Debut author Marisa Kashino joined me to celebrate her novel, Best Offer Wins—easily one of my top reads of 2025. I devoured this book. The leading lady is memorable, a little unhinged, and absolutely badass. Alongside its dark humor, twisty mystery, and delicious thrills, this story taps into the heavy load women carry every day—something that will hit home for so many readers.
Whether you’ve survived the house-hunting rat race or had a dream home snatched out from under you, this book has something for everyone. Marisa and I dove into her path to publication, debut jitters, and the power of a fierce female main character.
Best Offer Wins is a must-read addition to your TBR. And if you loved Amy Dunne? You’re going to be just as obsessed with Margo Miyake.
New York Times bestselling author Mia Sheridan joins me to talk all about her latest romance–thriller, The Fix. A true fixture in the romance world, Sheridan continues to shine with a catalog of 20+ beloved books—and this new release is no exception.
I told her during our chat that The Fix gave me total early-90s thriller meets Lifetime-romance vibes—in the best way. The pacing snaps, the tension builds, and the twists deliver.
We dove into her career, the heartbreaking inspiration that first pushed her to write, our shared love of true crime, and why genre-blending works when you’ve got the right recipe. Mia was an absolute delight—warm, thoughtful, and such a sharp storyteller. Truly, an inspiration.
Craving dark academia vibes? A twisty fall thriller? Look no further.
Alissa Lee’s debut, With Friends Like These, has it all. Set at Harvard (Boston girl forever!), the story follows a tight-knit friend group who resurrect a decades-old game… and take it dangerously too far. Secrets, stakes, and yes—maybe even a body or two—nothing is off-limits.
I had the best time chatting with Alissa about her own college years, the real-life friendships that sparked this story, and so much more.
✨I had the absolute best time chatting with Broadway queen and debut author Brisa Carleton about her dazzling novel, Last Call at the Savoy. 🍸 A literary cocktail blending contemporary and historical timelines, this story serves up glamour, grit, and a toast to trailblazing women. At its heart is the unforgettable Ada Coleman, the first female bartender at London’s iconic Savoy Hotel — and truly, the real leading lady of the story.
We talked all things London and Broadway, the importance of celebrating forgotten icons, and so much more. Brisa also shared her inspiring writing journey — including how The Novelry played a key role in her path to publication. She was such a delight to chat with, and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing (and reading!) much more from her. 💫
My OG and inaugural Books Are Chic guest, Jamie Brenner, is back — and this time, we’re celebrating her latest novel, The Weekend Crashers 🧶✨ Inspired by her love of knitting, this story delivers Gilmore Girls fall vibes, complete with a charming inn and a cozy knitting retreat weekend.
We had the best time catching up — chatting about Jamie’s writing journey, her shift from beach reads to sweater-weather fiction, and why knitting holds such a special place in her heart. She even opened up about her recent reading slump (yes, authors have them too!) and how she found her way out.
As always, Jamie was fun, insightful, and full of creative energy — and she may or may not have dropped a sneak peek at a new project that’s giving Dallas, Dynasty, and all our favorite soaps... Jamie Brenner style.
Sometimes the fates align — you read a fabulous book and get the chance to chat with the even more fabulous author behind it. Case in point: A Killer Wedding and Joan O’Leary.
A perfect fall murder mystery set in an Irish castle — think glitz, glam, and a dead body. The fact that this is Joan’s debut completely blew me away. She’s right up there with Lucy, Ruth, and Lisa — a modern, chic Nancy Drew you’d want to grab a cocktail with and chat about books, beauty, and all things mystery.
We celebrated her debut, talked about her writing journey, life working for Jimmy Fallon, and our shared binge-worthy shows. This was truly one of my favorite conversations with a debut author — the vibes were vibing, and Joan was an absolute delight.
Did someone say besties? 🥂💀📚
Beyond thrilled to welcome back the dynamic writing duo Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding to celebrate the latest installment in their For the Love of Austen trilogy — Anne of Avenue A! I absolutely adore these two, and their books are guaranteed to make you swoon. Inspired by Persuasion, Anne of Avenue A is a heartfelt second-chance romance featuring Anne — a leading lady Jane Austen herself would surely approve of.
With a charming cast of characters and timeless themes, this story is a true homage to love that endures. We chatted about everything from Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and her lasting influence on pop culture, to our shared love of romance novels, Felicity (so on brand for us!), the clever nods to reality TV woven into the book, and so much more.
If you haven’t yet read their backlist, I’m genuinely jealous — their novels are a celebration of love, Jane, and New York City!
The perfect autumnal read exists in Ellen O'Clovers adult romance debut, The Heartbreak Hotel. Do not be fooled by the charming and magical cover of this book, within these pages is a sweet romance wrapped with humanity, life and the road blocks we all face. The invisible string within this book was healing and how when you let your guard down and trust one another, real relationships can form.
I loved chatting with Ellen about the cross over from YA to adult novels, the importance of setting, romance novels and the inspiration (hint it involves a Tom Petty song!) behind the book!
I have said it before and I will say it again, we need romance now more than ever!
I was absolutely thrilled to welcome Nora Dahlia back to Books are Chic to celebrate her latest romance, Backslide! Set across dual timelines, this novel takes us back to one of my favorite decades — the unforgettable '90s.
Backslide follows Nellie and Noah, high school sweethearts who reunite years later at a "wedding re-do" for mutual friends. As old sparks reignite, they discover the past isn’t as far behind them as they thought. It’s a beautifully written second-chance romance that’s emotional, nostalgic, and completely unputdownable.
