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What happens when fat joy meets sports romance? Author and podcaster Kelly Reynolds joins me to talk about why plus-size characters in romance—especially sports romance—matter more than ever.

We chat about the politics of body representation, how romance can normalize diverse body types, and Kelly’s own baseball romance series. Kelly also shares plenty of book recs—from rugby poly romances to fat girl hockey series—that will expand your TBR with joyful, body-positive reads.

Hit It and Quit It by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅

Pitches Be Crazy by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅

All Bats Are Off by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅

Addicted to Glove by Kelly Reynolds — Buy on Amazon | Baseball Romance | KU ✅

Every Move You Make by Sloan Spencer — Buy on Amazon | Rugby, Why-Choose Poly Romance | KU ✅

No Cooldown for Love by Aliyah Burke — Buy on Amazon | Basketball, Interracial Romance  | KU ✅

Stumped by Anna P — Buy on Amazon | Cricket, Age Gap Romance | South Asian rep

The Game by Leonor Soliz — Buy on Amazon | Football, Grumpy QB/PR Manager Romance | KU ✅

The Cock Down the Block by Amy Awards — Buy on Amazon | Football Romance, Plus Size Heroine  | KU ✅

Pucking Around series by Emily Rath — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romance (Book 2 heroine plus size) | KU ✅

Conner (Glendale Magic Series) by Mary Warren — Buy on Amazon | Hockey Romance, Plus Size Heroine

[00:00] Intro & Kelly’s writing journey

[06:00] Why plus size romance is political (and joyful)

[12:00] Body neutrality, fat rep & realism in romance

[15:00] Kelly’s baseball romances (plus size heroines)

[17:30] Rugby polyamorous romance rec

[19:00] Basketball romance rec

[21:00] Cricket romance rec

[22:00] Football grumpy QB/PR romance rec

[24:00] Hockey series with fat heroines

[26:00] Fat Girls in Fiction & community resources

[29:00] Kelly’s holiday romances and upcoming projects

🎧 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes: wtrnblog.substack.com

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Ready to escape into feel-good, spicy romance reads with a side of reality TV gossip? You’re going to love today’s episode.

In this episode, Laura chats with Canadian romance author Ellie K. Wilde about her book Only Between Us, her obsession with reality TV (hello Love Island and Vanderpump Rules), and why she’s excited to write a surfing romance with a female athlete lead. We also get into why sometimes the best reads are ones with green flag men and laugh-out-loud moments.

Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wilde — Buy on Amazon | Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance | KU ✅

Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli — Buy on Amazon | Workplace Romance, Contemporary |Audio ✅

Winging It With You by Chip Pons — Buy on Amazon | Fake Dating, Reality TV Romance | Audio ✅

[00:00] Meet Ellie K. Wilde and her writing journey

[01:00] Why her books are the perfect Zoom scroll antidote

[03:00] Only Between Us and green flag book boyfriends

[04:30] Her reading and writing inspo from reality TV

[05:30] Vanderpump Rules, Love Island, and the golden era of reality TV

[10:00] Romance reading tastes: thrillers, fantasy, and HEAs

[11:30] Upcoming surfing romance with a female athlete

[13:00] Book recs: Nisha J. Tuli and Chip Pons

[14:00] Where to find Ellie online

📣 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes: wtrnblog.substack.com 

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Get your TBR ready for the messy, fascinating world of multilevel marketing. In this episode, Laura shares her comfort-watch obsession with anti‑MLM commentary and rounds up fiction and nonfiction reads that unpack pyramid schemes, wellness grifts, and the hustle‑culture mindset.

You’ll learn what makes MLMs so seductive (and so costly), how “affiliate” pivots still mirror recruitment models, and the book-and-audio picks that read like page‑turners. Expect romance, cozy mysteries, and investigative nonfiction—plus audiobook recs and a few library/KU tips.

