literary horror, creepy middle grade adventures, camp slashers, psychological thrillers, or terrifying short story collections, this episode is packed with recommendations to fill every Summerween TBR. 

From vampires and haunted campgrounds to folk horror, cosmic dread, ghost stories, and nostalgic Halloween favorites, this conversation explores horror across every age and subgenre. Along the way, Bre also shares details about her July Noir 2026 reading weekend and Discord community for readers looking to celebrate all month long. 

Whether Summerween is already an annual tradition, or this is the first spooky-season celebration in July, this episode is full of horror book recommendations perfect for every kind of reader. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Links: 

Titles mentioned: 

Bre’s Picks: 

Joe’s Picks:  

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro & Seasonal Update 
00:01:40 Thoughts on Summerween 
00:07:24 Our Summerween 2026 picks! 
01:28:46 Thank you to Bre and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the United States prepares to commemorate America 250, how can we celebrate the nation's history while also making room for reflection, honesty, and meaningful conversation? 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Cameron Walpole, Associate Director of Interpretation and Public Programs, and Callie Hawkins, Executive Director of President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, DC, join the show to explore how their organization is approaching America's 250th anniversary with thoughtfulness, curiosity, and a commitment to telling a fuller story of our shared history. 

The conversation dives into Abraham Lincoln's enduring legacy, why President Lincoln's Cottage remains such an important place today, and how books help us better understand both the past and the present. Then, for a fun twist, Cameron and Callie recommend books they think President Lincoln would have loved reading if he were browsing a library today. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a Lincoln admirer, or simply looking for thought-provoking nonfiction and historical fiction recommendations, this episode offers fresh perspectives on American history, civic engagement, and the power of reading. 

For more info, check out: https://www.lincolncottage.org/  

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Book recommendations: 

Cameron’s Titles:  

Differ We Must – Steve Inskeep  

Macbeth – William Shakespeare  

Wonder – R.J. Palacio 

Callie’s Titles: 

Joyful Anyway – Kate Bowler 

You Better Be Lightning – Andrea Gibson 

James – Percival Everett 

Everywhere Still – MH Clark 

Joe’s Titles:  

Feeding Ghosts – Tessa Hulls  

A Manual for Cleaning Women – Lucia Berlin  

Separation of Church and Hate – John Fugelsang 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Welcome and introductions 
00:02:23 What is President Lincoln’s Cottage?  
00:22:56 Our recommended reads 
00:51:08 Final Thoughts and Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new month means a new stack of books to obsess over. 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by the wonderful Emma to chat about the July 2026 book releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. From buzzy fiction and page-turning mysteries to heartfelt romances and unforgettable literary reads, they're sharing the upcoming titles that have already captured their attention. 

Whether you're planning your summer reading list, looking for the next great library hold or simply love keeping up with the latest book releases, this episode is packed with recommendations to help fill your TBR. 

Tune in for a fun conversation celebrating the most anticipated books hitting shelves in July 2026 and discover which titles deserve a spot at the top of your reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Emma’s Picks:  

Prince of Swords – Elise Kova  

A Forsaken Prophecy – Stacey McEwan  

In the Wake of the Ruined – Kalie Cassidy 

Hot Girl Murder Club – Ashley Winstead 

Foxx – Paisley Hope  

The MASH Up – Laura Marie Meyers  

If Books Could Kill – Kate Eberle  

Daggermouth – HM Wofle 

Joe’s Picks: 

Helpless – Jessica Knoll 

My Tokyo Summer – Abby Denson  

Coming Out Perfect – Richard Mercado  

Case Closed, Vol. 99 – Gosho Aoyama 

Witch’s Inheritance – Paige Hender 

The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance  – Chiara Bullen 

The Masala Chai Mystery Club – MJ Soni 

Ghost Girl – Eva Benefield 

Alex, by Proxy – Karen Myna Cantor 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:20 Catching up with Emma 
00:06:50 July 2026 Book Picks 
01:20:23 Final thoughts and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The temperature is rising, and so is the romance stack. In the Season 3 finale of Book Lounge by Libby, romance novel matchmaker, experienced bookseller, and bookish creator Destinee (@yourromancedestinee) joins the lounge to share the steamy romance books that deserve a spot on your summer TBR. 

