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In today's episode of the What to Read Next Podcast, Laura dives deep into one of her favorite niche romance subgenres — Mafia Romance! Specifically, we’re focusing on the Captive/Captor trope where morally gray, alpha mafia heroes kidnap heroines... and somehow love follows. Laura shares six must-read recommendations that helped her break out of a reading slump, highlighting where you can find them, including through Kindle Unlimited and libraries.

If you love dangerous tension, alpha heroes, and high-stakes, forbidden love stories — this episode is for you!

• Dante by Sadie Kincaid https://amzn.to/3yrRggB
• Mafia Mistress by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/3WIlST4
• Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli https://amzn.to/46GEojj
• Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger https://amzn.to/3SMoi1I
• The Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas https://amzn.to/3Am7mIZ
• Run, Posy, Run by Cate C. Wells https://amzn.to/3AheQgk

• [00:00] Intro: Why Mafia Romance is a current obsession
• [01:00] How mafia romances helped overcome a reading slump
• [02:00] What is the Captive/Captor Trope?
• [02:20] Book #1: Dante by Sadie Kincaid
• [04:00] Book #2: Mafia Mistress by Mila Finelli
• [05:00] Book #3: Mafia Madman by Mila Finelli
• [06:00] Book #4: Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger
• [07:30] Book #5: The Brit by Jodi Ellen Malpas
• [08:30] Book #6: Run, Posy, Run by Cate C. Wells
• [10:00] Where to find even more Mafia Romance recommendations!

• 🔎 Search Mafia Romance at WhattoReadNextBlog.com
• 📬 Join the Newsletter for exclusive recommendations: https://wtrnblog.substack.com

If you loved today's recommendations and want even more niche mafia romance recs (think: surprise pregnancy, arranged marriage, mafia princesses!), head to WhattoReadNextBlog.com and join our newsletter community!

Mentioned in this episode:

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

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Today’s episode is all about big emotions — from tear-jerking reads to delightful monster romances! Laura is joined by frequent guest and BFF Becky, host of Too Stupid to Live. Together, they chat about unexpected tearjerker reads that had them sobbing and the perfect monster romance books that acted as fun, sexy palate cleansers. If you’re looking to feel all the feels — and then laugh and swoon — this episode is for you!

Tearjerkers:

• If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin https://amzn.to/42RmIzK
• A Curse for the Homesick by Laura Brooke Robson https://amzn.to/4lNPrOy
• 
  

Monster Romance Palate Cleansers:

• No, Knot About It by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #1) https://amzn.to/42z1d88
• Bass Desires by Elliot Ason (Monster Resort Series #2)https://amzn.to/4cQl9Xo

• [00:00] Welcome and Introductions
• [00:30] Becky’s Tearjerker Reading Streak
• [01:30] If He Had Been with Me — YA Tragedy and Sadness
• [03:00] A Curse for the Homesick — Unique Speculative Romance
• [05:30] Switching Gears: Monster Romance Palate Cleansers
• [06:00] The Monster Resort Series by Elliot Ason
• [07:00] OmegaVerse and Future Deep Dive Episode Teasers
• [08:00] Where to Find Becky and Outro

• Podcast: Too Stupid to Live (available on all podcast platforms)
• TikTok & Substack: @tstlpodcast (https://tstlpodcast.substack.com)

👉 Love today’s mix of emotional and fun reads? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our upcoming OmegaVerse deep dive with Becky!

👉 Want even more bookish goodness? Sign up for Laura’s Substack (wtrnblog.substack.com) for bonus book recommendations and behind-the-scenes chats.

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In today’s episode of What to Read Next, we're diving into four smart beach reads—books with substance, style, and serious escape vibes. Whether you're on a lounge chair or just daydreaming about it, these titles deliver compelling plots, sharp writing, and unforgettable characters. From OnlyFans journeys to literary ice dancers and secret identities, this list blends literary flair with binge-worthy storytelling.

💌 Want personalized book recs? Join the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter

• [00:00] Intro + how this list was inspired by Bravo Cocktails community
• [04:50] Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
• [07:45] All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harmon
• [09:45] The Favorites by Lane Fargo
• [11:00] The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
• [12:30] Call to Action: Submit your recs + newsletter sign-up

• Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/3RwSKMh
• All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman https://amzn.to/42Q60kr
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo https://amzn.to/3ExrFpq
• The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan https://amzn.to/3GpuBoy

🎙️ Like the episode? Share your favorite smart beach read in the comments or sign up at whattoreadnextblog.com for weekly recommendations!

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Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

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Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this special Women's History Month episode of What to Read Next, Victoria shares three powerful historical fiction novels spotlighting extraordinary women who defied expectations and shaped history. From courtroom drama in colonial America to feminist trailblazers rubbing shoulders with literary legends, these stories celebrate resilience, courage, and ambition. Whether you're a seasoned historical fiction fan or looking to branch out from WWII-era tales, this episode offers compelling reads with heart and substance.

• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon https://amzn.to/42VglN0
• Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray https://amzn.to/42VhdRM
• Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki https://amzn.to/4jNKPGA

• [00:00] Intro & What to Expect
• [01:00] The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• [03:00] Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
• [06:00] Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki
• [09:00] Bonus: More books by Stephanie Dray
• [10:00] Wrap-up & Support the Show

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

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Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura is joined by guest Amy (from @novelgossip) to chat all things Emily Henry—specifically, what to read if you’ve already devoured her entire backlist and need your next fix of smart, emotional, and heartwarming romance. The duo also spills the tea on ARC drama, library hacks, and why Big Beautiful Life might not live up to the hype. Plus, they share six excellent book recommendations (and one bonus pick!) that offer the same emotional payoff and vibrant settings as your favorite Emily Henry novels.

• Passion Project by London Sperry https://amzn.to/3Eshxyf
• Summer in the City by Alex Aster https://amzn.to/3Y9vN5y 
• Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine https://amzn.to/3YbTVoa
• Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone https://amzn.to/4d1DZex
• Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan https://amzn.to/4is6Nxw
• Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan https://amzn.to/3Gj18wB
• Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (discussed) https://amzn.to/4jGGHbb
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (comparison mention) https://amzn.to/4jNstFM

 [00:00] Welcome and weather chat: cold in Arizona, gators in Florida

[02:30] Emily Henry ARC discourse & behind-the-scenes on influencer drama

[08:00] Library hacks: how to access books without ARCs

[09:00] Spoiler-free review of Big Beautiful Life and why it didn’t work

[14:00] What to read instead: intro to alternative author picks

[15:00] Passion Project by Bethany Rutter — grief, NYC, friends to lovers

[17:00] Summer in the City — classic NYC vibes, fake dating, and grand gestures

[21:00] Any Trope But You — Alaska setting, one-tent trope, romance author chaos

[24:30] Plug for the Spice & Swoon Book Club

[26:00] Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone — slow burn romance in Brooklyn

[30:00] Bonus picks: Annabel Monaghan’s summer novels

[31:30] Where to find Amy online + closing remarks

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

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In today’s episode, I’m sharing six unputdownable psychological thrillers available now on Kindle Unlimited. If you’re a fan of Frieda McFadden or Kiersten Modglin—or just in the mood for brain candy thrillers with wild twists—these picks are for you. Perfect for fans of jaw-dropping reveals, toxic relationships, and page-turning suspense.

[00:00] Welcome + Introduction

[00:30] Kindle Unlimited Overview & Why It Supports Indie Authors

[03:00] Book #1 – Love, Mom by Ilana Xander

[04:00] Book #2 – The Cheating Husband by James Caine

[05:00] Book #3 – Sweet Little Lies by Leah Cupps

[06:00] Book #4 – The Bachelorette Party by Catherine O’Connell

[07:00] Book #5 – Innocent Wife by Sally Royer Derr

[08:00] Book #6 – Eight Years of Lies by Lisa Hall

[09:00] Final Thoughts + Where to Find More Recommendations

• Love, Mom by Ilana Xander https://amzn.to/4i0SNvr
• The Cheating Husband by James Caine https://amzn.to/3DxUodl
• Sweet Little Lies by Leah Cupps https://amzn.to/41TgAGF
• The Bachelorette Party by Catherine O’Connell https://amzn.to/3FxjMQY
• Innocent Wife by Sally Royer Derr https://amzn.to/4kKXECG
• Eight Years of Lies by Lisa Hall https://amzn.to/4kUGP8o

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

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Mentioned in this episode:

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Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

Welcome back to What to Read Next, the podcast that topples your TBR! Today’s episode is for all the romantasy readers out there who love grumpy/sunshine dynamics, slow burns, and magical world-building—especially when it’s enemies to lovers.

Whether you’re a Dramione fanfic reader or just obsessed with high-stakes romance in fantasy settings, this episode is packed with juicy recommendations.

Let’s dive in!