Nora and I caught up since our last Lovestruck Books event (next one—10/27!!) and dove into how her travel writing shaped this story, what it was like growing up in NYC as a teen in the ‘90s, pop culture, romance, and so much more. This episode is easily one of my all-time favorites—a love letter to your teen self, the ‘90s, and pure nostalgia. 💕
✨ TikTok star and author @eli.rallo joined me to celebrate her latest essay collection, Does Anyone Else Feel This Way? — a sharp, funny, and deeply relatable take on navigating the quarter-life crisis.
This chat was everything: insightful, honest, and refreshingly real. Even though I’m past my quarter-life crisis (and inching closer to mid-life, LOL 😉), I still found myself nodding along to so many of Eli’s reflections.
We compared notes, laughed about lessons learned, and talked through the growing pains that come with finding yourself in your 20s (and beyond). I mentioned during our chat that this would make such a great book club pick — it’s packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.
Eli’s honest voice and wise soul make you feel seen at any age. I adored this conversation and hope you leave feeling inspired — and a little less alone in whatever phase of life you’re in. 💫
Today let's celebrate author and major Swiftie (!!!) Kate Belli joined me to celebrate her latest release, The Gallery Assistant. A thriller set against post 9/11 and in the dark underbelly of the art world, this is the perfect twisty fall read.
I had the best time chatting with Kate about her writing and journey to thrillers from historical mystery romances, the art world (she is an art historian!) and of course Swfitie life. P.S. I chose The Fate of Ophelia for her main character, Chloe, theme song. Read the book and tell me what you think!
The Secret Book Society is the perfect book club pick. A book for book lovers, for history lovers and for lovers of sisterhood and friendship. There are so many relevant themes, that we could apply today, within this book. I was so excited to welcome to Madeline to chat about this book, her research and inspiration. I loved hearing her journey to writing and how incredible her discipline was and how she never gave up.
I listened to the audio of this book and absolutely loved the suspenseful element to the different points of view. If you love an audio book, I recommend!
Thrilled to welcome back Clemence Michallon for her latest thriller, Our Last Resort. If you are a long time listener than you know I love a cult and this book is as culty as you get. Thrills, cults, a remote resort are all the perfect ingredients to the signature Michallon recipe. She knows twists and atmosphere like no other.
She and I caught (IYKYK how AH-mazing The Quiet Tenant was), chatted sophomore novels, cults, thrillers and so much more. This is one must-read for your fall TBR.
Give me all things 90's, add a romance and well then that is the cherry on the nostalgic sundae. I was beyond thrilled to welcome Julie Olivia to Books are Chic with her latest, If It Makes You Happy. (insert signing along!) It had all the fall, Gilmore Girls vibes set to a 90's backdrop that will have you longing for your Delia's catalog and the most perfect playlist.
Olivia and I had the BEST time chatting all things 90's, romance novels, writing and so much more. This book is the perfect welcome to fall and I can't recommend it enough!
We clocked in over an hour so clearly I had a blast with Laura Dickerman chatting about her debut, Hot Desk.
Hot Desk is not your average romcom, it is filled with heart, smarts and a fab leading lady. Bringing in elements of woman in the work place, duel timelines, the 80's, an insider peak into the book world and so much more, it gives the show Younger a run for its money!
I loved chatting with Laura about her writing start, romance novels, her brother (IYKYK), her journey within the publishing world and so much more. She truly is such a delight and so fun and smart! Loved this chat!
250 episodes of Books are Chic and there is no better way to celebrate than with a perfect end of summer romance! I was so thrilled to welcome Kathleen Barber to chat her debut romance, Both Things Are True. A yoga influencer, her AWOL fiancee, her past love and a Dolly Parton impersonator are the perfect recipe for this fun romcom.
I loved chatting with Kathleen about her genre change (you know her from thrillers like Are You Sleeping and Follow Me), romance novels, the yoga world, Dolly Parton, Reese Witherspoon and so much more!
She was such a delight and I am thrilled she is my 250th episode.
I was so excited to welcome Jaclyn Westlake to the podcast for her latest romcom meets women's fiction, Lucky Break. Set in a small lake town, Eliza is ready to start over after her engagement crumbles. Setting alone will have you basking in the last final moments of summer.
Jaclyn was such a blast to chat with! We talked starting over, saying YES, romcoms, Bravo, writing and much more. If you are looking for a summer read finale filled with heart, look no further!
Take a look into the dark side of the art world with Anna Barrington's debut, The Spectacle. Hailed by People as a "social thriller", it is the perfect thriller to enter into fall or celebrate the end of summer.
I was so excited to chat with Anna (OG MA girl) , all the way across the pond, about her experience in the art world, the #METOO movement, why thrillers and much more.
Back with a new episode that has old Hollywood, glam, mystery and so much more. I had the best time welcoming first time author, Melissa O'Connor to Books are Chic. We were celebrating her debut, The One and Only Vivian Stone- hailed as "sparkling" by Abby Jimenez. A little romance, a little historical fiction and mystery make up this addictive read.
Melissa and I chatted our love for old Hollywood, Lucille Ball, celebrities, some Bravo ;) and a lot more. Melissa is one to watch!
What an author to have join me on my 50th episode of the year! Iconic, thoughtful and legendary writer, Mary Alice Monroe joins me this week on the podcast. We celebrated her latest masterpiece, Where the Rivers Merge, an epic, sweeping, historical story about friendship, humanity, love and trying times. It is a story Mary Alice tells so beautifully.
She and I chatted history, our legacies, friendship, the south and its natural habitat and so much more. This conversation was insightful, inspiring and joyful. Mary Alice is a lover of books, nature and so much more. I absolutely will cherish this conversation and the time we had to talk.