This week, Danielle is joined by Alex Aster, the prolific, Romantasy Queen of Booktok. Coming out of 2025, in which she published four novels, Alex is back with Starside, her first foray into adult fiction – and, later this year, Barbie: Dreamscape, a YA retelling of the beloved Mattel doll. Alex and Danielle talk perseverance in publishing, the power of storytelling, and which romantasy tropes give Alex the ick (spoiler: hardly any of them do). 

BOOKS MENTIONED:

A Guide to Literary Agents by Robert Lee Brewer

Lightlark Series by Alex Aster

Starside by Alex Aster 

Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster

Curse of the Forgotten City by Alex Aster

Summer in the City by Alex Aster

Barbie Dreamscape by Alex Aster

 

This week, Danielle is joined by Alex Aster, the prolific, Romantasy Queen of Booktok. Coming out of 2025, in which she published four novels, Alex is back with Starside, her first foray into adult fiction &ndash; and, later this year, Barbie: Dreamscape, a YA retelling of the beloved Mattel doll. Alex and Danielle talk perseverance in publishing, the power of storytelling, and which romantasy tropes give Alex the ick (spoiler: hardly any of them do).&nbsp;
BOOKS MENTIONED:
A Guide to Literary Agents by Robert Lee Brewer
Lightlark Series by Alex Aster
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/starside/id1822619665?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Starside</a> by Alex Aster&nbsp;
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/curse-of-the-night-witch/id1495907570?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Curse of the Night Witch</a>&nbsp;by Alex Aster
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/curse-of-the-forgotten-city/id1534951230?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Curse of the Forgotten City</a> by Alex Aster
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Barbie Dreamscape by Alex Aster
&nbsp;

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation. 

Follow Reese’s Book Club on Apple Books and never miss a chapter: https://apple.co/rbcapplebooks 

 

Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese&rsquo;s Book Club &mdash; the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You&rsquo;re not just listening &mdash; you&rsquo;re part of the conversation.&nbsp;
Follow Reese&rsquo;s Book Club on Apple Books and never miss a chapter: <a href="https://apple.co/rbcapplebooks">https://apple.co/rbcapplebooks</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club

The Bright Side, the hit podcast from Hello Sunshine, is back for a brand new season! Every Monday, join Emmy nominated host, Simone Boyce, as she brings you a dose of culture and inspiration - with celebrity interviews, the latest in health and wellness, smart takes on pop culture, and real conversations with women doing amazing things. The Bright Side is a destination for joy and connection; the show is designed to inspire, educate, and empower women as they navigate everyday challenges and live life to the fullest. 

The Bright Side, the hit podcast from Hello Sunshine, is back for a brand new season! Every Monday, join Emmy nominated host, Simone Boyce, as she brings you a dose of culture and inspiration - with celebrity interviews, the latest in health and wellness, smart takes on pop culture, and real conversations with women doing amazing things. The Bright Side is a destination for joy and connection; the show is designed to inspire, educate, and empower women as they navigate everyday challenges and live life to the fullest.&nbsp;

The Bright Side: A Hello Sunshine Podcast

From Rejection to the Bestseller List with Author Alex Aster

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a641d33d-7270-4fa1-9356-b42c001e9cc7/transcript

On this week’s episode, Danielle sits down with Rufi Thorpe, the author of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the wildly original novel that’s now been adapted into a highly anticipated Apple TV+ series. They talk about the chaos and comedy of motherhood, the reality of being in your twenties with no roadmap, and the power of choosing your own path even when it makes people uncomfortable. Plus, Rufi reveals her delightfully messy writing habits and gives some fun BTS details from the show.

 

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver

On this week&rsquo;s episode, Danielle sits down with Rufi Thorpe, the author of Margo&rsquo;s Got Money Troubles, the wildly original novel that&rsquo;s now been adapted into a highly anticipated Apple TV+ series. They talk about the chaos and comedy of motherhood, the reality of being in your twenties with no roadmap, and the power of choosing your own path even when it makes people uncomfortable. Plus, Rufi reveals her delightfully messy writing habits and gives some fun BTS details from the show.
&nbsp;
BOOKS MENTIONED:
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/margos-got-money-troubles/id6466167331?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Margo's Got Money Troubles</a> by Rufi Thorpe
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-clan-of-the-cave-bear-with-bonus-content/id419946998?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">The Clan of the Cave Bear</a> by Jean M. Auel
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-master-butchers-singing-club/id363688752?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">The Master Butchers Singing Club</a> by Louise Erdrich
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/shutter-island/id360622440?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Shutter Island</a> by Dennis Lehane
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-heaven-earth-grocery-store/id6445046432?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">The Heaven &amp; Earth Grocery Store</a> by James McBride
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/what-we-talk-about-when-we-talk-about-love/id995697480?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">What We Talk About When We Talk About Love</a> by Raymond Carver

