Now in Books

This week, Eve Laren dives into the biggest must-read books releasing in May 2026—and this month’s lineup is packed.Tune in for:a buzzworthy feminist rage thrillera courtroom drama being adapted for Apple TVa psychological suspense novel literary fiction picks for AAPI Heritage Month and moreWhether you’re in your thriller era, your romance era, your horror era, or your “messy women making questionable decisions” era—May has a book for you.Follow Now in Books Podcast for weekly conversations on what’s new and what’s now in books.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

BookCon returns—and sparks major backlash.This week, Eve Laren breaks down the 5 biggest book news stories.From the long-awaited return of BookCon—and the chaos that came with it—to Kennedy Ryan landing a major TV deal for Before I Let Go, there’s a lot to talk about.Tune in to find out what's new and now in books. Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

In this week's episode, Eve Laren breaks down the latest moves from major publishers—and why they prove the industry isn’t resisting A.I., it’s actively integrating it.Plus—what Reese Witherspoon’s recent comments on A.I. signal about where things are headed next.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

This week, Eve Laren sits down with USA Today bestselling author Jaclyn Rodriguez to talk about her breakout romantasy, A Vow in Vengeance.This enemies-to-lovers fantasy follows Rune, a young woman driven by revenge who enters a deadly magical academy where power is drawn from tarot cards. Blending romance and a unique tarot-based magic system, this debut is quickly becoming a must-read in the romantasy genre.If you’re looking for your next romantasy read with magic, tension, and depth, this episode is for you.Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romantasy, magical academies, and richly built fantasy worlds with unique magic systems.About the Author: Jaclyn Rodriguez is a biracial author of Puerto Rican heritage and has been madly in love with fantasy since before she could walk, forever drawn to magic and the impossible. If there are high stakes and intricate world-building, she’s in, and she adores a strong romantic subplot, the more complicated the better. She spends her non-writing time practicing archery and deconstructing her favorite TV shows and films. She currently lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband, son, and two quirky dogs. A Deal in Death is the sequel to her debut A Vow in Vengeance.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.Amazon USA ⁠ I ⁠Bookshop.org⁠ I ⁠Barnes & Noble⁠ I ⁠⁠⁠⁠Books A Million

April is stacked with new releases—and in this week's episode, Eve Laren breaks down the books everyone is buzzing about.From a high-stakes romantasy featuring witches and dragon riders, to stories exploring female friendship, grief, masculinity, and our relationship with media—this month’s lineup has something for every kind of reader.Consider this your spoiler-free guide to what’s worth adding to your TBR.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Looking for a viral dark romance worth the hype?In this week's episode, Eve Laren dives into Daggermouth by H. M. Wolfe—the dystopian enemies-to-lovers story that went from self-published release to a massive 7-figure book deal.Set in a brutal, class-divided city where love across social lines is a death sentence, Daggermouth blends high-stakes tension, political power struggles, and emotionally charged relationships.If you love The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, dark dystopian romance, morally complex characters, and chaotic, high-tension storytelling—this one’s for you.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

The A.I. witch trials have officially begun…In this week's episode, Eve Laren dives into the breaking news controversy surrounding Shy Girl by Mia Ballard, the decision by Hachette Book Group to cancel its release, and how this moment will redefine how books are written, published, and judged.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Was Medusa ever truly the villain of her own story?In this week's episode, Eve Laren sits down with New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray to discuss her bold new mythology retelling, I, Medusa.Ayana shares the inspiration behind reimagining one of the most infamous figures in Greek mythology, the research that shaped Medusa’s story, and insights into her transition from young adult fantasy to adult fiction.In this conversation, we explore:• The inspiration behind retelling Medusa’s story• The research that shaped the world of I, Medusa• Reframing villains and morally complex characters in fantasy• Ayana Gray’s transition from YA fantasy to adult fiction• What readers connect with most in Medusa’s story todayIf you love fantasy, mythology retellings, and stories that reexamine the villains we thought we knew, this conversation is for you. Perfect for fans of fantasy books, Greek mythology retellings, Medusa stories, and author interviews with fantasy writers.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.About the AuthorAyana Gray is a New York Times bestselling author. Her works have been translated in a dozen languages across five continents and have received critical acclaim at the state and national level. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she now lives and writes in Arkansas.

What if the people we’ve lost never truly leave us?In this week's episode, Eve Laren sits down with debut author Jenny Robinson Clark to talk about grief, healing, and the powerful inspiration behind her children’s book Are You Here? A Story About the Magical Signs All Around Us.Written after the loss of her mother, Jenny’s book explores the quiet moments and “signs” that can help us feel connected to loved ones who are no longer physically with us. Through heartfelt storytelling and stunning artwork, Are You Here? opens the door for families to talk about grief in a way that is gentle, hopeful, and deeply meaningful.In this conversation, we explore:• The emotional story behind writing Are You Here?• How parents and caregivers can help kids navigate loss• The powerful companion song created by her husband, Travis Clark of We The Kings• The surprising signs of connection people report after losing someone they love• What Jenny hopes readers—both children and adults—take away from the storyWe also talk about the personal hurdles Jenny faced while bringing this deeply emotional book into the world and why the release date holds special meaning for her family.If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about grief with children—or how stories can help us heal—this episode is a powerful reminder that love doesn’t end with loss.🎧 Listen now and discover the story behind Are You Here?Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.About Jenny Robinson ClarkAuthor Jenny Robinson-Clark makes her debut with Are You Here? inspired by the passing of her mom and her longing to still be connected to her.Jenny resides in Nashville, TN, with her husband and four children. She was a dancer and actor by profession and has always been creative at heart. When she's not writing, you can find her in hip hop dance class with her husband, homeschooling and baking with her kids, or exploring the outdoors.Jenny believes that if you can open your heart, ask for a sign, and be willing to receive, then your loved ones will send you signs in the most unexpected ways. Jenny hopes that after you read this book that you are left with a spark of belief, a flash of hope, and an enlightened peace that encourages you to also ask for a sign.Website: www.jennyrobinsonclark.com Instagram: @jennyrobinsonclarkAmazon USA I Bookshop.org I Barnes & Noble I ⁠Books A Million

March is bringing the celebrity stories—and everyone is about to have opinions.In this week’s episode, Eve Laren breaks down the buzziest new releases, including headline-making memoirs, twisty thrillers, and standout romance and literary novels.🎧 Whether you’re here for behind-the-scenes fame, psychological suspense, music-industry drama, or romance with heart, this month’s list is stacked.✨ Spoiler-free📚 New & noteworthy🔥 Books you’ll be hearing about everywhereListen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Looking for the best hockey romance books right now?In this episode, Eve Laren shares her latest obsession: sports romance novels featuring possessive heroes.She dives into:• Liz Tomforde’s Windy City series (Mile High, Play Along, Rewind It Back)• C.R. Jane’s dark hockey romance series (The Pucking Wrong Number, The Pucking Wrong Rookie)• The football spin-off series The Wrong PlayerFrom fake marriages and second-chance hockey romance to morally unhinged obsession, this episode explores why sports romance isn’t really about the sport—it’s about focus, discipline, and devotion.If you love spicy hockey romance, protective MMCs, or “touch her and die” energy, press play.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

In this week's episode, Eve Laren reviews If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett—a coming-of-power story set in the glamorous and gritty world of late 90s hip-hop magazines.From VIP lists to magazine covers, this novel explores what it truly costs a Black woman to rise in an industry that wasn’t built for her.If you love workplace dramas like The Devil Wears Prada, The Other Black Girl, or Yellowface, this one’s for you.Let’s talk about power, mistakes, and the industry tea behind the glamour.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

What do you watch when you want romance and tension?This week, Eve Laren reviews the new Amazon Prime rom-com Relationship Goals and pairs it with three enemies-to-lovers book recommendations perfect for Valentine’s Day.From career ambition and messy friendships to workplace tension and unresolved chemistry, this episode breaks down what Relationship Goals gets right (and where it falls short). If your ideal Valentine’s night includes a cozy movie, a sharp romance novel, and a playlist to match—this one’s for you.Relationship Goals stars Kelly Rowland, Method Man, and Robin Thede.Listen to the Playlist: Apple ✨ Movie spotlight📚 Enemies-to-lovers book recs🎶 Book + movie pairing energyListen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