📚 Books Mentioned

• How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin — Buy on Amazon | Romance, Contemporary | Audio ✅
• The Game Is Afoot by Elise Bryant — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery, PTA Sleuth | Audio ✅
• Death in the Downline by Maria Abrams — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth | Audio ✅
• Homemaker by Ruthie Knox & Annie Mare — Buy on Amazon | Cozy Mystery | KU ✅ / Audio ✅
• Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Memoir/Investigative | Audio ✅
• Selling the Dream by Jane Marie — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Business/Culture | Audio ✅
• Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read — Buy on Amazon | Nonfiction, Cultural History | Audio ✅

• 00:00 Intro: recording setup, why anti‑MLM content is a comfort watch
• 01:00 MLM 101: why most people lose money; pyramid/Ponzi dynamics
• 04:00 The MLM pivot: Beachbody → BODi, shutdowns, rebrands & new schemes
• 05:00 Course‑resell (MRRR) trend & “made $$$ from my phone” promises
• 06:00 Recovery & reading as an escape; upcoming guest (ex‑BODi)
• 08:00 Romance pick: How to Sell a Romance (investigative journaling meets MLM)
• 12:00 Cozy mystery: The Game Is Afoot (self‑care “community,” recruitment vibes)
• 14:00 Cozy mystery: Death in the Downline (inside an MLM—then murder)
• 15:00 KU pick: Homemaker (moms, money, and MLM elements)
• 16:00 Nonfiction: Hey, Hun (inside the machine; friendships, money, recovery)
• 17:00 Nonfiction: Selling the Dream + “The Dream” podcast; notable MLM figures
• 20:00 Nonfiction: Little Bosses Everywhere (history of hustle & schemes)
• 21:00 Fraud mindset: why schemes persist & how reading helps
• 22:00 Outro: rate/review/subscribe

🎧 Want more book recs? Subscribe to the What to Read Next Substack for KU guides, library hacks, and exclusive podcast episodes: wtrnblog.substack.com

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This episode originally aired in March 30, 2023.

Craving literary fiction that still scratches your romance itch? This episode is your cozy bridge between genres.

Laura Anne Bird joins Laura to share beautifully written, emotionally satisfying novels with unforgettable heroines, deep friendships, and just enough love to keep romance readers turning pages.

You’ll hear why these picks feel approachable (not intimidating!), how they honor big feelings and found family, and where they overlap with today’s rom-dram trends. Expect nuanced characters, heart-healing endings, and book-club-ready discussion vibes.

All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction, Friendship, Millennial Life | Audio ✅

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin — Buy on Amazon | Literary, Friendship Epic, Creativity | Audio ✅

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell — Buy on Amazon | Historical Literary, Power, Survival | Audio ✅

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich — Buy on Amazon | Contemporary Literary, Indigenous MC, Bookstore | Audio ✅

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub — Buy on Amazon | Time Travel, Family, Second Chances | Audio ✅

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus — Buy on Amazon | Women-in-STEM, 1960s, Found Family | Audio ✅

Crossing the Pressure Line by Laura Ann Bird — Buy on Amazon | Middle Grade, Adventure, Outdoors

00:00 Welcome back + midlife pep talk

03:00 Why lit fic works for romance readers (representation, big feelings)

05:00 All This Could Be Different — messy 20s & found family

09:00 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — love without romance

12:00 The Marriage Portrait — historical stakes + female friendship

15:00 The Sentence — bookstore life, 2020, tender marriage core

18:00 This Time Tomorrow — time travel, father–daughter heart

21:30 Lessons in Chemistry — women-in-STEM sparkle

24:00 Where to follow Laura Bird + show wrap

Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38)

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The Booker Prize 2025 longlist is here — and we’ve got the perfect guide to diving in.

In this episode, I sit down with bookstagrammer and Substack writer Deedi Brown to talk about her book club Booker of the Month, her favorite reads from the 2024 Booker Prize, and predictions for this year’s longlist. We also chat about how to approach literary fiction, tandem reading with audiobooks, and making the Booker list feel like a fun reading project instead of homework.

✨ If you’ve been curious about reading the Booker longlist but felt intimidated, this episode is your friendly entry point.

📖 Here is a link to the Booker Prize 2025 Longlist.

📚 Want more book recommendation lists? Join us on Substack.

📚 Books Mentioned

James by Percival Everett — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Orbital by Samantha Harvey — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction / Speculative | Audio ✅

My Friends by Hisham Matar — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

The Safe Keep by Yael van der Wouden — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Held by Anne Michaels — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Playground by Richard Powers — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio✅

Audition by Katie Kitamura — Buy on Amazon | Experimental Literary Fiction | Audio✅

Flashlight by Susan Choi — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sonny by Kiran Desai — Buy on Amazon | Family Saga / Literary | Audio  ✅

Flesh by David Szalay — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Endling by Maria Reva — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

