The Well-Read Podcast
By: Megan Bjerke
Language: en
Categories: Arts, Books
Welcome to The Well-Read Podcast, where popular fiction is celebrated and adored. Join me every week for book reviews and one-on-one author interviews.
Episodes
Bookish Bites: Taylor Hutton on 'Axe and Grind'
Jan 10, 2026Join me as I welcome back dark romance writing duo Taylor Hutton (Adele Griffin and Julie Buxbaum) to talk about their newest release 'Axe and Grind.' Tune in to hear Adele, Julie, and I chat about exploring the darker edges of power and love, how secrets influence relationships, and making something of yourself despite having a past that is not ideal.
Duration: 00:20:08Season 3, Episode 42-Marieke Nijkamp & Katie Bernet
Dec 19, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp to talk about her 10 year anniversary release of 'This is Where it Ends' and debut author Katie Bernet to talk about her thriller 'Beth is Dead.' Tune in to hear Marieke and I chat about how fear and helplessness influences decisions and how friendship and love gives us the courage to get through what happens, and to hear Katie and I chat about taking inspiration from a classic but still creating a fresh narrative and how who has control of the truth shapes us.
Duration: 01:01:23Bookish Bites: Lauren Connolly on 'Love in Plane Sight'
Dec 17, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Lauren Connolly to talk about her newest romance 'Love in Plane Sight.' Tune in to hear Lauren and I chat about the concept of 'just one more time,' how it can all come back to money, and being a woman in the male dominated field of aviation.
Duration: 00:28:09Bookish Bites: Bryn Donovan on 'Her Time Traveling Duke'
Dec 13, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Bryn Donovan to talk about her newest romance 'Her Time Traveling Duke.' Tune in to hear Bryn and I chat about writing a love letter to Chicago, navigating the difficulties that arise from being in another time period, and overcoming obstacles to find true happiness.
Duration: 00:17:12
Season 3, Episode 41-RaeAnne Thayne & Katrina Emmel
Dec 11, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne to talk about her newest romance 'Snow Kissed' and author Katrina Emmel to talk about her newest young adult romance 'Trail Rides & Starry Eyes.' Tune in to hear RaeAnne and I chat about a single mother trying to do her best for her child and old wounds that aren't healed, and to hear Katrina and I chat about questioning the life you currently have and two different worlds colliding.
Duration: 00:49:17Bookish Bites: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka on 'Seeing Other People'
Dec 10, 2025Join me as I welcome back one of my favorite all-time duos (for a fourth time!) Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka to talk about their newest romance 'Seeing Other People.' Tune in to hear Emily, Austin, and I chat about feeling the pressure to become someone, moving through grief and hurt, and figuring out if two broken people can build something whole together.
Duration: 00:17:07Bookish Bites: Mimi Matthews on 'The Marriage Method'
Dec 08, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews to talk about her newest historical romance 'The Marriage Method.' Tune in to hear Mimi and I chat about knowing your worth during moments of self-doubt, finding a partner who stands next next to you not in front of, and rebelling against societal norms that exploit and oppress women.
Duration: 00:15:03Season 3, Episode 40-Rachel Van Dyken & Zakiya N. Jamal
Dec 07, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken to talk about her newest romantasy 'Fallen Gods' and author Zakiya N. Jamal to talk about her newest romance 'Sparks Fly.' Tune in to hear Rachel and I chat about yearning to be free from one's family and how trauma bonds faster than time, and to hear Zakiya and I chat about the frustrations of being a late bloomer and learning to stand up for yourself after people have continuously walked all over you.
Duration: 00:46:35Season 3, Episode 39-Lana Ferguson & Tirzah Price
Dec 06, 2025Join me as I welcome USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson to talk about her newest release 'The Mating Game' and USA Today bestselling author Tirzah Price to talk about her newest release 'A Matter of Murder.' Tune in to hear Lana and I chat about opening your mind up to a new way of living and the pressures we place on ourselves, and to hear Tirzah and I chat about wanting your partner to be safe in a world that isn't and recognizing how your reckless actions affect those closest to you.
Duration: 00:43:45Season 3, Episode 38-Amy Lea & Katrina Leno
Dec 06, 2025Join me as I welcome internationally bestselling author Amy Lea to talk about her newest romance 'The Bodyguard Affair' and author Katrina Leno to talk about her newest contemporary fantasy 'Persephone's Curse.' Tune in to hear Amy and I chat about finding a partner who is your cheerleader and understanding that it is okay to give yourself grace, and to hear Katrina and I chat about learning how to trust your own heart and getting lost in the identity of your family.
Duration: 00:59:29Bookish Bites: K.X. Song on 'The Dragon Wakes With Thunder'
Nov 28, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author K.X. Song to talk about her newest fantasy 'The Dragon Wakes With Thunder.' Tune in to hear K.X. and I chat about how you keep fighting when there is no hope, what makes a good person fall down a path of greed and corruption, and the price people have to pay for power.
Duration: 00:18:43Season 3, Episode 37-Alana Quintana Albertson & Natasha Siegel
Nov 26, 2025Join me as I welcome internationally bestselling author Alana Quintana Albertson to talk about her newest romance 'My Fair Señor' and author Natasha Siegel to talk about her newest fantasy 'As Many Souls As Stars.' Tune in to hear Alana and I chat about being a woman in the male dominated world of liquor and being tired of doing things just for the sake of money, and to hear Natasha and I chat about the hunger, the quest, the fight for survival and how our identity is shaped by others.
Duration: 00:41:01Season 3, Episode 36-Lyla Lee
Nov 25, 2025Join me as I welcome author Lyla Lee to talk about her newest young adult romance 'The Cuffing Game.' Tune in to hear Lyla and I chat about using reality tv as a vehicle for a romance, being a misunderstood social media star, and exploring the struggles and responsibilities of being a college student.
Duration: 00:21:40Season 3, Episode 35-Emily Krempholtz & Megan Oliver
Nov 24, 2025Join me as I welcome author Emily Krempholtz to talk about her debut cozy fantasy 'Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore' and author Megan Oliver to talk about her debut romance 'Secret Nights and Northern Lights.' Tune in to hear Emily and I chat about the struggles (and freedom) of starting over and whether or not we are the sum of our mistakes, and to hear Megan and I chat about feeling like you aren't enough and why travel is incredibly personal.
Duration: 00:43:59Season 3, Episode 34-Gilly Macmillan & Jesse Q. Sutanto
Nov 22, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Gilly Macmillan to talk about her newest thriller 'The Burning Library' and USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto to talk about her newest love story 'Next Time Will Be Our Turn.' Tune in to hear Gilly and I chat about ideologically opposed women's groups and the weaponization of beliefs, and to hear Jesse and I chat about imperfect people making imperfect decisions and doing the best in a world that views you less than.
Duration: 00:38:56Season 3, Episode 33-Paisley Hope & Robyn Green
Nov 15, 2025Join me as I welcome USA Today bestselling author Paisley Hope to talk about her newest romance 'Freeing the Wild' and author Robyn Green to talk about her debut romance 'The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose.' Tune in to hear Paisley and I chat about finding your spark again after a trauma and being burdened by dreams that aren't your own, and to hear Robyn and I chat about how dealing with family rejection can impact your relationships and learning that change is a necessary part of life.
Duration: 00:47:34Bookish Bites: Rebecca Thorne on 'This Gilded Abyss'
Nov 14, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Thorne to talk about her newest release 'This Gilded Abyss.' Tune in to hear Rebecca and I chat about learning to trust someone again after a rocky past, having a setting heighten the claustrophobia the characters feel, and how nothing is black and white.
Duration: 00:23:03Season 3, Episode 32-Sara Holland & Cale Dietrich
Nov 13, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Sara Holland to talk about her newest fantasy 'Break Wide the Sea' and internationally bestselling author Cale Dietrich to talk about his newest romance 'My Roommate from Hell.' Tune in to hear Sara and I chat about how your beliefs can change when you're exposed to the cruelty of the world and how heartbreak and betrayal can turn someone into a monster, and to hear Cale and I chat about hating what you don't understand and coming to terms with your life when it's different than what you'd envisioned for...
Duration: 00:57:52Bookish Bites: Sylvia Mercedes on 'The Seventh Champion'
Nov 12, 2025Join me as I welcome back bestselling author Sylvia Mercedes to talk about her newest fantasy romance 'The Seventh Champion.' Tune in to hear Sylvia and I chat about wanting to be understood, constantly being subjected to the will of another, and being the one who stands in your own way.
Duration: 00:18:09Season 3, Episode 31-Karen White & Veronica Lancet
Nov 10, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Karen White to talk about her newest mystery 'The Lady on Esplanade' and USA Today bestselling author Veronica Lancet to talk about her newest gothic romance 'Fairydale.' Tune in to hear Karen and I chat about weaving supernatural and spooky elements together without overwhelming the cozy vibe and how a fresh start doesn't always mean a fresh start, and to hear Veronica and I chat about feeling like you can only count on yourself and how "you must have loved to know loss and you must have lost to know...
Duration: 00:45:10Season 3, Episode 30-Madeleine Roux & H. Leighton Dickson
Nov 09, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Madeleine Roux to talk about her newest romance 'These Violet Delights' and author H. Leighton Dickson to talk about her newest romantasy 'Ship of Spells.' Tune in to hear Madeleine and I chat about how scandal disproportionately affects women and trying to make your way in a world dominated by men, and to hear Heather and I chat about wanting to find your place in the world and acknowledging one's faults and making an effort to be a better person.
Duration: 01:01:17Season 3, Episode 29-Chloe Gong & Margaux Eliot
Nov 09, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Chloe Gong to talk about her newest dystopian 'Coldwire' and author Margaux Eliot to talk about her debut twisty romance 'Honeymoon Stage.' Tune in to hear Chloe and I chat about whether or not power should be in the hands of certain people and fighting against the limits society has placed upon us, and to hear Margaux and I chat about realizing that what we see on screen is not the truth and the experience of being a young woman in L.A.
Duration: 00:58:28Season 3, Episode 28-Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman & Amber Hamilton
Nov 05, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling writing duo Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman to talk about their newest fantasy 'A Fate So Cold' and author Amber Hamilton to talk about her debut fantasy 'Seven Deadly Thorns.' Tune in to hear Amanda, C.L., and I chat about their twist on the chosen one trope and the dynamic between what our duty is versus what we desire, and to hear Amber and I chat about the push and pull in a relationship and transitioning from someone who suppresses their power to someone who embraces it.
Duration: 00:49:07Bookish Bites: Rachel Howzell Hall on 'The Cruel Dawn'
Nov 04, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall to talk about her newest fantasy 'The Cruel Dawn.' Tune in to hear Rachel and I chat about the climb back towards power after the fall, how hidden truths affect shifting alliances, and finding your place in a fractured world.