February is stacked with new books you'll want to get your hands on!In this week's episode, Eve Laren breaks down the must-read new and upcoming releases for February, spanning dark thrillers, near-future sci-fi, literary fiction, mythology retellings, and a memoir from a living legend.🎧 Whether you’re here for thrillers, thought-provoking fiction, or books everyone will soon be talking about, this month’s list is stacked.✨ Spoiler-free📚 New & noteworthy🔥 Books you’ll be hearing about everywhere.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

In this week's episode of the Now in Books Podcast, Eve Laren dives into one of the year’s most controversial and highly-anticipated releases: Jennette McCurdy’s Half His Age.Content note: This episode discusses sexual relationships involving a minor, emotional manipulation, and abuse of power.Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

If you grew up loving Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and paranormal fantasy—but always wished those stories had deeper representation—this episode is for you.This week, Eve is joined by #1 New York Times bestselling author Britney S. Lewis to talk about Blood Moon, the first book in The Blood Chronicles. Britney shares how her love for vampires and werewolves, frustration with Bonnie Bennett’s storyline, and desire to center Black girls in fantasy inspired a series rooted in nostalgia, rage, joy, and radical imagination.Britney also shares the challenges of moving from standalone novels to series writing, insight into the publishing industry post 2020, and how she dealt with online bullying, and what readers can expect from her next 2 series!!!Chapters03:50 - Justice for Bonnie: The Spark Behind Blood Moon05:27 - The Chaos and Commitment of Writing a Book Series10:39 - Options, Rejections, and One Life-Changing Yes22:53 - Viral Backlash, Trolls, and Finding Your Community35:30 - Mirabella’s Story49:08 - Blood Lust, New Big Bads, and Future WorldsListen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Some stories don’t stay on the page—they demand the screen.In this episode of the Now in Books Podcast, Eve takes you beyond the book and into the world of film and television, breaking down the biggest book-to-screen adaptations of 2026.From psychological thrillers to sweeping romances, emotionally charged adaptations, bold reimaginings of literary classics, and the return of one of fashion’s most iconic films, this episode is your guide to what’s worth watching — and what’s worth debating.Whether you’re a reader who loves seeing your favorite books come to life or someone who’s cautiously optimistic about adaptations, this episode explores what happens when stories leave the page and step into motion.✨ Books, movies, TV, and the adaptations everyone’s talking about — all in one place.Which one are you most excited for?Listen on:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

A new year means new books—and January is already stacked with releases that feel destined to be everywhere.In this episode, Eve Laren breaks down the must-read January releases you’ll be seeing all over your feeds, group chats, and bookstore tables. From buzzy literary fiction that’s already sparking debate, to romantasy packed with dark academia and tarot magic, to addictive thrillers, cult stories, and powerful historical fiction inspired by true events—there’s something here for every kind of reader.Whether you’re setting reading goals—or ignoring them entirely—this episode is your guide to what’s new, what’s now, and what belongs on your January TBR.✨ Spoiler-free📚 New & noteworthy🔥 Books you’ll be hearing about everywhereListen on:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

In this episode of Now in Books Podcast, Eve Laren reviews King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby — a Southern crime novel.King of Ashes follows Roman Carruthers as he’s pulled back into his Virginia hometown after a family crisis—and forced to confront old wounds, dangerous power players, and the cost of protecting the people you love.⚠️ Spoiler note: This episode includes character names and references (but doesn't detail) widely known plot points.If you love crime fiction, high-intensity reads, and character-driven stories that don’t shy away from darkness, this one’s for you.Listen on:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

I went into The Housemaid movie completely blind—no book, no plot summary, no reviews—and that turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made.In this episode of Now in Books Podcast, I’m breaking down my reaction to the film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling thriller.We’re talking first impressions, favorite scenes, what worked (and what frustrated me), and why I walked out ready to read the entire book series immediately. No major spoilers—just vibes.If you love psychological thrillers, messy characters, and stories that slowly reveal their teeth… this one’s for you.Listen on:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Looking ahead to 2026 and building your future TBR? This episode is for the planners and anyone who wants to know what’s next in books.In this episode, Eve Laren shares her six most anticipated book releases by Black authors coming out from January through June 2026—one title per month.Whether you’re planning your 2026 reading goals early or just love staying ahead of upcoming releases, this episode will help you start curating your list now.✨ Upcoming 2026 releases✨ Book by Black authors✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Listen on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

Get into the holiday spirit with this mini-roundup of festive reads! Whether you're in the mood for a NYC Christmas romance, the hijinks found at a small-town Christmas tree farm, a snowed-in romance or a darkly comedic family chaos, there’s something for every reader this season.Listen on: ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

December may be known for slow book releases, but this year said “plot twist.” In this episode, Eve Laren breaks down the standout new titles hitting shelves this month—from epic fantasy to dark academia, psychological thrillers, swoony romance, LGBTQ stories, and buzzy debuts you need on your radar.We’re talking the books that survived the end-of-year marketing chaos and still managed to shine. Plus, a quick update on the Goodreads Choice Awards finals, and a peek at the holiday vibes shaping Eve’s December reading mood.If you’re looking for fresh new books by BIPOC and LGBTQ authors or something truly unputdownable to close out your reading year—this guide has you covered.Chapters00:00 — December Book Releases Overview02:22 — Holiday Vibes and Personal Reflections04:30 — Goodreads Choice Awards Update: The Finals05:51 — Epic Fantasy: Dawn of the Firebird08:12 — Dark Academia: An Arcane Inheritance10:40 — Dark Romance: Love Me Stalk Me13:06 — Psychological Thriller: The House Guests15:08 — Romance: Sea Salt and Coffee Beans16:58 — LGBTQ Rep: The Book of Luke19:08 — Buzzy Debut: When the Fireflies DanceListen on: ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

In this week’s episode, Eve Laren reviews The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes—an emotional, layered story about mothers, daughters, and the generational weight women carry. From April Soto’s explosive “white hot” moment to the legacy of Las Mujeres Soto, Eve unpacks the rage, trauma, and inheritance stitched into this powerful novel. If you love complex female characters, messy choices, and stories that challenge you, this episode is for you.Listen on: ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

The 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards nominees have dropped—and suddenly the internet realized what many BIPOC readers have known for years: Goodreads is a popularity contest, not a measure of the year’s best books. This week, Eve Laren breaks down exactly why the 2025 Goodreads Awards are overwhelmingly white, how the algorithm quietly reinforces publishing bias, and why this “just for fun” award has very real consequences for authors of color.If you care about diverse books, authors of color, and breaking the bias in book awards, this is the episode to take notes on. The system is flawed—but readers can shift it. Let’s talk about how.Chapters:01:05 – How the Goodreads Choice Awards Actually Work03:45 – The Feedback Loop: Marketing, Hype & Privilege06:10 – Why Readers Are Mad in 202508:40 – Why This Award Still Matters10:12 – How Readers Can Influence the 2026 AwardsListen on: ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

This week, we’re sitting down with debut author Joanne Yi to talk about her unforgettable young adult novel, All the Tomorrows After. A story of grief, love, and family, Joanne’s book follows Winter Moon—a Korean American teen navigating loss and identity in the wake of her grandmother’s illness.We’ll explore how the story took shape through Joanne’s personal journey with grief, the role of motherhood, and how food, music, and memory become a language of love and healing. Joanne also opens up about her writing process, the emotional vulnerability of publishing a debut novel, and what readers can expect from her next book.Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind All the Tomorrows After and how it grew from personal loss.Writing grief through the lens of a teenager — and why “grief doesn’t begin with death.”The significance of mother figures: Halmoni, Sunny, and Helena.Using food and music as emotional anchors in storytelling.How Winter’s “prickly” nature reflects real teenage isolation and resilience.A look at Joanne’s next project and her favorite recent reads.About the Author: Joanne Yi is a Korean American writer and poet. Her debut novel, All the Tomorrows After, is a Now in Books Book Club Pick and a deeply intimate exploration of family, grief, and belonging. Find her on Instagram @writingjojo or visit joanneyi.com.Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | wherever you get your podcasts. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps new readers discover the show!Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠.Connect with me ⁠@nowinbooks⁠. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests.