[00:00] Introduction & overview of the enemies to lovers romantasy theme

[00:40] First recommendation: contemporary fantasy with witches

[01:30] Second recommendation: revenge and prophecy romance

[02:20] Third recommendation: court intrigue and seduction

[03:10] Fourth recommendation: royal decoy meets disgraced fae

[04:10] Fifth recommendation: assassin + healer fanfic-turned-novel

[05:00] Bonus mention: another fanfic-based romantasy releasing soon

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode

1. Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin https://amzn.to/3WMiPtU

2. The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks https://amzn.to/4hFJosz

3. Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page https://amzn.to/4jKYBKX

4. A Cursed Son by Day Leitao https://amzn.to/4aGAiJI

5. The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley https://amzn.to/4hJ3FO5

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

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Welcome to What to Read Next, the podcast for romance and mystery readers who love pop culture and Kindle Unlimited escapes! In this episode, Rachel Baldwin (@fitteacherrachel) joins Laura to dive into the world of hockey romance books — spicy, swoony, and totally bingeable. Whether you're a long-time sports romance reader or new to the genre, this episode will add plenty of titles to your TBR.

✨ BOOKS MENTIONED

• Puck Me Secretly by Odette Stone https://amzn.to/3XZwTRs
• Iced Out by C.E. Ricci https://amzn.to/42Hq6OR
• Consider Me by Becca Mack https://amzn.to/4cIhpr6
• Powerless by Elsie Silver https://amzn.to/4cIy4L1
• Offside by Avery Keelan https://amzn.to/43PlN56
• Mile High by Liz Tomforde https://amzn.to/4cIyktt

💬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Rachel & Hockey Romance

01:00 – Discovering the genre: Rachel’s first hockey romance

02:00 – Why hockey romance is top-tier sports romance

02:45 – Iced Out by C.E. Ricci: Enemies with benefits, double hockey players, spice

04:00 – Special edition book box sneak peek

05:45 – Consider Me by Becca Mack: Golden retriever hero, NHL setting

06:30 – Powerless by Elsie Silver: A friends-to-lovers that actually works!

08:00 – TBR mentions: Offside & Mile High

09:00 – Where to find Rachel online + her blog, book boxes, and more

💖 More from Rachel Baldwin

Instagram & TikTok: @fitteacherrachel

🔗 Explore More Book Recs:

Visit WhatToReadNextBlog.com for links to every book mentioned, additional romance recs, and to sign up for Laura’s newsletter.

❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, subscribe, and share with your bookish bestie!

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

 In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura is joined by returning guest Francesca from Under the Covers Book Blog to explore urban fantasy series that are fully finished and ready to binge. If you’re looking to escape into magical worlds with action, mystery, and just the right touch of romance, this conversation is for you. We break down what makes urban fantasy different from high fantasy and paranormal romance, and we share our favorite completed series featuring vampires, shifters, grim reapers, and more.

Whether you're a longtime fantasy reader or just dipping your toe in, you'll walk away with a reading list that blends fast-paced stories, subtle romantic tension, and immersive worldbuilding.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Escaping reality through otherworldly fiction

01:15 – What is urban fantasy and how is it different from high fantasy?

03:00 – Urban fantasy vs. paranormal romance: Managing expectations

04:45 – Why romance in urban fantasy is often a slow burn

05:20 – 📚 Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost

08:45 – 📚 Charley Davidson Series by Darynda Jones

11:50 – 📚 Shifters Series by Rachel Vincent

14:45 – 📚 Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong

16:45 – Where to find Francesca + her community’s book resources

17:30 – Wrap-up and call to action

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost https://amzn.to/3RTLkTi
• Charley Davidson Series by Darynda Jones https://amzn.to/4imLMEH
• Shifters Series by Rachel Vincent https://amzn.to/3RkPaF4
• Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong https://amzn.to/4lxpvqp

👋 Guest Info – Francesca from Under the Covers Book Blog:

• YouTube: Under the Covers Book Blog
• Substack: https://underthecoverscommunity.com

Francesca is your go-to guide for all things romance, fantasy, and bookish lifestyle. Tune in to her daily YouTube podcast and join her Substack for weekly book lists and access to her searchable trope vault.

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

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Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

Struggling to read more books this year? You’re not alone! In this episode, I share 10 practical, low-pressure tips to help you rediscover your reading joy—whether you're in a slump, distracted by doomscrolling, or just looking to make more time for books in your busy life.

00:00 – Intro + My reading slump story

02:00 – Tip 1: Set realistic goals

03:00 – Tip 2: Create a daily reading routine

04:15 – Tip 3: Always carry a book

06:30 – Tip 4: Replace screen time with book time

08:30 – Tip 5: Embrace audiobooks

11:00 – Tip 6: Join the library

15:00 – Tip 7: DNF what doesn’t spark joy

16:30 – Tip 8: Read short books and novellas

18:00 – Tip 9: Join a book club or reading community

21:30 – Tip 10: Make reading fun again

• Join the What to Read Next newsletter for more reading tips and book lists- wtrnblog.substack.com
• Follow us on Substack to access reading challenges, bonus episodes & library card reviews.

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Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `

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