Books are Chic

Beyond excited to welcome Allison Pataki to Books Are Chic for her inaugural visit! We got together to celebrate and chat about her latest novel, It Girl.

A fictionalized, deliciously juicy story filled with fame, scandal, and so much more, It Girl brings to life the original influencer, showgirl, and true pop culture sensation, Evelyn Nesbit. If you love The Gilded Age or have been listening to Life of a Showgirl, this is absolutely the book for you.

I also stand firm that this would be the perfect gateway into historical fiction if you’ve been thinking about dipping your toe into the genre. It basically reads like a vintage Us Weekly cover story—juicy, fascinating, and impossible to put down.

Allison and I had the best time chatting about pop culture, writing historical fiction, the research behind these larger-than-life stories, how she finds her leading ladies, and so much more. Add this one to your spring break #TBR—it’s the perfect poolside companion. 📚☀️

One of my favorite guests joy in human form joined me to celebrate his best yet: That’s What Friends Are For. I was beyond thrilled to welcome back Wade Rouse to the show.

We celebrated this absolute gem of a novel, one that carries so many personal connections for Wade. Yes, it’s a love letter to The Golden Girls, but it’s also so much more. It’s part of his story a Palm Springs tale only Wade could tell filled with heart, humor, and the kind of characters you wish you could sit down with over cheesecake.

Wade and I chatted about our shared love of the ladies, the moment he knew it was time to write this novel, and the nostalgia of growing up. We also talked about the journey he’s been on throughout his life and career.

One thing I know whenever I reunite with Wade is that I will laugh and laugh we did. He is the medicine this world needs and a beautiful reminder that humanity is rooted in love, kindness, and connection. 💛📚

Okay but when I tell you I found my reality TV–loving, reader soulmate in Alli Hoff Kosik… I mean it. And somehow it gets even better — because she’s also the author of the fun, juicy, influencer-coded debut Too Blessed to Stress.

If you’re obsessed with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives or The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (we absolutely are), this is your next read. Four religious influencers begin to suspect that the pastor of their glossy mega-church might not be making the most… wholesome choices. What follows? A deliciously dramatic plan to expose the truth. It’s sharp, funny, relevant and so bingeable.

Beyond being a newly minted author, Alli also hosted a book podcast — which only deepened our instant kinship. She knows books, she knows authors, and she understands the culture around both. We talked influencer life and the research behind the novel, TLC lore (IYKYK), the road to debut, and all the behind-the-scenes.

And because one chat simply wasn’t enough… we’re hosting an event together. 🎉Details are on my page — trust me, you’ll want in on this one.

In the words of Danny Pellegrino — queen, icon, legend and that title fits Kate White perfectly. She joined me again to celebrate her latest psychological thriller, I Came Back for You, and truly… what a gift.

Longtime listeners know the Bailey Weggins series is one of my ultimate literary Roman Empires, the gateway into the brilliant, twisty world of Kate White. Any chance I get to talk with her, I fully embrace my fangirl era and profess my undying love for her books.

Her newest novel is classic Kate: razor-sharp, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. A mother, reeling from her daughter’s murder, begins to question everything she thought she knew — about her family, her past, and the truth itself. It’s layered, suspenseful, and delivers the kind of twists that only Kate can craft.

We talked about our shared obsession with true crime, the secret ingredients that make a “Kate White novel” hit every time, her writing process, and so much more. Beyond the brilliance of her storytelling, Kate remains one of the most humble, thoughtful, and genuinely lovely people to chat with — which somehow makes being a fan even better.

If you’re craving a book that channels the delicious, edge-of-your-seat thrill of those iconic ’90s psychological dramas — think The Hand That Rocks the Cradle or Single White Female — look no further. Jennifer Van Der Kleut’s debut, The Better Mother, delivers.