It’s a brand new month, and the book world is delivering big.In this week's episode, we’re diving into the most anticipated fiction releases of November 2025—six fresh new stories from bold, diverse voices redefining what it means to write about power, legacy, and reinvention.From Ayana Gray’s I, Medusa, a fierce feminist reimagining of Greek myth, to Justinian Huang’s Lucky Seed, a glitzy family saga steeped in superstition and satire, this lineup spans myth, magic, motherhood, AI, and multigenerational drama. Whether you love introspective literary fiction, near-future thrillers, or darkly humorous family tales, these are the books you’ll want on your reading list before the month is out.Join our Listener Club and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠.Connect with me @nowinbooks. My DMs are always open for book chats, feedback, and special requests,

Are vampires making a comeback? This week, Eve Laren sinks her teeth into the return of our favorite undead icons—from new bestselling books like Blood Slaves and Blood Moon to Ryan Coogler’s record-breaking film Sinners. We trace how vampires evolved from monsters to icons, explore the diverse voices redefining the genre, and unpack why 2025 might just be the start of a new vampire era. Books Mentioned: Blood Slaves - Markus RedmondBlood Moon - Britney S. LewisA Cruel Thirst - Angela MontoyaBride - Ali HazelwoodSo Thirsty - Rachel HarrisonA Dowry of Blood - S. T. GibsonThe Gathering -C. J. TudorImmortal Dark - Tigest GirmaVampires of El Norte - Isabel CañasA Tempest of Tea - Hafsah FaizalThis Ravenous Fate - Hayley DenningsThe Vampyre — John William PolidoriDracula — Bram StokerInterview with the Vampire — Anne RiceThe Queen of the Damned — Anne RiceTwilight — Stephenie MeyerStay in the loop: Join our ⁠⁠Listener Club⁠⁠ Follow us ⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠Join the Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit ⁠⁠Now in Books⁠⁠ for more info and find past ⁠⁠Book Club Picks⁠⁠.

This week on Now in Books, Eve Laren dives deep into Netflix’s new thriller The Woman in Cabin 10, based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel.From a luxury yacht to a chilling mystery at sea, Eve breaks down what the movie got right, what it changed, and why the adaptation might just outshine the original book.Tune in for a smart, spoiler-filled review that compares both versions, explores the biggest story changes, and answers the question every reader wants to know—was the movie better than the book?🎬 Featuring: Keira Knightley, David Ajala, Lisa Loven KongsliStay in the loop: Join our ⁠Listener Club⁠ Follow us ⁠@nowinbooks⁠Join the Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit ⁠Now in Books⁠ for more info and find past ⁠Book Club Picks⁠.

This week, Eve Laren sits down with Markus Redmond—the actor, writer, and filmmaker whose credits include Doogie Howser, M.D., Fight Club, and NYPD Blue—to talk about his bold debut novel, Blood Slaves.Described by Eve Laren as "one of the best books released this year", Blood Slaves reimagines history through a dark and gripping vampire tale.Tune in to this riveting conversation to learn about African mythology, the history behind the story and the anger that fueled its creation, and find out what readers can expect next from the Blood Saga.Stay in the loop: Join our ⁠Listener Club⁠ Follow us ⁠@nowinbooks⁠Join the Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit ⁠Now in Books⁠ for more info and find past ⁠Book Club Picks⁠. Want to share your feedback, have a question, or suggest a topic/author for the show?⁠⁠ Contact us.

What happens when justice becomes a spectacle?That's the question we explore in this week’s episode with debut author Helena Haywoode Henry who joins the show to give a behind-the-scenes look into her electrifying new young adult novel, Last Chance Live!—a dystopian story where death row inmates compete for public forgiveness on a live reality show.Tune in to the thought-provoking conversation that left me inspired and contemplating all the ways I need to work on myself to be a better person! Stay in the loop: Join our ⁠⁠Listener Club⁠⁠ Follow us ⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠⁠Join our Book Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit ⁠⁠Now in Books⁠⁠ for more info and find past ⁠⁠Book Club Picks⁠⁠. Want to share your feedback, have a question, or suggest a topic/author for the show?⁠ Contact us.