From slow burns that leave readers desperate for more, to romances packed with chemistry, banter, longing, and unforgettable love stories, Joe & Destinee share recommendations for every kind of romance reader. The conversation dives into what makes a great romance novel, why the genre continues to captivate millions of readers, and how finding the perfect romance book is all about matching the right story to the right reader. 

Season 3 may be coming to a close, but Book Lounge by Libby isn’t going anywhere! After this episode, the podcast will move to a monthly rhythm of three episodes per month through the end of September when Season 4 launches with even more author conversations, reading recommendations and behind-the-scenes book world discussions. 

Whether searching for spicy romance books, summer romance reads, or a brand-new favorite love story, this episode is the perfect way to heat up a reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Destinee’s picks: 

Never Seduce a Scot – Maya Banks 

High Seas Heat – Sarah Blue 

Die for Me – Shirlene Obuobi 

By the Bootstraps – Alexa Martin 

Rebel Heiress – Amalie Howard 

Just a Highland Fling – Naina Kumar 

Psy-Changeling Series (Book 1: Slave to Sensation) - Nalini Singh 

Joe’s picks: 

Extracurricular – Rachel Lynn Solomon 

Goliaths of Wrestling Series (Book 4: False Comeback) - Lily Mayne  

Jacksonville Rays Series (Book 4: Pucking Strong) - Emily Rath 

Shoutout: Puckboys Series (Book 1:  Egotistical Puckboy) – Eden Finley & Saxon James 

Night at the Vampire Castle – Hari Conner 

The Hades Calculus – Maria Ying 

Time and Time Again – Chatham Greenfield 

Lost Boys series (Book 1: The Skeptic) – Kelly Fox 

Who’s in this episode:  

Destinee (yourromancedestinee) - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:16 Welcome to Destinee 
00:02:15 Get to know Destinee and what got her into romance! 
00:04:30 The change of the romance reader landscape 
00:07:33 What are your favorite/least favorite tropes?  
00:11:24 What are your favorite questions to be asked as a bookseller?  
00:15:30 Romance Recommendations! 
00:54:05 Thank you and outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer reading is getting steamy! Today, Joe is joined by bestselling romance authors Ann Liang and BK Borison for a conversation about creating unforgettable love stories, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. 

The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. 

From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you’re searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in the episode: 

Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ 

BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ 

Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating one of our favorite ways to experience stories. 

This week Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the BOOK GANG podcast, to talk about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. 

This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. 

Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Titles for Episode:  

Amy’s Picks:  

Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel 

Good People - Patmeena Sabit 

Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser 

My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand 

Skin Contact - Elisa Faison 

Invasive Species - Ellery Adams 

Joe’s Picks:  

Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage 

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore 

Headlights – CJ Leede 

Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay 

God of the Woods - Liz Moore  

Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon 

A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys 

The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass 

Bath Haus – PJ Vernon 

The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz  

Don’t Let the Forest In – CG Drews  

The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D’Amato 

Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree 

Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman 

The Diviners – Libba Bray 

Believing – Anita Hill 

The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi 

Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose 

MindWorks – Neal Shusterman 

Out There – Kate Folk 

Bubblegum – Adam Levin  

The Dresden Files  – Jim Butcher 

A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket 

Vagabond – Tim Curry 

NOS4ATU – Joe Hill 

Rosemary’s Baby – Ira Levin 

Charlotte’s Web – EB White  

The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black  

How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell 

Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark – Links 

Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack.  
LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 
00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 
00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 
00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 
01:12:50 Outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices