Explore every episode of the podcast Books are Chic

The fabulous writing duo of Taylor Hutton joined me on pub day to celebrate their debut dark romance, Strike and Burn. It has romance, mystery, murder, SPICE and drama. A perfect dark romance recipe that only Hutton could do. I loved talking to these two about their process, how they came to be, romance and so much more. I loved Julie and Adele! They were so much fun and their admiration and respect for each other is clearly the secret ingredient to their success.

Bucket list, dream guest Kate Kennedy joined me for a discussion of one of my favorite 2024 reads, One In A Millenial. If I could summarize my nostalgia and feelings in a book, this is it. Just trust me. It is a celebration pop culture moments in the 90's, 00's and today woven with the most perfect cultural commentary that only Kennedy can do. You will laugh, you will cry, you will find yourself reaching out to your oldest friends.

Kate and I chatted, Taylor, Jessie Spano, sleepovers, motherhood, school supplies and everything else. I could have talked to her for hours. She has a way in her podcast, Be There In Five, of making you feel like she is sitting right beside you, a friend right there with you and that is how this book feels. A fun convo with your bestest friend and I am jealous for anyone who gets to read it for the first time.

Think bad a** mom who is also a killer but is also a wife and friend and throw her into the leading role of Asia Mackay's latest, A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage. This was such a fun read and I loved the main character, Haze. She had a little bit of all moms who are trying their best to parent, be a partner, friend and all the things in between- some of which may be killing bad guys. I loved chatting with Asia as we talked about motherhood, friendships and so much more.

Three-peat guest, Fiona Davis is on Books are Chic today! Pub day celebration for The Stolen Queen and I am so happy to shout out this book. Every book I say Davis can't get any better and then she does. This book is Egypt, Vogue, the Met and intrigue- perfection. I always love seeing Fiona as she feels like an old friend. Her writing is exquisite, her research unmatched and curiosity as a writer and reader is admirable. She is the real deal and I always love seeing her.

New must-buy author alert! Nora Dahlia. She joined me on Books are Chic to chat her new rom com, Pick Up. Part rom com, part mom com this book was pure joy. I lol'd as this was the perfect depiction of mom life with a little swoon and spice. I loved getting to chat with Nora as she is just as a delightful. We chatted writing ,mom life, travel and so much more.

Queen, Icon, Legend, @dannypellegrino joined me on @booksarechic and all I can say is WHAT 👏🏻 A 👏🏻 DREAM 👏🏻 If you are a fan, follower, reader or listener of Danny, I can tell you he is exactly how you hoped he would be. Charming, funny, sparkly, smart, the BRIGHTEST light ✨ This was a bucket list author for me and it’s never lost on me how lucky I am to be able to talk to people like Danny. We united to celebrate his holiday essay collection, Jolliest Bunch @sourcebooks AND his brand new @hallmarkchannel movie, Deck the Walls- the perfect holiday aperitif. 🎄 I can’t begin to list all we chatted about but I can say- @jcchasezofficial , @beverlyhills90210 , nostalgic Disney plushies, books, Bravo, @erinleighcarlson , the list is endless 🙌🏻 This literally was a highlight of my year and my entire podcast career. Thank you Danny for the gift of you, you are ALL the JOY we need in this crazy world! 🫶🏻

Pip Drysdale writes a thriller that sucks you in and makes you not want to stop turning the pages. The Close Up, her latest, centers around a writer and her stalker who is acting out the pages of her first book. It is tense and twisty. But also she had me at stalker. I was so excited to welcome her to Books are Chic to chat about the inspiration for this book as well as celebrate it. She was open and honest about her past and I appreciated her sharing. We chatted thrillers, writing and so much more.

I love a YA thriller and I have said multiple times, I feel like YA thrillers are having a resurgence of popularity and amazingness. I was so thrilled to welcome Jan Gangsei for her AH-mazing YA thriller, Dead Below Deck. It is giving Pretty Little Liars meets Below Deck. Toxic friendships, murder and a dream yacht are all the players in this popcorn thriller. I loved chatting with Jan about her writing, why YA?, her fave reads and so much more.

I loved chatting with Clare Gilmore about her latest rom-com, Perfect Fit. I love a rom-com around the holidays and this had all the perfect ingredients- spice, heart and banter. We chatted writing, romance and lots more.