In today’s episode, I'm sharing the best new releases arriving this month—five powerhouse titles that you should be most excited for and that deserve a spot on your TBR!From YA thrillers to adult debuts, this month brings stories that are twisty, haunting, and perfect for book clubs. Plus, I’m announcing our October Book Club Picks, and you're the first to hear them. 📚 Don’t forget: check out our full October release list on Instagram @nowinbooks and share this episode with your book-loving friends!Join our Listener Club newsletter and find your next book obsession. Sign up at ⁠⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram at @nowinbooks.

This week, we delve into the concerning decline in reading habits in America and recent industry news, including the closure of Fabled Co and upcoming book releases.Chapters00:00 The Decline of Reading in America00:10:45 Charlie Kirk Fall Out 00:13:14 Fabled Co's Closure and Industry Concerns00:18:43 Upcoming Book ReleasesStay in the loop: Join our ⁠⁠Listener Club⁠⁠ at nowinbooks.com/podcastFollow us ⁠⁠@nowinbooks⁠

Award-winning senior editor and debut novelist Amber Oliver joins Now in Books to discuss her compelling new book When the Music Hits—a story about Black women in corporate America that's as relevant as today's headlines.In this episode, you'll discover:How the music industry A&R process really works behind the scenesWhat it's like being a Black woman in publishing and other creative industriesThe real-life music industry drama that inspired the novel's storylinesAmber's journey to becoming a published authorThe challenges facing diverse voices in publishingPerfect for listeners who love: Contemporary fiction, music industry insights, discussions about workplace diversity, publishing industry conversations, books by Black authors, stories set in New York City.Stay in the loop: Join our ⁠Listener Club⁠ Follow us ⁠@nowinbooks⁠Join the Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit ⁠Now in Books⁠ for more info and find past ⁠Book Club Picks⁠. Want to share your feedback, have a question, or suggest a topic/author for the show? Contact us.

In this powerful conversation, debut author Kristen L. Berry joins Now in Books to discuss her new bestselling novel We Don’t Talk About Carol—a suspenseful, emotionally charged story about family secrets, generational trauma, and the forgotten cases of missing Black girls. Together, we dive into the novel’s complex characters, the weight of silence in families, and the research that shaped it. If you’re looking for a story that’s as gripping as it is thought-provoking, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.Stay in the loop: Join our Listener Club Follow us @nowinbooksJoin the Club to get new and diverse books every month. Visit Now in Books for more info and find past Book Club Picks.

Welcome back, book lovers, for part two of our September book roundup! In this episode, I'm diving deeper into the literary goodness of the month, what I'm calling "The Met Gala Season of Books," and sharing five incredible new fiction releases guaranteed to grab your attention.This episode is packed with recommendations for every kind of fiction fan, from those who love a happily ever after to readers who enjoy a good scare. Join our podcast newsletter and find your next book obsession. Visit ⁠nowinbooks.com/podcast⁠ to choose how often you want to be alerted to new episodes.

Welcome back, book lovers! We' re kicking things off with a bang. September is the best month for books (and you can't convince me otherwise!). So today, I'm sharing my top 5 most anticipated young adult book releases of the month.This episode is packed with recommendations for every kind of reader, from die-hard romantasy fans to those looking for their next deeply impactful read. Enjoyed the show? Don't miss out on the next one. Join our podcast newsletter and choose how often you want to be alerted to new episodes. Visit nowinbooks.com/podcast.

In our latest episode, we take a look at some of the biggest books hitting the screen this year.

We identified 50 of the best fall releases of the year and selected 15 of our top favorite titles. Come find out which ones made the list. Want great books like these delivered to your door every month? Join Now in Books and get diverse reads paired with specially curated music and more. Learn more at nowinbooks.com. 

Everything is open again! We know you’re excited to head outdoors and enjoy the sun so grab your sunscreen, shades, and one of these upcoming titles to enjoy during your downtime. Shop the list: bookshop.org/lists/2021-summer-must-reads

I'm baaaaack!