On this week’s episode, Danielle sits down with Rufi Thorpe, the author of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the wildly original novel that’s now been adapted into a highly anticipated Apple TV+ series. They talk about the chaos and comedy of motherhood, the reality of being in your twenties with no roadmap, and the power of choosing your own path even when it makes people uncomfortable. Plus, Rufi reveals her delightfully messy writing habits and gives some fun BTS details from the show.    BOOKS MENTIONED:  Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe  The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel  The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich  Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane  The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride  What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver

Margo’s Got Money Troubles: From Cult Favorite to TV Binge with Rufi Thorpe

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/66e5c90a-3a66-44ed-9d25-b4240130f0f6/transcript

This week, Danielle is hanging out in an icon’s closet. And not just any icon – Lisa F*cking Rinna. Fresh off her book tour for her new memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It, Lisa is here and ready to show up as her full self – silly, joyful and growing — always growing! Lisa takes Danielle behind the scenes of writing her memoir, deep dives into some juuuicy Real Housewives drama – and even devises a little acting role for herself, should, you know, the opportunity arise. 

 

BOOKS MENTIONED:

You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It by Lisa Rinna 

Pretty Mess by Ericka Jayne 

Believe Me by Yolanda Hadid

This week, Danielle is hanging out in an icon&rsquo;s closet. And not just any icon &ndash; Lisa F*cking Rinna. Fresh off her book tour for her new memoir, You Better Believe I&rsquo;m Gonna Talk About It, Lisa is here and ready to show up as her full self &ndash; silly, joyful and growing &mdash; always growing! Lisa takes Danielle behind the scenes of writing her memoir, deep dives into some juuuicy Real Housewives drama &ndash; and even devises a little acting role for herself, should, you know, the opportunity arise.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
BOOKS MENTIONED:
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/you-better-believe-im-gonna-talk-about-it/id6740812453?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">You Better Believe I&rsquo;m Gonna Talk About It by Lisa Rinna&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/pretty-mess/id1273748185?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Pretty Mess by Ericka Jayne&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/believe-me/id6670449239?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Believe Me by Yolanda Hadid</a>

The Lisa Rinna-saince: The Traitors, Ghostwriters, and Her New Memoir

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3f2993c9-c6d0-415b-8441-b41e000c85e4/transcript

This week, we’re talking with author (and puzzle entrepreneur) Rachel Hochhauser about the March Reese’s Book Club Pick, Lady Tremaine. It’s not just a re-telling of Cinderella — it’s an un-telling that dares to ask: what if the wicked stepmother wasn’t wicked … but a mom trying her best to provide for her children? And what if a marriage isn’t a happily ever after … but the beginning of a whole new story? Danielle and Rachel talk puzzle-solving strategies, falconry, and decentering men and romance in women’s stories. You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but you’ve never read it like this.

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Cinderella by Charles Perrault 

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen

Sleeping Beauty by  Charles Perrault

This week, we&rsquo;re talking with author (and puzzle entrepreneur) Rachel Hochhauser about the March Reese&rsquo;s Book Club Pick, Lady Tremaine. It&rsquo;s not just a re-telling of Cinderella &mdash; it&rsquo;s an un-telling that dares to ask: what if the wicked stepmother wasn&rsquo;t wicked &hellip; but a mom trying her best to provide for her children? And what if a marriage isn&rsquo;t a happily ever after &hellip; but the beginning of a whole new story? Danielle and Rachel talk puzzle-solving strategies, falconry, and decentering men and romance in women&rsquo;s stories. You may think you know the story of Cinderella, but you&rsquo;ve never read it like this.
BOOKS MENTIONED:
<a href="https://books.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewFeature?id=6754987999&amp;mt=11&amp;ls=1&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;at=1000l36qK">Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/cinderella/id1037629346?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Cinderella by Charles Perrault&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/ella-enchanted/id553174334?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-little-mermaid/id982719522?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen</a>
<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-sleeping-beauty/id487910015?at=1000l36qK&amp;itscg=80048&amp;itsct=AB_PT_RBC_POD&amp;campaign_id=AB_PT_RBC_POD">Sleeping Beauty by&nbsp; Charles Perrault</a>

Evil or Misunderstood? March’s Reese’s Book Club Pick Reimagines a Classic Fairytale 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5bebba3b-b298-4274-aaf1-b41700e20345/transcript

From Rejection to the Bestseller List with Author Alex Aster

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