Duration: 00:15:15Season 3, Episode 27-Alexandria Bellefleur
Nov 03, 2025Join me as I welcome bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur to talk about her newest romance 'The Devil She Knows.' Tune in to hear Alexandria and I chat about how actions have consequences, becoming confident in yourself and what (and who) you want, and exploring the journey of finding a love that makes all the pain you've been through worth it.
Duration: 00:20:50Season 3, Episode 26-Jenn McKinlay & Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Nov 02, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Jenn McKinlay to talk about her newest cozy fantasy 'Witches of Dubious Origin' and award-winning author Jennifer Lynn Alvarez to talk about her newest thriller 'The Trespassers.' Tune in to hear Jenn and I chat about wanting to live a quiet life but being meant for more and exploring what it means to try and find closure, and to hear Jennifer and I chat about how bad habits lead to bad outcomes and how best friends aren't always the best friends.
Duration: 00:53:10Season 3, Episode 25-Paula Chase & Alysha Rameera
Oct 31, 2025Join me as I welcome author Paula Chase to talk about her newest young adult 'Balancing Act' and author Alysha Rameera to talk about her debut fantasy 'Her Soul for a Crown.' Tune in to hear Paula and I chat about how teenagers can be influenced by those who are supposed to protect them and how what we do in high school can influence the adults we become, and to hear Alysha and I chat about never betraying your values and being haunted by the mistakes of your past.
Duration: 00:46:36Bookish Bites: Ilana Long on 'Pickle Perfect'
Oct 29, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Ilana Long to talk about her newest romance 'Pickle Perfect.' Tune in to hear Ilana and I chat about how being a single mom can affect self-care, being ready for a reset after your world spins out of control, and juggling responsibilities with wanting something just for yourself.
Duration: 00:23:54Bookish Bites: B.K. Borison on 'Good Spirits'
Oct 27, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author B.K. Borison to talk about her newest romance 'Good Spirits.' Tune in to hear B.K. and I chat about being a people pleaser, exploring the weight of unfinished business, and letting others see the messy, imperfect parts of ourselves.
Duration: 00:18:04Season 3, Episode 24-Wen-Yi Lee & Addie Woolridge
Oct 27, 2025Join me as I welcome author Wen-yi Lee to talk about her newest fantasy 'When They Burned the Butterfly' and author Addie Woolridge to talk about her newest romance 'Reel Love.' Tune in to hear Wen-yi and I chat about how feminine rage shapes our world and the power of unassuming girls, and to hear Addie and I chat about how nothing is ever really gone from the internet and struggling with the future your parents planned out for you.
Duration: 01:09:49Bookish Bites: Mara Rutherford on 'A Curious Kind of Magic'
Oct 27, 2025Join me as I welcome back young adult fantasy author Mara Rutherford to talk about her newest release 'A Curious Kind of Magic.' Tune in to hear Mara and I chat about how touch ties into deep connection, how hope can not only be a beacon but a trap, and how people treat you differently when you have something they want.
Duration: 00:17:46Season 3, Episode 23-Abigail Owen & Matthew Norman
Oct 27, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Abigail Owen to talk about her newest romantasy 'The Things Gods Break' and author Matthew Norman to talk about his newest romance 'Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon.' Tune in to hear Abigail and I chat about how those we meet shape our decisions and how you can't save everyone no matter how hard you try, and to hear Matt and I chat about how there is no magic cure all for grief and how even in the dark moments you can still find joy and love.
Duration: 00:59:58Bookish Bites: Liz Parker on 'Witches of Honeysuckle House'
Oct 25, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Liz Parker to talk about their newest contemporary fantasy 'Witches of Honeysuckle House.' Tune in to hear Liz and I chat about creating a house that is a living, breathing character, how women can continue to affect their descendants long after their gone, and exploring PTSD that has sat within you for a long time.
Duration: 00:23:38Season 3, Episode 22-Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor & Audrey Goldberg Ruoff
Oct 20, 2025Join me as I welcome writing duo Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor to talk about their newest mystery 'Dead and Breakfast' and author Audrey Goldberg Ruoff to talk about her debut paranormal romcom 'Hopelessly Teavoted.' Tune in to hear Kat, Rosiee, and I chat about opening yourself up to the right people and writing an older, supportive, and loving queer relationship, and to hear Audrey and I chat about using the absence of touch to drive up the tension and exploring mental health within a paranormal world.
Duration: 00:51:43Season 3, Episode 21-Cait Jacobs & Ariel Sullivan
Oct 20, 2025Join me as I welcome author Cait Jacobs to talk about their debut fantasy 'The Princess Knight' and author Ariel Sullivan to talk about her debut dystopian 'Conform.' Tune in to hear Cait and I chat about realizing that your worth is more important than putting yourself down and the weight of killing, and to hear Ariel and I chat about wanting a version of a world where you have a choice and how terrifying it can be to do what is right.
Duration: 00:59:24Bookish Bites: Julie Leong on 'The Keeper of Magical Things'
Oct 20, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA bestselling author Julie Leong to talk about her newest cozy fantasy 'The Keeper of Magical Things.' Tune in to hear Julie and I chat about being shaped by our families in both good ways and bad, exploring self-worth and fulfillment, and finding someone who helps you heal and grow.