Universality by Natasha Brown — Buy on Amazon | Literary Fiction | Audio ✅

• 00:00 – Meet guest Deedi Brown & her bookish journey
• 03:00 – Founding the Booker of the Month book club
• 06:00 – Reading taste: literary fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction
• 09:00 – Tandem reading & how audiobooks fit into big reading projects
• 12:00 – Libraries, Libro.fm & breaking up with Amazon
• 13:00 – Standout books from the 2024 Booker Prize longlist
• 15:00 – Predictions and buzzy picks from the 2025 longlist
• 17:00 – Audition by Katie Kitamura and why it’s perfect for discussion
• 19:00 – Anticipating Flashlight by Susan Choi
• 20:00 – Deep dive into The Loneliness of Sonia and Sonny
• 21:00 – Other exciting titles: Endling, Flesh, Universality
• 22:00 – What’s next for the book club & how to join

Looking for more Literary Fiction book recommendations? Check out our previous podcast Spotify playlist for even more book recommendations.

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Today’s episode is for every reader who dreams of Stars Hollow! I’m joined by Jules Buono of Friday Night Readers, a Gilmore Girls-inspired Substack and community. We delve into the cozy literary world of Rory and Lorelai, sharing six book recommendations that channel the same spirit—from small-town charm and quirky community vibes to poignant mother-daughter dynamics and autumnal settings. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the magic of Gilmore Girls for the first time, these reads will hit all the right nostalgic notes.

This might be a little different from our usual romance-heavy episodes—but if you’re into cozy vibes, bookish themes, and heartfelt storytelling, this one’s for you. (Plus, Lauren Graham narrates one of the recs!)

📬 Subscribe to Jules' Substack: Friday Night Readers https://fridaynightreaders.substack.com/

Books Recommended in This Episode:

(Each of these books captures a different Gilmore-esque element—think cozy inns, complicated moms, or literary flair.)

• The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller https://amzn.to/3TRu7v5
• Empire Falls by Richard Russo https://amzn.to/4m1xKdC
• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle https://amzn.to/3IJ9a2Y
• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez https://amzn.to/410gXQc
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple https://amzn.to/4lTkeck
• 
  

Bonus Mention:

• The Gilmore Girls Companion by A.S. Berman https://amzn.to/45f3qqq – a must-read oral history of the show for super fans!
• 
  

About Jules & Friday Night Readers:

Jules started with the Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge and has built a cozy, literary-loving community around Gilmore-inspired reads. Her new Substack, Friday Night Readers, is your go-to destination for fall books, small-town fiction, and a warm space to feel like you’re part of Stars Hollow.

📍 Follow Jules on Instagram: @fridaynightreaders

 📚 Subscribe to Friday Night Readers on Substack: fridaynightreaders.substack.com

💬 Let’s Chat:

Did you love this Gilmore Girls-inspired episode? Leave a rating and review—or DM me your favorite cozy read!

Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38)

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Today’s episode is a little different—it’s a deep dive into nonfiction and the wellness industry with journalist and author Amy Larocca. Amy’s new book, How to Be Well, unpacks the cultural obsession with self-optimization and wellness, touching on everything from fashion to functional medicine, detox diets to supplements, and the way our bodies are treated and perceived in society.

As someone who was deeply embedded in the wellness and life coaching world in the late aughts (fun fact: my first two podcasts were about personal development), this conversation felt personal and powerful. Amy brings curiosity and compassion as she explores the historical, political, and very personal impacts of wellness culture on women—especially those of us who came of age in the girlboss era.

We talk about:

• The blurred lines between wellness as care and wellness as commerce
• How our generation was sold “detoxes” and green powders instead of medical care
• Why so much of wellness is rooted in privilege, access, and aspirational marketing
• What happens when social media gurus replace doctors
• How the term "self-care" evolved from political activism to spa-day slogans

Whether you’re navigating your wellness journey or untangling old beliefs about body image, health, and healing—this episode will hit home.

This Book Is for You If…

You’ve ever done a juice cleanse, bought a moon dust supplement, or considered if celery juice could change your life. Or if you just want to understand the cultural forces shaping the wellness movement with a critical but empathetic lens.

📚 Want more reads like this?

Check out our book list Wellness Gone Wrong: 10 Books That Unpack the Dark Side of the Industry → https://whattoreadnextblog.com/wellness-gone-wrong/

Books + Links Mentioned:

→ How to Be Well by Amy Larocca — Available wherever books and audiobooks are sold

→ Audiobook lovers: Amy narrates it herself!

Connect with Amy:

📸 Instagram: @amylaroccaauthor

🌐 Website: https://www.amylarocca.com/

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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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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

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