I had the privilege of chatting with Sarah Labrie to celebrate her debut memoir, No One Gets to Fall Apart. This book has garnered amazing reviews from the New York Times and Oprah Magazine and it is worthy of them all. It is open, honest and authentic to Labrie's voice. I loved having the opportunity to chat with her about her process and her story. We chat mental illness, adult friendship and persisting through life. While this book is tiny it packs a punch with thought and emotion.

One of my favorite episodes of the year, Katie Cicatelli-Kuc. This episode is special for a few reasons: 1. Chloe and I buddy read, Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice and it was the perfect fall read, 2. When I read the book, I noticed Katie, in the acknowledgements, said she wrote the book while undergoing cancer treatments (my daughter went through cancer treatment as well) 3. I immediately reached out to Katie, who responded instantly to join me on the podcast and she, having not been on a podcast, said YES!

This conversation is filled with the healing powers of reading and writing, the power or persistence and the love of a pumpkin spice latte. I will let the episode and Katie's badassness do the talking!

I love YA and love being able to welcome fab YA authors to Books are Chic. I was so thrilled to welcome Olivia Worley to Books are Chic for her latest YA thriller, The Debutantes. Set in gothic New Orleans against the backdrop of the cutthroat debutante society. A missing girl, murder, glitz and mystery all make up this perfect fall read. Olivia and I chatted inspo, YA, writing and so much more.

I had the best time welcoming back JT Ellison to Books are Chic! We had the best talk when she first came on for her book, It's One of Us as I appreciated her openness on the subject matter and respected her way to speak her truth through story. I was more than thrilled to read and celebrate her latest, A Very Bad Thing. Murder, stalking, the book world and a high profile author- all things that are the perfect recipe for a thriller. We caught up, talked writing, author life and what that is like and so much more.

Part 1 of my Halloween double feature:

Hidden Pictures was one of my favorite reads last year so I was thrilled to welcome Jason Rekulak to Books are Chic! His latest, The Last One at the Wedding, was wedding gone wrong - a fave suspense plot line. Boston, murder, fabulous wedding and too many suspects were all the ingredients to this perfect fall read. I had to much fun chatting with Jason about thrillers, writing, Stephen King and parenting. Definitely a conversation not to be missed!

Part 2 Halloween double feature:

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel, the perfect homage to Alfred himself and the perfect fall read IMO. I was so thrilled to welcome Stephanie to Books are Chic to talk writing, books and the inspiration and research behind this book. We also chatted themes from her other books and so much more. Who doesn't love a weekend getaway with old friends at a remote hotel with a suspicious innkeeper. I had so much fun chatting with Stephanie and can't wait to have her back!

You all know I love welcoming new authors to Books are Chic and I was so thrilled to welcome Alexandra "Zan" Romanoff for her new romcom, Big Fan. What I loved even more was that Big Fan was the first romance novel under the brand new, women run romance imprint, 831 Stories. Big Fan is a blend of politics, boy bands and a whole lot of heart. It is a bite sized read that will leave you wanting more. Zan and I chatted books, romcoms, pop culture and everything in between. Zan felt like an old friends as did her characters. This book is a perfect fall accessory and the fact we are supporting new bookish imprints is just the icing on the cake.

If you love Disney, if you love pop culture, TV and early 2000 celebs, you will LOVE Disney High. I was so thrilled to chat with Ashley Spencer about her debut book and chat all things Disney channel. This book is a love letter to the early aughts Disney channel celebs and shows that set off a global Disney phenomenon. Spencer thoughtfully pens this book with insider interviews, fun facts and stories of the start of Selena, Hilary, Miley and the Jo Bros. I was on the older end for these shows but I have had fun watching them through my kids, they still hold up! You know I love a pop culture celebration and this book was no exception!

I really don't know what is more chic than a book about Taylor Swift and her style? I'll wait....

Sarah Chapelle the brains and style behind the instagram handle, Taylor Swift Styled, has thoughtfully written and curated the most epic book of all things T Swift style. The must-have for any Swift fan, fashion lover or pop culture enthusiast. I had the best time talking all things Taylor, fashion and Eras tour with Sarah and celebrating this chic and stylish must-have.

Once More From the Top is a nostalgic journey that will have you thinking of all your most favorite singers as well as all your most favorite high school memories. I had the best time chatting with Emily Layden and celebrating this book. We chatted the importance of music, writing, pop culture and so much more. If you loved Daisy Jones and the Six, you will devour this novel!

