Late Night Reads

In this episode, we dive into the romantasy book A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer Armentrout. Based on the author’s recommended reading order, this romantasy book should be read after the first four books in the Blood and Ash series and the first two books in the Flesh and Fire prequel series. We are immersed in this world, and absolutely loved reading an entire book in Casteel’s POV. 

During this episode, we discuss how Nektas needs to be more forthcoming with what he knows, why we don’t think Millicent is a regular Revenant, why Casteel rose even higher on our book boyfriend list, how much we loved seeing the interactions between Casteel and Kieran, our sheer excitement at learning that Casteel can shift into a cave cat and what this likely means for Poppy, and why we give this book a three and a half pepper rating for spice. Plus, we provide updates on our previous theories from both series and discuss some new theories that are pretty crazy. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

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In this episode, we’re joined by Riley Page and discuss why she became an author, her love of love, the incredible speed at which she can write a first draft, the struggle with spicy scenes and editing in her debut novel, and why she doesn’t like to read reviews after her book is released. We also spend the majority of the conversation chatting about her debut novel, Broken Plan, which is a friends-to-lovers romance between Madison and Jaxon that starts thanks to a drunken voicemail. We discuss how she came up with this idea more than a decade ago, the song that inspired her to write the first draft, and what readers can expect in the second book, Red Zone, coming out later this month. 

Also, make sure to check out Riley’s latest books, including:

• Broken Play
• Red Zone (Coming August 28, 2025)

All of Riley’s books are available in Kindle Unlimited or paperback on Amazon.

Connect with Riley Page:

Website: https://rileypaigeauthor.com/ 

Instagram: @authorrileypage

TikTok: @authorrileypage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1229269735405359/

Threads: @authorrileypaige

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the romantasy book Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale. This is the second book in The Wolves of Crescent Creek series and is a why choose romantasy about wolf-shifters. 

During this episode, we discuss our surprise at learning who kidnapped Wren at the end of the first book, the devastation she feels after being rejected by three of her mates, why there is a very thin line between love and hate when it comes to Ender and Wren, how we’re suspicious about two characters, our nickname for Cressida, why we think Kingston needs a swift kick in the butt, and how much we love seeing three of the guys permanently bond with Wren. Plus, we chat about all of the incredible spice in this book and our theories for what might happen in the third book in the series. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the romantasy book Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale. This is the first book in The Wolves of Crescent Creek series and is a why choose romantasy about wolf-shifters. 

During this episode, we discuss how addictive Tessa Hale’s storytelling is, our love for Wren’s strength and attitude, why we immediately fell in love with Puck, how Locke ultimately won our hearts, our surprise about Brix being the first to connect the mate bond with Wren further, how hilarious it was that Ender has a cat named Princess, and how extremely disappointed we were in Brix, Kingson, and Ender at the end of this book for regretting Wren. Plus, we chat about all of the spice in the book and how reading this book made us want to dive immediately into the second book in the series. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the contemporary romance book In Good Company by Kat Singleton. This is the first book in her Pembroke Hill Series and was released in April 2025. It’s the first book we’ve read by this author, and we quickly became huge fans of her work. Let’s just say we’ve already added all of her books to our never-ending TBR list. 

During this episode, we discuss our love for the billionaire romance trope, how it sounds bad when you say Cal’s her boss and ex-boyfriend’s brother out loud, why we were dying for Cal to kiss the girl already, how much Lucy lets the needs of others control too much of her life, our joy for seeing Mr. Fred ask Dolores on a date, and how we’re hoping for a future book featuring Jude and Charlotte. Plus, we spend a fair amount of time talking about the incredible spice in this book. One spicy scene last FIVE chapters. You’re going to need a fan for this episode. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we deep dive into the romantasy book The Robin on the Oak Throne by K.A. Linde, which happens to be the second book in the Oak and Holly Cycle. This is a must-read after finishing the first book in the series, The Wren in the Holly Library. 