Duration: 00:21:46Season 3, Episode 20-Marie Lu & Emma Hinds
Oct 20, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Marie Lu to talk about her adult fantasy debut 'Red City' and author Emma Hinds to talk about her newest contemporary fantasy 'Witchlore.' Tune in to hear Marie and I chat about the lengths mothers are willing to go to in order to do what they think is best for their child and what it feels like to belong when you've been invisible your entire life, and to hear Emma and I chat about the depths of grief when you lose someone you love and understanding that others (and their...
Duration: 01:09:29Season 3, Episode 19-Stephanie Perkins & Traci Hunter Abramson
Oct 20, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Stephanie Perkins to talk about her newest romance 'Overdue' and award-winning author Traci Hunter Abramson to talk about her newest thriller 'Victim #8.' Tune in to hear Stephanie and I chat about how the life path society tells us we should have is not for everyone and exploring the grief of leaving behind a life you've known for a long time, and to hear Traci and I chat about self-doubt after you've suffered a loss and how high stakes can shape a relationship.
Duration: 01:10:40Bookish Bites: Karina Halle on 'Hollow'
Oct 13, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Karina Halle to talk about her newest release 'Hollow.' Tune in to hear Karina and I chat about transforming from someone who only does what they're told to someone who is strong and confident in themselves, giving us three characters who are so different yet who complement each other, and having a strong drive to protect those you love.
Duration: 00:35:47Season 3, Episode 18-Maggie Gates & Allie Oleander
Oct 11, 2025Join me as I welcome bestselling author Maggie Gates to talk about her newest romance 'Dust Storm' and debut author Allie Oleander to talk about her dark romance 'Willing Prey.' Tune in to hear Maggie and I chat about being unapologetically yourself and finding a place where you feel like you belong, and to hear Allie and I chat about knowing your worth and wanting to be the best version of yourself.
Duration: 00:38:51Bookish Bites: Katie Zhao on 'Zodiac Legacy'
Oct 10, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Katie Zhao to talk about her newest young adult fantasy 'Zodiac Legacy.' Tune in to hear Katie and I chat about writing a love letter to New York and its people, the struggle and fear of moving forward after defeat, and the weight of the responsibility of being a leader.
Duration: 00:23:01Season 3, Episode 17-Kirsten Miller & Rachel Greenlaw
Oct 09, 2025Join me as I welcome author Kirsten Miller to talk about her newest contemporary 'The Women of Wild Hill' and author Rachel Greenlaw to talk about her newest fantasy 'The Ordeals.' Tune in to hear Kirsten and I chat about female rage in all its wonderful glory and how women know the lives to come are our legacy, and to hear Rachel and I chat about balancing our wants with our obligations and the fragility of trust.
Duration: 00:50:15Season 3, Episode 16-Beth Revis & Sara Raasch
Oct 08, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author duo Beth Revis and Sara Raasch to talk about their newest fantasy 'Crimson Throne.' Tune in to hear Beth, Sara, and I chat about weaving real historical people and facts into fantasy, struggling to understand someone's intentions when you've only had transactional relationships, and finding someone who sees you for who you truly are.
Duration: 00:35:42Season 3, Episode 15-Jennifer Niven & Emily Stone
Oct 07, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Jennifer Niven to talk about her newest psychological thriller 'When We Were Monsters' and author Emily Stone to talk about her newest romance 'Yours for the Season.' Tune in to hear Jennifer and I chat about how free will ties into what we are willing to do to succeed and exploring the light and dark that resides in each of us, and to hear Emily and I chat about being vulnerable, even when we don't want to be, and understanding that life doesn't have to be perfect for you to...
Duration: 00:47:09Bookish Bites: Jenna Levine on 'Road Trip with a Vampire'
Oct 05, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Jenna Levine to chat about her newest romance 'Road Trip with a Vampire.' Tune in to hear Jenna and I chat about finding someone who makes you feel safe, finding joy in being alive, and the journey of self-acceptance.
Duration: 00:17:54Season 3, Episode 14-Ann Rose & Evette Davis
Oct 04, 2025Join me as I welcome author Ann Rose to talk about her newest romance 'A Hexcellent Chance to Fall in Love' and author Evette Davis to talk about her newest paranormal 'The Campaign.' Tune in to hear Ann and I chat about wanting more from a life you've been tricked into and the choice, the fight, and the struggle it takes to be together time after time after time, and to hear Evette and I chat about weaving political intrigue with the paranormal and balancing both of your identities as the stakes are raised even higher.
Duration: 00:57:35Bookish Bites: Sarah Hawley on 'Princess of Blood'
Oct 03, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Sarah Hawley to talk about her newest romantasy 'Princess of Blood.' Tune in to hear Sarah and I chat about merging different parts of your past and present, the consequences of a regime change and the push for power, and how abuse can influence relationships with those you love.
Duration: 00:39:21Season 3, Episode 13-Ellen O'Clover & Nadia El-Fassi
Oct 02, 2025Join me as I welcome author Ellen O'Clover to talk about her newest romance 'The Heartbreak Hotel' and author Nadia El-Fassi to talk about her newest romance 'Love at First Fright.' Tune in to hear Ellen and I chat about setting aside your own feelings in order to avoid conflict and struggling to handle everything on your own, and to hear Nadia and I chat about getting past misconceptions you have about someone and exploring the struggle and weight of grief.
Duration: 00:57:23Bookish Bites: Amélie Wen Zhao on 'The Scorpion and the Night Blossom'
Sep 29, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Amélie Wen Zhao to talk about her newest fantasy 'The Scorpion and the Night Blossom.' Tune in to hear Amélie and I chat about how loved ones can drive a quest for vengeance and immortality, the conflict of being attracted to someone you're not sure you can trust, and working through past prejudices.