Chic. That is what this book is. When I say books are chic, this book is the epitome of just that. I LOVE a good non-fiction fashion history book so much so that I have a whole bookcase dedicated to the genre. When I heard about Nancy's book, I knew it was a must-read and it did not disappoint. If you love fashion, this is for you. If you love history, this is for you. If you love New York, this is for you. The thought, research and detail Nancy put into this book is unmatched. She is an expert for a reason and this book is an investment piece if there ever was one.

I have been a huge fan of Laura Dave's since the first time I read Eight Hundred Grapes. Then came, The Last Thing He Told Me, classic, loved, continued my Laura Dave love fest and THEN we get the "soulful suspense" (more on that in the episode) gem, The Night We Lost Him. Laura is a master on storytelling and writing. It was so fun to chat with her about her inspirations, her love for the west coast, page to screen developments and so much more. She is an auto-buy author for me for a reason and after this chat, she will be for you too!

We all know her ~ mom, influencer, OOTD queen and reality TV maven, Stassi Schroeder is back with her third book, You Can't Have it All. I was fortunate enough to chat with Stassi this summer after reading the book. My first comment to her was she should be so proud; for speaking up about motherhood, marriage and all the things in between. She has come so far from her SUR days and it was so fun to chat her journey. I laughed outloud with this book and thought it would make such a great bookclub book. SO many little nuggets that will inspire you, will have you calling your mom friends and appreciating the little things in life.

The fabulous writing duo of Ali Brady joined me, two of my most favorites, to celebrate their latest novel Until Next Summer. I have loved watching Alison and Bradeigh's writing journey and always love our chats. They take us back to summer camp with some romance, friendship, nostalgia and lots of spice. We talk the love of romance novels, summer magic and so much more.

Read with Jenna pick! Barnes and Noble August Book club selection! Book of the Month selection! NYT bestseller! The list is endless and this book was a gem. I was so thrilled to chat with Alison Espach to celebrate the many achievements and accolades of The Wedding People. This book is smart, thoughtful, funny and heartbreaking all in one, perfect end of summer literary aperitif. We chat writing, luxury hotels, mental health, friendships and so much more!

One of the many reasons I love the internet is when you meet people who feel like friends you had growing up. This is how I feel about Audrey and Emily. Not only do I love their books but I just love their conversation, energy and sparkle. We were reunited over their latest rom-com, Elizabeth of East Hampton, which I devoured. We chatted writing, book tour, Hamptons, Austen and FELICITY! You will adore them once you listen to this chat.

Tim Ehrenberg of @timtalksbooks joins me this week! 🍾 First, in a new series of fabulous bookish people, Tim is my first non-author guest. I am so thrilled he was the one to kick off these episodes. 🙌🏻 We all know Tim as @elinhilderbrand right hand man but what I found out was he is an integral part of the Nantucket book scene. 📚 From president of the Nantucket Book Foundation @nantucketbookfestival to co-host of the podcast @booksbeachandbeyond to events director at @nantucketbooks @mitchellsbookcorner , he is the spark behind it all. ✨ I loved this chat so much and was so happy to leave with a new bookish friend. Tim gives off the best energy and you will absolutely want him to talk more books! He is such a gem. 💎 #bookpodcast #bookishpodcast #nantucket #booklover

Christie Watson joins me this week to chat her latest psychological suspense, Moral Injuries. This was one of my favorite chats. Watson, a former nurse, chatted all things medical (my fave) and her insights, opinions and thoughts were so valuable and fascinating. Her medical expertise is so beautifully woven into her stories and this novel is no exception. I could have listened to her journey all day. This chat is not to be missed!

So beyond thrilled to finally welcome Beatriz Williams to Books are Chic! She is a NYT best-selling author and a queen of historical fiction. We gathered to celebrate her latest novel, Husbands and Lovers which has made ALL the must-read beach reads list this summer as well as a Book of the Month selection. It has been one of my most favorite reads this summer. We talked books, New England, motherhood, inspiration and so much more. She is a master in her genre and it was so interesting and inspiring to talk to her!

FINALLY! Emma Lord is on Books are Chic. I shout that with the most love. She is the human form of the loveliest confections (tying in her love for dessert here!) We chat books, desserts, fan fiction, beaches and so much more. Her adult rom-com debut, The Break-Up Pact was a fun, summery, story with nostalgia, heart and lots of treats. Emma is so fun and her bubbly energy is as contagious as her books!