During this episode, we discuss our surprise to find Kierse in Paris when the book opened, our shock around the alleged soul mate bond between Lorcan and Kierse, how much we loved seeing Graves earn back Kierse’s trust and love, the countless twists and turns throughout the book, why we feel bad for not previously trusting Nate,  and how much we enjoyed the Team Holly heist squad. And we spend a significant amount of time chatting about the spice in this book because it’s definitely escalated compared to the first book. It’s incredibly hot and steamy, and we love every minute of it. Plus, we fall down the rabbit hole of theories and discuss who we think Kierse can trust, who we think the infamous Fae k*ller might be, our never-ending hatred of Lorcan, and so much more. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

It’s time to share our TBR schedule featuring the books we’re covering on the podcast in August. Each week, we deep dive into a new book, alternating between the contemporary romance and romantasy genres. We will also release author interview episodes on Fridays. 

Here are the books on August’s TBR:

• August 6 - In Good  Company by Kat Singleton
• August 13 - Crescent Kingdom and Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale
• August 18 - A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer Armentrout
• August 20 - Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde
• August 27 - A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer Armentrout

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the romantasy book A Light in the Flame by Jennifer Armentrout. Based on the author’s recommended reading order, this romantasy book should be read after the first four books in the Blood and Ash series and the first book in the Flesh and Fire prequel series, A Shadow in the Ember. We have been absolutely loving this prequel series and learning more about Nyktos and Sera’s journey. 

During this episode, we discuss how Nyktos is the greenest of green flags (most of the time), why it’s ridiculous to let the fate of the entire world rest on the shoulders of a young woman, how we found a character we hate more than Alastir, the scene that emotionally destroyed us, why we’re more convinced than ever that Casteel’s is a descendant of a god, and why we’re giving this book four and a half peppers for the spice. Plus, we dive even deeper into theories that span both series and what we’re hoping does and doesn’t happen in the next books.  

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Donna Ashcroft and discuss how she made the jump from publishing to becoming a full-time author, why she loves writing feel-good romantic comedies, and where she comes up with the ideas for her books. We also spend the majority of the conversation chatting about her latest book, A Very Italian Wedding, which tells the story of how Rose and Ben travel to Italy for the wedding of their best friends, encounter numerous hilarious situations, and ultimately fall in love. We discuss why she likes to include multi-generational characters in her books, how she came up with the extremely memorable side characters of Aurora and Aldo,  and what she plans to write next. 

Also, make sure to check out Donna’s latest books, including:

• A Very Italian Wedding
• A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands
• Winter Wishes in the Scottish Highlands 
• Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands
• Summer at the Cornish Beach Cafe 

All of Donna’s books are available on Kindle Unlimited or in paperback on Amazon. 

About Donna Ashcroft

Donna writes romantic comedy and has had fifteen books published, some of which have been translated into six territories from the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the Netherlands. She was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, England, and writes full-time.

Connect with Donna Ashcroft:

Website: www.donna-writes.co.uk 

Instagram: @donnaashcroftauthor 

TikTok: @donnashc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaAshcroftAuthor 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the contemporary romance book A Very Italian Wedding by Donna Ashcroft. This standalone book is her latest romcom set in Italy and is the perfect summer read. It also has unforgettable characters and great tropes, including forced proximity, holiday romance, opposites attract, and found family. 

During this episode, we discuss how everything that could go wrong to Rose does, whether or not getting married less than a month after you meet someone is a good idea, how Ben is extremely irresistible, why we’ll never forget Aurora or Aldo, why we’d love to visit the Marino’s, how the book shows multiple instances of love, and the spicy scene we get in the wine cellar. 

Connect with Late Night Reads:

Website: https://www.latenightreads.com/

Instagram: @latenightreadspodcast

TikTok: @latenightreadspodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LateNightReadsPodcast/

Threads: @latenightreadspodcast

Email: [email protected]