Duration: 00:19:01Bookish Bites: Jen DeLuca on 'Ghost Business'
Sep 26, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca to talk about her newest romance 'Ghost Business.' Tune in to hear Jen and I chat about the tension of an impending hurricane on a looming deadline, being attracted to someone who stands in the way of you accomplishing your dreams, and figuring out where you fit in.
Duration: 00:19:55Bookish Bites: Sophie Sullivan on 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas'
Sep 25, 2025Join me as I welcome back author Sophie Sullivan to talk about her newest romance 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas.' Tune in to hear Sophie and I chat about understanding that you deserve respect, handling anxiety in a sensitive, yet honest, way, and how populations who are repeatedly told to suppress their emotions can and do still struggle with mental health.
Duration: 00:16:20Bookish Bites: Kiersten White on 'The House of Quiet'
Sep 24, 2025Join me as I welcome back #1 NYT bestselling author Kiersten White to talk about her newest fantasy 'The House of Quiet.' Tune in to hear Kiersten and I chat about creating a singular atmosphere that becomes its own character, the fight for connection, and how far we're willing to go to protect our siblings.
Duration: 00:30:41Bookish Bites: Alexandra Vasti on 'Ladies in Hating'
Sep 23, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti to talk about her newest romance 'Ladies in Hating.' Tune in to hear Alexandra and I chat about struggling with eldest daughter guilt, inflicting isolation upon yourself as a consequence for your actions, and finding love when you think you don't deserve it.
Duration: 00:21:16Season 3, Episode 12-Nikki Payne & Aurora Palit
Sep 18, 2025Join me as I welcome author Nikki Payne to talk about her newest romance/mystery 'The Princess and the P.I.' and author Aurora Palit to talk about her newest romance 'Honey and Heat.' Tune in to hear Nikki and I chat about breaking out of the shell you've been forced into and showing that sometimes it does take another person to make us want to grow and change, and to hear Aurora and I chat about being the only woman in a male dominated field and the guards women can place around their hearts while trying...
Duration: 01:15:03Season 3, Episode 11-Julie Berry & Lucy Jane Wood
Sep 15, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Julie Berry to talk about her newest YA fantasy/historical 'If Looks Could Kill' and author Lucy Jane Wood to talk about her newest cozy fantasy 'Uncharmed.' Tune in to hear Julie and I chat about trying to do the right thing even when you question it all and how appealing belief becomes when you have nowhere else to turn, and to hear Lucy and I chat about giving up the idea of being perfect and how being a people pleaser can affect your boundaries, your well-being, and your relationships. Duration: 01:11:55
Season 3, Episode 10-Kait Ballenger & Carmela Dutra
Sep 13, 2025Join me as I welcome author Kait Ballenger to talk about her newest paranormal romantasy 'Wicked Believer' and author Carmela Dutra to talk about her debut cozy mystery 'A Murder Most Fowl.' Tune in to hear Kait and I chat about the journey of discovering your power, strength, and confidence and the emotional toll of power struggles, and to hear Carmela and I chat about how a competition setting can influence sibling dynamics and writing a trio that perfectly balances each other.
Duration: 01:05:03Season 3, Episode 9-Cynthia Murphy & Amy True
Sep 08, 2025Join me as I welcome author Cynthia Murphy to talk about her newest YA thriller 'Keep Your Friends Close' and author Amy True to talk about her newest romance 'Welcome Home to Ivy Falls.' Tune in to hear Cynthia and I chat about coming back from betrayal and the influence of group mentality within an academic setting, and to hear Amy and I chat about exploring a character's journey with sobriety and how shared history can influence the tension in a slow burn relationship.
Duration: 01:04:57Season 3, Episode 8-Erin A. Craig & Alexandra Brown Chang
Sep 05, 2025Join me as I welcome #1 NYT bestselling author Erin A. Craig to talk about her newest fantasy 'A Land So Wide' and author Alexandra Brown Chang to talk about her newest YA contemporary 'By Invitation Only.' Tune in to hear Erin and I chat about the price one pays for their greed and living with, and surviving, the consequences of your actions, and to hear Alexandra and I chat about exploring familial pressure within a high stakes environment and how high society tries to latch on to their traditions while trying to make it seem like it isn't...
Duration: 01:07:34Season 3, Episode 7-Julie Olivia & Kiera Azar
Sep 03, 2025Join me as I welcome author Julie Olivia to talk about her newest contemporary romance 'If It Makes You Happy' and author Kiera Azar to talk about her debut fantasy 'Thorn Season.' Tune in to hear Julie and I chat about how our past relationships can still define us and developing a foundation of friendship first in a relationship, and to hear Kiera and I chat about how nobody questions cruelty the way they question kindness and how we don't always get to choose who we are.
Duration: 01:01:20Bookish Bites: Erica Ridley on 'A Waltz on the Wild Side'
Aug 31, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Erica Ridley to talk about her newest romance 'A Waltz on the Wild Side.' Tune in to hear Erica and I chat about approaching a relationship with a chip on your shoulder, being courageous in your own life, and how certain people and marginalized groups have to do so much more in order to get acknowledged.
Duration: 00:19:46Bookish Bites: Liana De la Rosa on 'Gabriela and His Grace'
Aug 29, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Liana De la Rosa to talk about her newest romance 'Gabriela and His Grace.' Tune in to hear Liana and I chat about racism towards the Mexican people, how we are so much more than what we portray ourselves to be, and why standing up for yourself and your people is so important.
Duration: 00:40:53Season 3, Episode 6-Joanna Shupe & Jamie D'Amato
Aug 28, 2025Join me as I welcome USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe to talk about her newest historical romance 'The Gilded Heiress' and author Jamie D'Amato to talk about her newest paranormal romance 'The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends.' Tune in to hear Joanna and I chat about doing what you need to do in order to survive and how far personas can go before they become a lie, and to hear Jamie and I chat about the hills and valleys of a person's mental health journey and realizing that you bring something incredible to this world. Duration: 00:56:47
Bookish Bites: Sara Raasch on 'The Entanglement of Rival Wizards'
Aug 27, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author to talk about her newest romance release 'The Entanglement of Rival Wizards.' Tune in to hear Sara and I chat about how found family influences our decisions, how past trauma shapes our relationships, and how love doesn't fix everything.
Duration: 00:24:50Season 3, Episode 5-Elle McNicoll & Ry Herman
Aug 26, 2025Join me as I welcome author Elle McNicoll to talk about her newest YA romance 'Wish You Were Her' and author Ry Herman to talk about their newest fantasy 'This Princess Kills Monsters.' Tune in to hear Elle and I chat about not allowing people to fit you in a box and the pressures fame can put on a young person, and to hear Ry and I chat about giving silent characters a voice and finding your place in the world.
Duration: 00:49:20Season 3, Episode 4-Auralee Wallace & Pyae Moe Thet War
Aug 21, 2025Join me as I welcome author Auralee Wallace to talk about her newest contemporary fantasy 'The Late-Night Witches' and author Pyae Moe Thet War to talk about her newest romance 'Here For A Good Time.' Tune in to hear Auralee and I chat about how we are never truly prepared for adulthood and how we don't really know how strong we are until we are forced to grow, and to hear Pyae and I chat about exploring the displacement of native island people and realizing that something incredible has been in front of you the whole time.
Duration: 00:52:40Bookish Bites: Mallory Marlowe on 'Love at First Sighting'
Aug 19, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling romance author Mallory Marlowe to talk about her newest romance 'Love at First Sighting.' Tune in to hear Mallory and I chat about the struggles that come with putting your life online, being underestimated, and the emotional journey of two people who are partners in more way than one.
Duration: 00:19:54Bookish Bites: Brigid Kemmerer on 'Warrior Princess Assassin'
Aug 18, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer to talk about her new adult romantasy release 'Warrior Princess Assassin.' Tune in to hear Brigid and I chat about how vulnerability is different for each person, how people can be so incredibly different yet still experience similar trauma, and creating tension and chemistry between three main characters.
Duration: 00:22:12Bookish Bites: Lexi Ryan on 'Between These Broken Hearts'
Aug 15, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Lexi Ryan to talk about her newest YA fantasy release 'Between These Broken Hearts.' Tune in to hear Lexi and I chat about finding your strength, voice, and power despite being trapped by fear, exploring the many facets of life, and what it means to fight for a sometimes broken world.
Duration: 00:25:27Season 3, Episode 3-Katie Bishop & Jenny Birch
Aug 14, 2025Join me as I welcome author Katie Bishop to talk about her newest mystery 'High Season' and author Jenny Birch to talk about her debut YA fantasy 'Woven From Clay.' Tune in to hear Katie and I chat about mirroring tension between characters and the setting and how social media can influence true crime investigations, and to hear Jenny and I chat about the influence adoption has had on both her life and her book and understanding that we are not just one thing, but the sum of our parts.
Duration: 01:24:20Bookish Bites: Rebekah Faubion on 'The Sun and the Moon'
Aug 13, 2025Join me as I welcome back romance and horror author Rebekah Faubion to talk about her newest release 'The Sun and the Moon.' Tune in to hear us chat about exploring strained mother-daughter relationships, making your own destiny while still believing in fate, and finding light in the most unlikely places.
Duration: 00:41:11Bookish Bites: Mazey Eddings on 'Well, Actually'
Aug 12, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Mazey Eddings to talk about her newest release, 'Well, Actually.' Tune in to hear Mazey and I chat about how true communication is sexy, the pressures of an internal versus external redemption arc, and writing characters who are profoundly loved for who they are.
Duration: 00:29:14Season 3, Episode 2-Ashley Jordan & E.V. Woods
Aug 11, 2025Join me as I welcome author Ashley Jordan to talk about her debut romance 'Once Upon a Time in Dollywood' and author E.V. Woods to talk about her debut YA fantasy 'Girls of Dark Divine.' Tune in to hear Ashley and I chat about the importance of therapy when working through trauma and how our lives are not the sum of our parents' failures, and to hear E.V. and I chat about the realization that we do not have to go through abuse and the fight for a life free from an oppressor.
Duration: 00:50:56Bookish Bites: Hannah Nicole Maehrer on 'Accomplice to the Villain'
Aug 11, 2025Join me as I welcome back #1 NYT bestselling author Hannah Nicole Maehrer to talk about her newest release, 'Accomplice to the Villain.' Tune in to hear Hannah and I chat about keeping longing and tension fresh in this third installment, how betrayals shake the team's morale and trust, and pushing back/not listening to fate when it tells use we are or are not meant for something.
Duration: 00:27:00Season 3, Episode 1-Elise Kova & Olivia Dade
Aug 10, 2025To help me launch my third season, join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Elise Kova to talk about her newest fantasy 'Arcana Academy' and USA Today bestselling author Olivia Dade to talk about her newest romance 'Romzomcom.' Tune in to hear Elise and I chat about how you can have too much of a good thing and the difficulties of learning to trust others when your entire life you've only been able to rely on yourself, and to hear Olivia and I chat about how past trauma shapes our future decisions and how it is okay...
Duration: 01:41:42Bookish Bites: S.T. Gibson on 'Ascension'
Aug 09, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author S.T. Gibson to talk about her newest release 'Ascension.' Tune in to hear Saint and I chat about the aftermath of trauma, the quest for power, and allowing your characters to blossom and grow, both individually and together.
Duration: 00:32:08Bookish Bites: Kate Golden on 'If Not For My Baby'
Aug 06, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Kate Golden to talk about her newest release 'If Not For My Baby.' Tune in to hear Kate and I chat about neglecting yourself while taking care of others, finding the courage to go after something for yourself, and struggling with what it means to truly love someone else.
Duration: 00:28:04Bookish Bites: Olivia Rose Darling on 'The Wrath of the Dragons'
Aug 01, 2025Join me as I welcome back USA Today bestselling author Olivia Rose Darling to talk about her newest release 'The Wrath of the Dragons.' Tune in to hear Olivia and I chat about women haunting the narrative, dismantling the patriarchy, and trying to find peace after devastation.
Duration: 00:21:41Season 2, Episode 101-I.V. Marie & Rebecca Danzenbaker
Jul 31, 2025Join me as I welcome debut fantasy author I.V. Marie and debut dystopian author Rebecca Danzenbaker to officially close out my second season. Tune in to hear I.V. and I chat about writing a love letter to those who have endured unrelenting grief and how our motivations can drive our relationships, and to hear Rebecca and I chat about if we truly have a say in those we love and if our pasts predetermine our future.
Duration: 01:28:08Bookish Bites: Jenny L. Howe on 'Love at Full Tilt'
Jul 28, 2025Join me as I welcome back romance author Jenny L. Howe to talk about her newest release 'Love at Full Tilt.' Tune in to hear Jenny and I chat about how having anxiety shapes your world, exploring the magic theme parks can provide, and realizing that your world doesn't have to stay small.
Duration: 00:51:11Season 2, Episode 100-Libby Hubscher & Seth Haddon
Jul 26, 2025Join me as I welcome romance author Libby Hubscher and science fiction author Seth Haddon. Tune in to hear Libby and I chat about not letting your past dictate your future and the beauty of second chances, and to hear Seth and I chat about denying to define ourselves in a world that demands we do so and exploring what it means to be human.
Duration: 00:59:12Bookish Bites: Hannah Whitten on 'The Nightshade God'
Jul 25, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling fantasy author Hannah Whitten to talk about her newest release 'The Nightshade God.' Tune in to hear Hannah and I chat about confronting those who have tried to control you, using religion as a device to dive into the pursuit of power, and figuring out who you are.
And as a special gift from Hachette Audio, stay tuned after the interview to hear chapter one of the incredible audiobook!
Duration: 00:51:54Bookish Bites: Farrah Rochon on 'Pugs & Kisses'
Jul 24, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling YA fantasy and romance author Farrah Rochon to talk about her newest book 'Pugs & Kisses.' Tune in to hear Farrah and I chat about wanting to accomplish something based on your own merit, how small decisions can change the course of one's life, and no longer feeling ashamed of where you come from.
Duration: 00:38:43Season 2, Episode 99-Alexa Martin & Amanda Sellet
Jul 23, 2025Join me as I welcome romance author Alexa Martin and romance author Amanda Sellet. Tune in to hear Alexa and I chat about women feeling like they have lost themselves and how certain companies prey on them during their most vulnerable moments, and to hear Amanda and I chat about balancing misunderstandings with humor and finding someone who loves your weirdness.
Duration: 01:15:46Bookish Bites: Sarah Beth Durst on 'The Enchanted Greenhouse'
Jul 22, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling fantasy author Sarah Beth Durst to talk about her newest release 'The Enchanted Greenhouse.' Tune in to hear Sarah and I chat about struggling to find your place in the world, forgiving yourself, and finding redemption.
Duration: 00:31:13Season 2, Episode 98-Mikayla Bridge & Lenora Woods
Jul 19, 2025Join me as I welcome debut fantasy author Mikayla Bridge and debut romance author Lenora Woods. Tune in to hear Mikayla and I chat about being forced to do things to survive and writing a respectful relationship between a person and a wild, powerful creature, and to hear Lenora and I chat about exploring relationships through a DND campaign and feeling like life is passing you by.
Duration: 00:54:20Bookish Bites: Lynn Painter on 'Maid for Each Other'
Jul 18, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling romance author Lynn Painter to talk about her newest release 'Maid for Each Other.' Tune in to hear Lynn and I chat about exploring a relationship with vastly different financial situations, finding someone who complements you, and overcoming prejudices and learning to see things through a different light.
Duration: 00:21:31Season 2, Episode 97-Sara Ochs & Jackson P. Brown
Jul 17, 2025Join me as I welcome thriller author Sara Ochs and debut fantasy author Jackson P. Brown. Tune in to hear Sara and I chat about mirroring your characters in the setting and the weight of guilt, and to hear Jackson and I chat about how messy and evil politics can be and exploring the exploitation, deportation, and injustices against refugees and immigrants.
