This week on Reading Materials, we are so excited to be joined by author Nikki Smith, whose newest destination thriller 'The Last Place You Look' will be released on July 2nd, 2026.

We had a lovely time chatting with Nikki about her experience of becoming a debut author during the Covid lockdown, why some people prefer romantasy to thrillers, and how to keep things fresh when under contract to publish a book every year!

This week on the Reading Materials Podcast, Lucia is flying solo as she interviews debut author Eden McKenzie-Goddard.

Join us to hear about the political and personal inspirations behind Eden's book 'Smallie', how an emotional punch and unexpected ending can elevate a book in our eyes, and what exactly a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing is about.

This week on the podcast, we chat with Irish author Kathleen MacMahon whose fifth novel Other People's Lives was released on May 7th.

Join us to hear why it took Kathleen so long to write this book, how important it is for authors to read, and how her next book will overlap with Other People's Lives.

On this week's episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we sit down to chat with author Claire Fuller, whose newest novel 'Hunger and Thirst' was published on May 7th.

We had an amazing time hearing Claire compare the art of sculpting to the art of writing, why her novels end in ambiguity, how writing is really hard work, and how the only thing that ties Claire Fuller books together is that nothing ties them together.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author Sasha Preston to talk about her novel The Sweetest Getaway, published last year.

Sasha shares how she went from writing short stories for fun with a friend to becoming a published author, the importance of female friendships in both life and fiction, and her excitement around the release of the audiobook.

In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we are joined by the lovely Elizabeth Arnott, whose newest book The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives comes out on April 9th.

We chatted about how her long-time fascination with true crime led to writing about serial killers, how to make the muse your bitch, and giving voice to the people who have suffered for the violent crimes of men.

This week on the Reading Materials Podcast we are excited to be chatting with Fran Fabrizcki, debut author of Porcupines which will be published on April 16th.

Join us to hear how Fran wove in elements of her own experience growing up at the tail-end of the Cold War into the book, what podcasts she listens to in her free time, and how becoming a mother influenced her writing.

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by author E. K. Wise to discuss her novel Debilis Rising, released last year. 

We chat about how her love of travel and geology shapes her storytelling, why it was important for her to include a character with ADHD, and her journey through the world of independent publishing. 

It’s an insightful and engaging conversation about representation, creativity, and carving your own path as a writer.

In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, we dive into The Bodyguard Affair by Amy Lea (published February 2026) and unpack this trope-filled romance.

We share our thoughts on the fake dating dynamic—does it still work for us?—debate whether the steamy scenes hit the mark, and highlight the plot elements that felt genuinely fresh.

From classic romance beats to surprising twists, this one gave us plenty to talk about.

Episode Timepoints:

00:00 - Intro

00:30 - Life Updates

05:05 - A Brief Introduction to Amy Lea

07:00 - Spoiler Warning

07:35 - The Blurb

08:50 - Our Discussion of 'The Bodyguard Affair'

47:15 - Next Time on Reading Materials

48:00 - Outro

In this episode of Reading Materials, we’re joined by bestselling romance author Amy Lea for a warm and candid conversation about life as a writer. Amy's newest book, The Bodyguard Affair, will be released on the 26th of February, 2026!

We chat about the importance of finding and nurturing an author community, her favourite (and least favourite!) romance tropes, and her ambition to branch out into new genres in the future.

It’s a fun, honest discussion about creativity, connection, and what comes next.