Colleen McKeegan joined me this week to celebrate her latest novel, Rip Tide. I was so excited to have her on! This book was layer, upon layer of drama, mystery, a little romance and a whole lot of 2000's nostalgia. Top notch beach read ingredients. I loved chatting with Colleen about our own memories of the early '00's, writing, reading, sisters, beach towns and motherhood. It was such a fun discussion and she is such a gem. Can't wait to see what is to come from her!

I was so excited to bring back Laurie Elizabeth Flynn to Books are Chic! Til' Death Do Us Part has been one of my most fave reads of the summer. Wine, vineyards, dead bodies and a widow who just may not be are all the elements to this perfect beachy thriller. We caught up and chatted books, wine, Sweet Valley High and so much more!

She's back. Still chic, still cool and still loves Bravo, Eliza Jane Brazier. We reunited to chat her latest, It Had to Be You- one of my fave reads of the summer. We chatted writing, new projects, Bravo :) and Hollywood. She is always so great to chat with and loved being able to celebrate this book!

A new guest and new fave chat for me with Kieran Scott! I was so happy to welcome her for her new mystery, People Will Talk. Beachside town, wedding and murder are all perfect ingredients in a summer mystery beach read. I LOVED chatting with Kieran. I learned so much about her, her writing career- she worked on SWEET VALLEY HIGH!, pop culture and so much more. This was such a fun read and I think you will leave this convo loving Kieran as much as I did!

Happy Pub day to today's guest, Catherine Steadman! Think Squid Game meets The Game. Lies, puzzles, race against time and so much more in this white knuckle thriller. She and I talked being an OG Reese pick, writing, her time acting, thrillers and so much more. Catherine was such a delight and this book is perfect summer time reading.

This episode is for the record books. If you ask me, "Court, I need a really great thriller?" one of my recommendations will always be, Look Closer by David Ellis. Clocking in at almost 2 hours, David gave me so much of his time, his story, insight, inspiration and so much more. We probably could have chatted all day. His latest, The Best Lies, is a twisty, police/FBI/lawyer driven tale with the classic Ellis recipe of bad guys who may be good buys, OMG twists and devious, deceitful behavior. He shared insight on his writing with James Patterson, days as an appeals judge, his writing inspiration and so much more.

I had so much welcoming Caro Carver, all the way from Scotland, to Books are Chic! We celebrated the release of her thriller, Bad Tourists. A girls trip in a magical location with murder, sign me up. We talked writing, beauty products, our love for thrillers, travel, the importance of setting and so much more. She was such a delight and am excited to see what is to come from her.

I was so thrilled to welcome fellow podcaster and now debut AUTHOR to Books are Chic, Carinn Jade. You may know her from her own bookish podcast, Pop Fiction Women but now she has her debut thriller, The Astrology House. If you love murder mysteries White Lotus and astrology, this one is for you. This is a perfect beach read. I had so much fun chatting books, writing, our SIGNS, research, inso for the book and so much more. I can't wait to see what more is to come from Carrin. P.S. She got the shoutouts of all shoutouts on The Today Show from Emily Giffin. You know this book is not to be missed!

My OG guest, Jamie Brenner is back with her latest, most fabulous beach read, A Novel Summer. Jamie pays homage to readers, bookstores and the magical little town of Provincetown, MA. Friendships, romance, small towns- think Gilmore Girls- all are the perfect ingredients in this literary delight. I loved catching up with Jamie, what she has been up to, reading, writing and all that things. Jamie is a gem and we are all better readers all in thanks to her books. A Novel Summer is no exception.

Clocking in at over an hour, Christine Riccio is the internet and author friend you never knew you needed! I welcomed her for the first, and definitely not the last, time to Books are Chic! We were there to celebrate her love letter to Survivor rom-com, Attached at the Hip. I loved it so much, pure joy. We talked reality TV, books, writing, OG internet fame and so, so much more. Oh yeah, and of course Taylor! I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did!

I was super excited to welcome Kimi Cunningham Grant to Books are Chic to celebrate and discuss her newest thriller, The Nature of Disappearing. Suspense immersed in nature, set to the backdrop to this influencer gone missing story. Kimi was so fun to chat with and I loved hearing how she got started and the inspirations behind her novels.