Duration: 00:48:46Bookish Bites: K.A. Linde on 'The Robin on the Oak Throne'
Jul 15, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author K.A. Linde to talk about her newest release 'The Robin on the Oak Throne.' Tune in to hear K.A. and I chat about writing an ending that left me ridiculously anxious, working through parental trauma, and exploring whether or not people can actually change.
Duration: 00:23:42Season 2, Episode 96-Maggie Rapier & Stella Hayward
Jul 12, 2025Join me as I welcome bestselling author Stella Hayward and debut fantasy author Maggie Rapier. Tune in to hear Stella and I chat about the complicated journey of healing and the power of having a dog, and to hear Maggie and I chat about never having to question if you've been loved and being wanted only because of what you have, not who you are.
Duration: 01:01:21Season 2, Episode 95-Brittany Kelley & Veronica Bane
Jul 10, 2025Join me as I chat with romance author Brittany Kelley and debut YA mystery writer Veronica Bane. Tune in to hear Brittany and I chat about the fine lines successful women have to walk and making real friends as an adult, and to hear Veronica and I chat about how our past and present intertwine and learning to let our past go, while at the same time learning to open ourselves up again.
Duration: 01:19:50Season 2, Episode 94-Lyndall Clipstone & Amy James
Jul 08, 2025Join me as I welcome fantasy author Lyndall Clipstone and romance author Amy James. Tune in to hear Lyndall and I chat about fighting against familial expectations in order to protect who we love and dedicating your whole life to a goal, only to have it ripped out from underneath you, and to hear Amy and I chat about feeling like you constantly need to be in control and the realization that if you want something that's in your realm of reality to get, then you need to do something about it.
Duration: 00:59:54Season 2, Episode 93-A. B. Poranek
Jun 29, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling fantasy author A. B. Poranek. Tune in to hear Ania and I chat about letting the atmosphere be its own character, lush relationships full of betrayal and shared history, and considering yourself a villain.
Duration: 00:34:59Season 2, Episode 92-Jill Shalvis & Harper St. George
Jun 27, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling romance author Jill Shalvis and historical romance author Harper St. George. Tune in to hear Jill and I chat about hiding behind the version of ourselves we want the world to see and finding a person who makes you feel safe, seen, and loved, and to hear Harper and I chat about the drive to have a life that hasn't been laid out for you and exploring the dichotomy between high society and the rougher parts of London.
Duration: 00:50:43Season 2, Episode 91-Sarah Adler & Jennifer Trevelyan
Jun 26, 2025Join me as I welcome USA Today bestselling romance author Sarah Adler and debut suspense author Jennifer Trevelyan. Tune in to hear Sarah and I chat about complicated relationships with academia and how sometimes things aren't as complicated as we try and make them, and to hear Jennifer and I chat about how having a 10-year-old protagonist changes the way the world is viewed and how secrets can shape our lives, our relationships, and the decisions we make.
Duration: 01:09:36Season 2, Episode 90-Wendy Wax & Joanna Lowell
Jun 25, 2025Join me as I welcome USA Today bestselling author Wendy Wax and romance author Joanna Lowell. Tune in to hear Wendy and I chat about blending genres and women taking back credit after men steal it, and to hear Joanna and I chat about breaking the glass ceiling and how heightened situations force characters to confront their feelings.
Duration: 00:52:01Bookish Bites: Gloria Chao on 'The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club'
Jun 24, 2025Join me as I welcome back adult and young adult author Gloria Chao to chat about her newest release 'The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club.' Tune in to hear Gloria and I chat about weaving humor and mystery together, the bond between girlfriends, and how even in incredibly dark times, in moments where everything looks absolutely bleak, you can still find light and love that will shine through.
Duration: 00:20:14Bookish Bites: Amber Chen on 'The Blood Phoenix'
Jun 20, 2025Join me as I welcome back UK #1 bestselling YA fantasy author Amber Chen to talk about her newest release 'The Blood Phoenix.' Tune in to hear Amber and I chat about the contrast between the high stakes of plot and the quiet intimacy that's explored, using the most successful female pirate in history as inspiration, and how warfare and desolation shapes our decisions.
Duration: 00:19:08Bookish Bites: Ashley Poston on 'Sounds Like Love'
Jun 19, 2025Join me as I welcome back NYT bestselling author Ashley Poston to chat about her newest romance 'Sounds Like Love.' Tune in to hear Ashley and I chat about following your joy, being wanted because of what your job is, not because of who you truly are, and how a diagnosis can force you to take a second look at those you love.
Duration: 00:43:38Season 2, Episode 89-Tessa Gratton & Maggie North
Jun 18, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling author Tessa Gratton and romance author Maggie North. Tune in to hear Tessa and I chat about morally gray characters in a world strife with upheaval and how one's position within a political environment can influence their relationships, and to hear Maggie and I chat about being kind over being right and how burnout and an unceremonious release from a job can shape one's decisions.
Duration: 01:02:43Season 2, Episode 88-Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner & Brittney Arena
Jun 16, 2025Join me as I welcome NYT bestselling duo Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner and debut fantasy author Brittney Arena. Tune in to hear Amie, Meagan and I chat about being a woman in a world dominated by men and the importance of them not writing a mean girls club, and to hear Brittney and I chat about exploring emotional abuse in a defining relationship and perseverance in a world riddled with pain.
Duration: 01:26:01