In this episode of Books & Martinis, we welcome back fan-favorite author Lana B. Knight for her second visit and trust us, it gets even better. We dive into her highly anticipated sequel Nightwither (Book 2), dropping April 14th, and let’s just say… holding back spoilers was a full-body workout.

From dark twists to addictive storytelling, Lana gives us just enough to leave you desperate for more, while we try (and almost fail) to keep it together. If you thought Book 1 had you hooked, Nightwither is about to consume you.

Grab your drink, hit play, and prepare to spiral.

Nightwither launches April 14th ---- https://lanabknight.com/

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Khaya Fraites, "RIP, LOL"

www.KhayaFraites.com

SPONSORS:

BlueBox Media

"You Dream It, We Produce It."

www.blueboxllc.com

Travel with Samantha Cividanes

email: [email protected]

April is STACKED and we are so ready for it 🚀📚

In this episode, we’re diving into our April Book Club picks—The Correspondent and Dear Debbie—two reads we cannot wait to obsess over with you. Expect thoughts, vibes, and all the reasons you’ll want to add these to your TBR immediately.

We’re also giving you a full sneak peek at our April podcast lineup featuring an incredible group of authors: Lana B. Knight, Carly Robins, Joshua Smalley, and Khaya Fraites. Trust us… you’re going to want to tune in for every single one.

And speaking of Khaya Fraites—she’s our April Spotlight Author 🎉 Her debut novel RIP, LOL drops this month, and we’re celebrating her in a big way.

Come hang with us as we kick off a new month of books, authors, and all the literary chaos we love.

This week on Books & Martinis, we’re joined by editor extraordinaire Azaria Waldeck of The Amethyst Quill Editing Services. And trust us, you’re going to want to take notes. ✨ From breaking down what editors actually look for to sharing practical tips that can instantly level up your manuscript, Azaria gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the editing process every writer needs.

We also get personal, chatting about her experience editing our debut novels (yes, she’s seen our drafts in the wild 👀) and what it really takes to shape a story into something unforgettable.

Whether you’re polishing your first draft or deep in revisions, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a whole lot of writer wisdom.

Visit for more information --> https://theamethystquill.carrd.co/

This week on Books & Martinis, we’re diving into our ever-growing TBR—aka the books we swear we’re getting to soon 👀✨ From buzzy new releases to hidden gems, most of the titles on our list are written by incredible authors we’ll be interviewing on the show (yes, we’re screaming too).

We’re also shining a light on our Author Spotlight Program, where we feature and celebrate amazing writers all month long—giving them the platform they deserve and connecting them directly with our book-loving community.

If you’re looking to discover your next obsession before everyone else, you’re in the right place. Grab your drink, update your TBR, and come hang with us.

What happens when retirement isn’t quiet… but chaotic? 👀

In this episode, we sit down with author Leah Orr to talk about her sharp and wildly entertaining novel The Retirees. From complicated friendships to the secrets people carry long after their careers end, we dive into the humor, heart, and very real drama of life after “the plan.”

If you love smart character stories, juicy conversations about writing, and books that prove life doesn’t slow down with age… this episode is for you. 📚✨

Learn more here: https://leahorr.com/

Thank you to our SPONSORS:

BlueBox Media - www.blueboxllc.com

Travel with Samantha Cividanes - email: [email protected]

This month on Books & Martinis, we dove into two powerful, haunting, and deeply human reads: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and The Retirees by Leah Orr.

First, we unpacked The God of the Woods—a gripping literary mystery set against the eerie backdrop of a summer camp where a young girl disappears, echoing a tragedy from years before. We talked about generational trauma, privilege, power, and the secrets families bury deep. This one gave atmosphere, tension, and layers. So many layers. The kind of book that makes you question what’s truth, what’s loyalty, and what’s survival.

Then we shifted gears with The Retirees, a beautifully written short story collection that explores love, aging, marriage, disillusionment, and the quiet reckonings that happen behind closed doors. These stories felt intimate and honest, sometimes tender, sometimes unsettling, but always deeply human. We discussed the complexity of long-term relationships and the emotional landscapes people navigate when the noise of life finally quiets.

March’s book club was all about what lingers: secrets in the forest, and the truths we carry into the later chapters of our lives.

Grab a drink, join the conversation, and tell us: which story stayed with you the longest? 🌙🍸

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we sit down with debut author Darbie Hamilton to discuss her powerful novel, The Cost of the Coat, a story layered with emotional depth, resilience, and the quiet truths we carry.

Darbie opens up about the inspiration behind her book, the meaning woven into its title, and the personal experiences that shaped her storytelling. We explore the themes at the heart of the novel and how she crafted characters that feel achingly real and deeply human.

As this marks Darbie’s very first podcast interview, she generously shares what it’s been like stepping into the literary world for the first time, offering thoughtful advice for aspiring authors, honest reflections on the writing journey, and encouragement for anyone sitting on a story they’re afraid to tell.

This conversation is warm, reflective, and full of wisdom. Whether you’re a reader, a writer, or someone navigating your own creative path, Darbie’s insights will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Tune in for a beautiful conversation about courage, craft, and the true cost—and reward—of telling your story.

Purchase her book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cost-of-the-coat-darbie-hamilton/1148262802

In this magical episode of Books & Martinis, we sit down with fantasy romance author Trinity Matthews to talk all things Between Fae & Flames — a sizzling blend of fae magic, forbidden love, deadly secrets, and slow-burn tension that will have you flipping pages way past midnight.

We dive into Trinity’s inspiration behind the story, how she built her fae world, what makes her characters morally gray (and deliciously complicated), and the fire behind the romance. 🔥 Expect behind-the-scenes writing insights, publishing talk, and plenty of laughs along the way.

If you love fae courts, enemies-to-lovers vibes, fantasy romance books, strong heroines, and high-stakes magical worlds — this one’s for you.

Grab your favorite drink and press play. 🍸✨

For more information: https://linktr.ee/authortrinitymatthews

✨ We’re back with fantasy romance author Tessonja Odette to talk about her new release, Lies That Summon the Night!

In this fun and candid interview, she shares what inspired the story, how she builds her dark romantasy worlds, and gives us an update on her publishing journey. Plus — tons of writing advice for aspiring authors.

If you love fantasy romance, author interviews, and behind-the-scenes publishing talk, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Tessonja or purchase her books: https://tessonjaodette.com/

What would you forgive… and what would destroy you forever?

This month’s book club explores My Husband’s Wife and Reminders of Him—stories of scandal, loss, second chances, and love that refuses to die.

Come for the books. Stay for the feelings. 👀💔