It’s unhinged in the best way, deliciously chaotic, and anchored by a lead villain you’ll absolutely love to hate. Tense, twisty, and dripping with nostalgia, this one feels like a late-night thriller you can’t turn off — but in book form.

I was so thrilled to welcome Jennifer to Books Are Chic to chat about her road to this sensational suspense novel. We talked about our favorite thrillers, how Blair Waldorf inspired the story, her persistence on the path to publication, and the Reddit thread that sparked it all. Conversations like this are why I love what I do — getting to peek behind the curtain of a story this juicy.

I truly can’t wait to see what’s next for Jennifer, because The Better Mother is one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

I’ve been collecting vintage Marilyn Monroe books since college (shoutout to Brattle Book Shop in Boston), so I was beyond thrilled to welcome Lynn Cullen to the show to talk about her latest novel, When We Were Brilliant. In this stunning work of historical fiction, Lynn illuminates the deeply authentic friendship between Marilyn Monroe and legendary photographer Eve Arnold.

The novel is as much about love and loyalty as it is about the cultural moments that shaped these women—many of which still resonate today. Lynn and I talked all things Marilyn, her inner life, the power of female friendships, old Hollywood, books… honestly, the list goes on.

I’m always here for a fabulous historical fiction read, and this one absolutely delivers. If you’ve been curious about dipping your toe into the genre, consider this episode—and this book—your sign. ✨📚

I was so excited to welcome Marisa Walz to Books Are Chic to celebrate her debut psychological thriller, Good Intentions. This fast-paced, page-turning novel centers on twin sisters—one whose life is cut tragically short, and the other who blurs the lines between obsession and justice. Walz pulls together all the best elements of a great thriller and delivers them at a perfectly calibrated pace. It’s hard to believe this is a debut.

Marisa and I also chatted about first-novel jitters, the road to publishing, our shared love of thrillers, and so much more. We raved about the book world and the incredible authors who showed up to support her with blurbs—it truly is an amazing community to be part of. Marisa Walz is absolutely one to watch.

YA royalty, Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, and New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean joined me—and it was an absolute dream. Her latest YA romance, Love Me Tomorrow, delivers a little magic, a dash of mystery, and a whole lot of heart. Sold as a duology, this novel will leave you desperately wanting more.

Emiko was such a joy to chat with! We talked about what it’s like to be a Reese’s pick, the importance of YA, family ties, and—of course—BRAVO. And her Chic List answers? Completely nailed it. A+ across the board.

The ’90s. Hip-hop. Fashion. A fabulous, badass leading lady. A glossy magazine world. All the perfect ingredients for Amy DuBois Barnett’s stunning debut novel, If I Ruled the World.

I was beyond thrilled to welcome Amy to Books Are Chic—she truly is the epitome of chic. If you love any (or all) of those elements, consider this the ultimate literary cocktail to add to your 2026 reading list.

I could have talked with Amy for hours, diving into her inspiration, her influential years at so many iconic magazines, the music that shaped the ’90s, and everything in between. This book will make you think, dream bigger, and take action—no matter how big or small those dreams may be.

I said it at the beginning of the episode and I’ll say it again: If I Ruled the World is already topping my 2026 reads. I know I’ll be needing many more Amy books in my future—she is absolutely one to watch.

Beyond excited to welcome back Karen Winn—my fellow Boston gal—for her latest twisty, suspenseful thriller, The Society. Set in historic Beacon Hill, the novel follows two compelling leading ladies whose stories converge within a secret society where mystery and intrigue aren’t just encouraged—they’re required for membership.

This is a book only Karen could write. A true Boston expert, she masterfully uses location and setting as characters themselves—even giving one of the story’s key buildings its own voice. Smart, clever, and undeniably cool, The Societyis the kind of atmospheric thriller you’ll want to devour on a moody winter night.

Karen and I chatted all about sophomore writing, the fascinating research behind the book, and what she’s working on next. We had an absolute blast celebrating this chilling, unforgettable read.