In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura shares her personal journey of trying (and slightly failing) to create a Sunday reading retreat—and why a phone detox might be the key to getting back into a satisfying reading groove. From binge-watching Love Island UK to rediscovering how much joy a simple reading day can bring, Laura dives deep into creating your own reading retreat at home. She also dishes on Turkish TV drama, Dramione fanfic controversy, and why it might be time to rethink our relationship with social media.

Highlights:

• Laura’s attempt at a personal reading retreat and why it turned into a TV binge
• The joy of rewatching Love Island UK vs. disappointment with the USA version
• Updates on her Turkish TV Obsessed podcast, plus finishing As The Crow Flies on Netflix
• Latest bookish drama: Dramione fanfics being turned into books and the controversy around them
• Reflections on a past reading binge during a hurricane power outage — and why it was blissful without her phone
• How doomscrolling keeps us from reading (and how trauma can make stress feel "safe")
• Ideas to create your own reading retreat, including:
• Planning meals/snacks ahead
• Setting up a cozy space with candles, blankets, or ambiance music
• Trying a "try-on" session with different books — read first chapters and see what sticks
• Being okay with soft DNFs (“not right now”)
• Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or out of sight
• Why it’s okay if your retreat means reading anything—from novellas to spicy books to cozy mysteries

Mentioned in This Episode:

📺 TV & Media:

• Love Island UK (and why Unseen Bits is the best)
• As The Crow Flies (Turkish series on Netflix)
• Early Birds Turkish novela fandom story

📚 Books & Bookish Talk:

• Rose in Chains (Dramione-inspired, darker political themes)
• Manacled and Alchemised (Dramione fanfics with heavy themes)
• Brief mention of Fourth Wing (not her favorite)

Favorite hurricane reading binge:

• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Deep End (ARC) by Ali Hazelwood
• Only For One Night by Jessica James

Links & Resources:

👉 Visit whattoreadnextblog.com for daily updated book lists, from cozy mysteries to LGBTQ+ romances to beach reads for summer 2025.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter to get even more book recs and updates.

Let’s Connect:

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe—it helps others find the show!

📩 Have thoughts on reading retreats or your own phone detox? Message Laura at [email protected], she’d love to hear from you!

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If you’ve ever watched Bravo’s Summer House and wished you could join a messy friend group getting sunburnt in the Hamptons, this episode is for you! Laura shares her favorite books that capture the same summer vibes—from Hamptons scandals to Fire Island shares and cozy small-town beach escapes. Whether you’re lounging poolside or dreaming of a sandy getaway, these books will transport you straight into the ultimate summer mood.

• Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx
• Elizabeth in East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding
• Serendipity by Becky Chalsen
• Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen
• Summer on Sag Harbor by Sunny Hostin
• In Good Company by Kat Singleton

Loved these recs? Sign up for the What to Read Next newsletter for even more book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. 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!

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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 today’s off-the-cuff voice memo episode, I’m checking in with a life and reading update from the front seat of my car—literally. I talk about how my reading habits have shifted post-Kindle streak, what it’s been like to return to borrowing physical books, and how audiobooks are saving my reading life (and sleep schedule). I’m also sharing a few book recommendations, tips for using Audible and Amazon Music for less, and why rediscovering my local library has brought so much joy.

If you’re navigating a reading slump, trying to read more affordably, or just curious about how life changes impact reading, this one's for you.

• When She Unravels by Gabrielle Sands – Mafia romance with a runaway bride twist
• Rose in Chains by Julie Soto – A dark romantasy retelling rooted in Dramione fic
• My Favorite Bad Decision by Eleanor Rorke – A summery, angsty KU romance set on Mount Kilimanjaro

• Cancel and rotate Audible for credit deals
• Use Amazon Music’s included audiobook credit for pricey exclusives.
• Combine Kindle Unlimited with WhisperSync for discounted audiobooks
• Check your library for borrowable gear (cameras, ukuleles, even podcast equipment!)
• Visit your library’s “on order” page to place holds early
• Request book purchases through your local library (and yes, I’ve got a tutorial for that!)

🎧 Snag 4 Months of Audiobooks for FREE!

Amazon Music is offering 4 months FREE of Amazon Music Unlimited—and that includes 1 audiobook credit per month! Perfect for loading up on those pricey Audible exclusives.

👉 Claim Your Deal Here (https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/jeaX7v)

🕒 Offer ends July 11. New subscribers only. Cancel anytime.

• Why I stopped reading ebooks daily after a 2,000-day streak
• How getting a car changed my relationship with audiobooks
• Rediscovering libraries after years of digital-only reading
• Finally getting prescription glasses—and how that led to reading physical books again

Loved this episode? Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And if you’re a fellow library lover or audiobook bargain hunter, drop me a comment on Substack —I'd love to hear your hacks!

Substack: whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter

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!

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, to spotlight stunning queer books that go far beyond your usual Pride Month roundups. Jason shares four queer literary fiction recommendations that are lyrical, emotionally resonant, and incredibly diverse, plus five must-read memoirs and essay collections written by LGBTQIA+ voices. Whether you’re looking for gothic slow burns, poetic introspection, or laugh-out-loud memoirs, this list has something for you.

• Martyr by Kaveh Akbar
• In Tongues by Thomas Grattan
• The Safe Keep by Yael Van der Wouden
• When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michel Norris

• The Dry Season by Melissa Febos
• Walk Like a Girl by Prabang Gurung
• This Is Your Mother by Erica J. Simpson
• Congratulations, The Best Is Over by R. Eric Thomas
• Here for It by R. Eric Thomas

00:00 – Intro and meet Jason Blitman

01:15 – Jason’s reading journey & Gays Reading podcast origins

02:00 – Queer literary fiction picks

06:00 – Transition to memoir & nonfiction recommendations

06:30 – Real stories and identity through memoir

10:00 – Where to find Gays Reading podcast and follow Jason Biltman

• Listen to the Gays Reading podcast: gaysreading.com
• Follow Jason on Instagram: @gaysreading
• Sign up for our newsletter for weekly book recs, library tips, and hot book tea: whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter

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 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!

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

Subscribe & leave a review!

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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.

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

Subscribe & leave a review!

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.

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

Subscribe & leave a review!

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us

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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 `