One of my OG guests, Kaira Rouda is back! We reunited to chat her latest novel, Under the Palms. A storm on the horizon, the Kingsleys and a fab hotel are all the ingredients for this beach read. I was so excited to chat with Kaira again. She is so inspiring!

Beyond thrilled, honored and excited to welcome Olivia Muneter to Books are Chic. You may know her from a little, old podcast called Bad on Paper! YES, you know the one. You will now know her as an incredible thriller author. Her debut, Such a Bad Influence has so many layers to it, bringing forth so many relevant topics. Did someone say great bookclub book? The dark side to social media, influencers, family relationships, cults, missing people- ALL THE THINGS! You will be flipping these pages so fast and who better to talk about social media than someone who knows it and lives it. I loved this chat for so many reasons but love the most being able to support Olivia and this fabulous book.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is one of my all time favorite reads and this long awaited sequel, The Next Mrs. Parrish was on my beach reads must list! Newly named, a NYT bestseller, it lived up to all the hype. I was so thrilled to welcome back the sisterly duo of Liv Constantine to talk the future of Parrish, inspiration, Reese and so much more. They are such a fun duo and have such a creative way to write and collaborate!

Joy! Katherine Center is the human form of joy and we are all the better for her books and presence in the book world. I was so thrilled to chat with her AGAIN about the most delightful, latest romance, The Rom-Commers. We had an epic chat and talked romance, books, the need for more JOY and so much more. I left feeling elated and HAPPY! Like I say in the episode, we all need MORE Katherine Center in our lives!

I knew I wanted to interview Peter because one, The Kind Worth Killing is one of my all time favorite thrillers and two, he is a North Shore guy and well that takes the cake! Peter was such a fun interview. We chatted thrillers, Boston, his inspiration and so much more. A Talent for Murder is his latest thriller and continues with story of Lily Kitner, one of my fave characters, but can also be read as a stand alone.

This felt like years in the making. I have interviewed so many connections with Susie but never the author herself. I was so thrilled to welcome her to Books are Chic for her latest, Anna Bright is Hiding Something- a little Anna Delvey and a little Elizabeth Holmes. Yes Please! We had a great chat about her writing, inspiration and the Thursday Author's Club!

I had the pleasure of chatting with Maya Henry, whose debut novel, Looking Froward is inspired by events from her life. She is a student, model, actress and activist and this book was a work of love, awareness and truth. Her story is worldwide, taking you all over, but also is a voice for women. Mal and Oliver are a love story like no other. The format of the book was so unique and really made the reading experience captivating. I also loved that I was her FIRST podcast, she was a pro!

I did not know when I started my interview with @riley.sager that it would not only solidify his presence on my auto-buy list but also learn what an amazing human Riley is. He’s a reader, book fan and so much more. 💥 He is a #swiftie , a disney fan, all the while writing suspenseful thrillers. We chatted about his new novel, Middle of the Night- which I read in record speed- it’s fabulous. 🔪 We shout out Abby Endler of @crimebythebook and his fave indie- @murderbooks 💀 Riley is just a blast and this chat ranks up there as one of my faves. 🙌🏻 #bookpodcasts #booklover #book #thriller #swifties #rileysager #readersofinstagram #bookaddict

@katespencer - queen, icon, legend is on Books are Chic. MY podcast. 😱 As a fan of @forever35podcast and now her delectable rom-coms, this guest and episode are truly a dream. 💥 I was so happy to celebrate her latest novel, One Last Summer! Summer, Romance, Boston- all the perfect ingredients for a beachy literary cocktail! Kate is the real deal. She gave me more than enough of her time, clocking in over an hour! We talked life, products, favorite rom coms, books, BOSTON and what the future holds for Kate after Forever 35! I could have talked to her for hours. She truly feels like your BFF. 💕 @readforeverpub #bookpodcast #podcastersofinstagram #forever35 #katespencer #summerreading #beachreads #bookstagram #booklover #romcom #romcombooks

So excited to welcome back, Brooke Lea Foster for her latest summer read- All the Summers In Between. A book about friendship, scandal and what secrets we are willing to keep. I love Brooke because she is a little historical fiction and little mystery, the most perfect combo. We talked, caught up and shared the love of books! I was thrilled to reunite. She always feels like an old friend.