Book Lounge by Libby

The temperature is rising, and so is the romance stack. In the Season 3 finale of Book Lounge by Libby, romance novel matchmaker, experienced bookseller, and bookish creator Destinee (@yourromancedestinee) joins the lounge to share the steamy romance books that deserve a spot on your summer TBR. 

From slow burns that leave readers desperate for more, to romances packed with chemistry, banter, longing, and unforgettable love stories, Joe & Destinee share recommendations for every kind of romance reader. The conversation dives into what makes a great romance novel, why the genre continues to captivate millions of readers, and how finding the perfect romance book is all about matching the right story to the right reader. 

Season 3 may be coming to a close, but Book Lounge by Libby isn’t going anywhere! After this episode, the podcast will move to a monthly rhythm of three episodes per month through the end of September when Season 4 launches with even more author conversations, reading recommendations and behind-the-scenes book world discussions. 

Whether searching for spicy romance books, summer romance reads, or a brand-new favorite love story, this episode is the perfect way to heat up a reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Destinee’s picks: 


Never Seduce a Scot – Maya Banks 


High Seas Heat – Sarah Blue 


Die for Me – Shirlene Obuobi 


By the Bootstraps – Alexa Martin 


Rebel Heiress – Amalie Howard 


Just a Highland Fling – Naina Kumar 


Psy-Changeling Series (Book 1: Slave to Sensation) - Nalini Singh 

Joe’s picks: 


Extracurricular – Rachel Lynn Solomon 


Goliaths of Wrestling Series (Book 4: False Comeback) - Lily Mayne  


Jacksonville Rays Series (Book 4: Pucking Strong) - Emily Rath 


Shoutout: Puckboys Series (Book 1:  Egotistical Puckboy) – Eden Finley & Saxon James 


Night at the Vampire Castle – Hari Conner 


The Hades Calculus – Maria Ying 


Time and Time Again – Chatham Greenfield 


Lost Boys series (Book 1: The Skeptic) – Kelly Fox 

Who’s in this episode:  

Destinee (yourromancedestinee) - Links 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:16 Welcome to Destinee 00:02:15 Get to know Destinee and what got her into romance! 00:04:30 The change of the romance reader landscape 00:07:33 What are your favorite/least favorite tropes?  00:11:24 What are your favorite questions to be asked as a bookseller?  00:15:30 Romance Recommendations! 00:54:05 Thank you and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer reading is getting steamy! Today, Joe is joined by bestselling romance authors Ann Liang and BK Borison for a conversation about creating unforgettable love stories, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. 

The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. 

From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you’re searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in the episode: 


Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ 


BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ 


Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating one of our favorite ways to experience stories. 

This week Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the BOOK GANG podcast, to talk about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. 

This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. 

Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Titles for Episode:  

Amy’s Picks:  


Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel 


Good People - Patmeena Sabit 


Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser 


My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand 


Skin Contact - Elisa Faison 


Invasive Species - Ellery Adams 

Joe’s Picks:  


Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage 


The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore 


Headlights – CJ Leede 


Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay 


God of the Woods - Liz Moore  


Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon 


A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys 


The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass 


Bath Haus – PJ Vernon 


The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz  


Don’t Let the Forest In – CG Drews  


The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D’Amato 


Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree 


Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman 


The Diviners – Libba Bray 


Believing – Anita Hill 


The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi 


Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose 


MindWorks – Neal Shusterman 


Out There – Kate Folk 


Bubblegum – Adam Levin  


The Dresden Files  – Jim Butcher 


A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket 


Vagabond – Tim Curry 


NOS4ATU – Joe Hill 


Rosemary’s Baby – Ira Levin 


Charlotte’s Web – EB White  


The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black  


How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell 


Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark – Links 

Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack.  LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 01:12:50 Outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the art of bringing stories to life through audio. 

From developing character voices to recording emotional scenes, Saskia and Michael share what really goes into creating an unforgettable listening experience. Together, they explore the unique magic of audiobooks, the relationship between narrator and listener, and why hearing a story can feel so different from reading one on the page. 

Saskia Maarleveld has narrated more than 700 audiobooks and is known for her remarkable ability to perform a wide range of accents and characters across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and young adult literature. Listeners may recognize her work on bestselling titles like The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and The God of the Woods.  

Michael Crouch has recorded more than 500 audiobooks and is an AudioFile Golden Voice narrator whose work has earned Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and widespread acclaim from listeners and critics alike. He's particularly celebrated for his performances in young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and contemporary literary fiction.  

Whether you're a lifelong audiobook fan, a devoted Book Lounge listener, or someone who's been curious about trying audiobooks for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of publishing's most beloved formats. 

Celebrate Audiobook Month with us and discover why a great narrator can transform a great book into an unforgettable experience. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Michael Crouch - Website 

Saskia Maarleveld– Instagram Check out Saskia’s Medium article – The Voice in Your Ears 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:39 Welcome to Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch 00:03:05 What does it feel like to work on IP books vs. Original Content?  00:06:30 What does creative freedom look like to you in narration?  00:15:05 What brought you into audiobook work?  00:25:03 What genre feels like home?  00:30:08 How are people getting into narration today?  00:40:41 Is there a standard for what you’re paid for your work?  00:50:03 Working on pronunciations 00:53:32 Lightning Round 00:59:55 Thanks and Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should you read this Pride Month? 

In this Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share book recommendations that celebrate queer stories, queer joy, and the many ways LGBTQIA+ people find connection, community, and hope. 

As they discuss the books they're recommending this June, the conversation expands beyond reading lists to explore what it means to live Pride every day of the year. Together, Joe and Jananie reflect on the importance of making space for joy, remembrance, rest, and reflection, and how books can help us better understand ourselves and each other. 

Whether you're looking to discover new LGBTQIA+ authors, add more queer stories to your TBR, or simply find your next great read, this episode offers thoughtful recommendations and meaningful conversation about the power of reading during Pride Month and beyond. 

From stories that celebrate queer futures to books that honor the past, this is a conversation about reading, identity, community, and the many ways Pride can live on long after June ends. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Jananie’s Picks: 


Comedic Timing – Upasna Barath 


Tall Water – SJ Sindu 


Meeting Millie – Clare Ashton 


Honey Girl – Morgan Roges 


Perfume and Pain – Anna Dorn 


Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis 


Big Swiss – Jen Beagin 


Local Heavens – K. M. Fajardo 


Devil of the Deep – Falencia Jean Francois 


House of Hunger - Alexis Henderson 

Joe’s Picks: 


Stag Dance & Detransition Baby – Torrey Peters 


Tell Me I’m Worthless – Alison Rumfitt 


Northranger – Rey Terciero 


Jackson Alone – Jose Ando 


Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous – Autumn K. England 


We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune 


Patricia Wants to Cuddle – Samantha Allen 


You Weren’t Meant to Be Human – Andrew Joseph White 

Who’s in this episode:  

Jananie K. Velu – Links  

Glad Day Lit, Toronto - website 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:00:54 Welcome to Jananie K. Velu 00:01:26 What are your pride practices?  00:07:50 Our Pride Reading Recommendations 01:00:10 Thanks to Jananie and Outro! 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices