Apparently, Rachel Leviss Wasn't Paid To Appear On Bethenny Frankel's Podcast

Rachel (Raquel) Leviss, Bethenny FrankelRachel (Raquel) Leviss, Bethenny Frankel

Well, it seems like Scandoval may have finally come to an end. The leading lady in the Bravosphere-altering affair broke her silence with The Real Housewives of New York City alum Bethenny Frankel on her podcast, Just B with Bethenny Frankel. Rachel Leviss (formerly Raquel Leviss) shared her thoughts on the Vanderpump Rules fiasco in a three-part sit-down interview since Scandoval dominated mainstream media, and the latest topic of conversation is all about money, honey.

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Raquel Leviss Breaks Her Silence & The Cycle of Hate | Video Podcast

To quickly recap, Vanderpump Rules cast member Tom Sandoval came under fire earlier this year for his months-long affair with fellow co-star Raquel Leviss, effectively ending his decade-long relationship with Leviss’s close friend (AND co-star) Ariana Madix. The Scandoval launched the cast of VPR onto the world’s stage, with plenty of people weighing in on the cast members.

Raquel — oops, we mean Rachel — has kept a low profile since the affair was revealed in March, checking into a mental health treatment facility for three months. She surfaced for the first time on July 18 in Tucson, Arizona, donning a baggy look and a hat that ironically read: "Be a good person."

The current drama, though, surrounds the $$$ behind the chaotic franchise. While a source tells Entertainment Tonight that "Rachel wasn’t paid for her interview with Bethenny," fans are having a hard time believing she would turn down a six-figure slot on Season 11 of VPR for a free sit-down on Bethenny's show. And in case you're wondering just how much that six-figure slot is worth, Lisa Vanderpump told TMZ that Rachel was paid $361,000 for her role in the show's tenth season. Much more than an intern's hourly wages that Bethenny claimed the series was paying Rachel.

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Oop! #LisaVanderpump tells #TMZ that #RaquelLeviss was paid $361k for this past season of #PumpRules, after her appearance on #BethennyFrankel’s podcast, claiming she never got a penny from #Scandoval!

Even so, much of the first and second parts of the podcast focused on how Rachel is doing today, and the impact Scandoval had on her. "I’m OK. I’m hanging in there," Rachel tells Bethenny. "It’s been a whirlwind. It’s been chaos, but I’ve taken some time to myself to reflect and try to understand my actions and I finally have come to a place where it makes sense to me."

"Part of the reason why I wanted to go to a treatment facility was to understand my behaviors,” Rachel continues. “My goal was to really get down to the bottom of, 'OK why am I choosing men that are unavailable, why do I keep finding myself in unhealthy relationships, what are the things that I need to change about my behavior.' And in knowing that I needed to make a change, I first had to know what leads to those behaviors."

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Bethenny — who admits she didn’t watch Vanderpump Rules until the affair took over the news cycle — says she felt sympathy for Rachel while witnessing the backlash she received online and knew her life was being "exploited" without compensation.

"It’s so nice to have you validate that experience because for a moment I thought I was going crazy. And it’s true, reality TV is edited, it is contrived to create a certain storyline. So it’s not all factual,” Rachel responds.

Rachel adds, "As a viewer tuning in, it’s easy to get wrapped up in that. Then the concept of an affair hits really hard to a lot of people. So I think there was a lot of projection happening, a lot of emotions that came up for people, and unfortunately, I was the punching bag for a lot of that."

Rachel takes accountability for her actions, though, forgoing the brash version we saw in Season 10. "I do want to take a moment though to just acknowledge the hurt that I brought to a lot of people. I was not careful in my actions and I was not thinking long-term. I was completely wrapped up in heartbreak and wanting to get certain needs met."

"Looking back now, I can see that I was still healing from a relationship from someone I thought I was going to marry," she admits, seemingly referencing the end of her engagement to Vanderpump Rules co-star (DJ) James Kennedy. "And in ending that, I still haven’t healed yet."

But what about Ariana? The BFF she undeniably betrayed? Well, Rachel feels slighted by her and wants the world to know that they were just “friends.” "Part of me says, good for you, because take advantage of these opportunities while they come your way. But it is hurtful to me just to think that — my nature is very kind and forgiving and understanding of other people, so the concept of me being the ultimate reality TV villain just blows my mind. And the way that she spoke to me at the reunion, I feel like it was uncalled for.”

Interesting…We don't fully disagree with Rachel. She does deserve to take time for herself (we all do) and anyone who is able to look internally and improve themselves is admirable, but we can't agree that anything Ariana did was inherently wrong. Ariana was deeply hurt, and like anyone going through a mind-blowing, life-altering event, expressing their anger is a huge part of healing.

Oh, and Rachel adds that she "would not be involved in this affair, secrecy-type situation if [she] thought there was longevity in this relationship between Tom and Ariana.” No offense, but that’s no reason to have an affair — ever.

At the moment, Rachel is “at peace” in Arizona and doesn’t plan on returning to Los Angeles to film Season 11 of Vanderpump Rules, which is probably a good choice for her. Filming for the upcoming season is currently underway, and fans are not happy to see the cast engaging with either of the Toms at all.

We hope Rachel finds the healing she needs, and is able to lead a happy and healthy life out of the reality TV spotlight. Like one commenter wrote, “I’m here for this. While everyone else from the show got their fame, support, and attention...Rachel literally took on so much verbal, mental, and emotional warfare from everyone around her…and yet the MAN who was in the committed relationship is still around…hanging out with the cast. This just shows the level of hatred everyone has for women in general…even if single and vulnerable you are held to a higher standard the the man in a very committed relationship stepping out. Of course Rachel is guilty of her own crimes but the backlash she received over [Scandoval] will always baffle me.”

Part one of Rachel’s interview on Just B With Bethenny went live on Wednesday, August 16, with parts two and three coming out on August 17 and 18. According to Entertainment Tonight, a video of the full interview is expected to hit YouTube by Saturday, August 20.

What do you think about Rachel’s statements? Are you on #TeamAriana or #TeamRachel? Let us know @BritandCo!

Header photo via bravotv.com(Rachel Leviss), Rich Polk/Getty Images for MTV (Bethenny Frankel).

This post has been updated.

The internet was locked into The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives when it premiered on Hulu last year — and not just because these women basically founded MomTok. We had so many questions about Whitneys's relationships with the rest of the women, the Galentine's Day celebration, and that soda obsession, and good news for anyone else who hasn't been able to stop thinking about it: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 is on its way!

Here's everything we know about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2, streaming on Hulu May 15.

Is there a season 2 for Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

Yes, season 2 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is on the way. New episodes drop this May, and season 2 is going to be "better" than season 1. "But I do think this one is going to be just as good, if not better, than our first season," Taylor Frankie Paul says in an interview with People. "So far, I think everything has been so fun and entertaining to experience for myself."

But that's not all! Six women from the group (Taylor Frankie Paul, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, and Layla Taylor) are headed to Las Vegas after the premiere for a roundtable-style discussion, games, and surprises according to People. They'll be at The Venetian Resort's Palazzo Theatre in Vegas on June 7 for MomTok: The Unholy Tea (you can get more info here).

“We’re beyond excited to bring MomTok directly to our fans at The Venetian Resort," they said in a press release. "This show is our chance to connect, let loose and give audiences an unforgettable girls’ night out in Vegas – a city that’s become such an iconic part of our story!”

Where can I watch the new Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 is coming to Hulu on May 15, 2025.

How many episodes of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are there?

There are 8 episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives so far. Stay tuned for the full list of season 2 episodes, but for now, here are the episodes you can watch!

  • Season 1, Episode 1 "The First Book of Taylor" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 2 "The Book of Belonging" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 3 "The Book of Saints & Sinners" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 4 "The Book of Truth" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 5 "The Book of Broken Vows" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 6 "The First Book of Sin" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 7 "The Book of Trust" premiered on September 6, 2024
  • Season 1, Episode 8 "The Book of Rumors" premiered on September 6, 2024

Who's in the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2?

Disney/Hulu

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 will see the return of our favorite MomTok creators, as well as some new additions:

  • Jen Affleck
  • Demi Engemann
  • Whitney Leavitt
  • Mikayla Matthews
  • Mayci Neeley
  • Jessi Ngatikaura
  • Taylor Frankie Paul
  • Layla Taylor
  • Miranda Hope

What to watch after Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?

With so much reality TV at our fingertips, there are plenty of shows to stream after you finish season 1 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (and while you wait for season 2). Sister Wives on Hulu, The Real Housewives franchise on Peacock, and even Mormon No More on Hulu are all great options for Secret Lives of Mormon Wives fans.

Are you excited for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2? Check out 12 New TV Shows To Watch In April To Avoid Major FOMO for more ideas on what to watch this month.

While all dog owners tend to think their furry friends are the best boys or girls in the world, the numbers don't lie. New statistics released by the American Kennel Club, the world's largest registry of purebred dogs, revealed the most popular dog breeds in the United States for 2024, and spoiler alert: French Bulldogs stole the top spot again. Here were all the most popular dog breeds, according to the AKC.

Scroll to see the AKC's top 20 dog breeds for 2024!

What were the most popular dog breed for 2024?

Anna Shvets

This may come as a shock, but after reigning supreme for a whopping 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ousted by the Frenchie in 2022. Since then, this breed has remained the most popular dog in the U.S. for three years running. Their smaller stature, playful temperament, and adaptable nature are likely to thank for their rising numbers across the nation.

Garfield Besa

Labrador Retrievers are still hot on Frenchies' tails, though, ranking as the second most popular dog breed. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles followed in third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively. Overall, the rankings for the top five remained the same from 2023 to 2024.

Kim Dubois

However, the remaining spots within the top 10 did see some shifts. Beagles rose one spot from eighth place to seventh place, and Rottweilers also climbed up to eighth place; meanwhile, Bulldogs dropped to ninth place, and German Shorthaired Pointers stayed in tenth place.

Now, of the 201 breeds included in the list, several saw significant rises in popularity over the past year. Leading the charge is the Kerry Blue Terrier, a working dog that jumped an impressive 25 spots to number 135. The Bracco Italiano, which was only officially recognized by the AKC in 2022, followed suit, catapulting 20 spots ahead to number 132.

Ron Lach

Then, both the German Pinscher and the American Staffordshire Terrier also advanced 18 slots each. Other notable climbs include the Bedlington Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The former rose 15 places to number 134, and the latter jumped 14 places to number 69.

Interestingly, the Saluki dropped considerably in popularity during 2024, moving 21 spots down to number 141. The Black and Tan Coonhound and the Wirehaired Vizsla witnessed significant decreases, too, at 20 spots and 17 spots, respectively.

Cup of Couple

At the same time, some breeds held their ground and maintained their 2023 popularity positions. Shih Tzus stayed at number 20, and Pomeranians and Boston Terriers continued to clock in at numbers 22 and 23.

Finally, the list's bottom 20 is comprised of rarer breeds, which have the lowest registration numbers in the U.S. The least popular dog in 2024 was the English Foxhound, falling from number 199 to number 201 from 2023 to 2024.

The first and second runners-up to last place go to the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. The former is an Italian herding dog, and the latter is a French scent hound.

What are the top 20 dog breeds for 2024?

Valeria Boltneva

  1. French Bulldog
  2. Labrador Retriever
  3. Golden Retriever
  4. German Shepherd
  5. Poodle
  6. Dachshund
  7. Beagle
  8. Rottweiler
  9. Bulldog
  10. German Shorthaired Pointer
  11. Yorkshire Terrier
  12. Australian Shepherd
  13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  14. Cane Corso
  15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  16. Doberman Pinscher
  17. Boxer
  18. Miniature Schnauzer
  19. Bernese Mountain Dog
  20. Shih Tzu

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Jeremiah Brent has an amazing knack for making spaces feel luxe but also totally livable. His modern-vintage aesthetic creates really timeless, soulful spaces I love. One of my favorite reality shows, Queer Eye, is lucky to have him as their newest member and interior designer. I chatted with Jeremiah this week about all things design, reality TV, his life with partner Nate Berkus (plus a few lovely wedding design tips), and his pantry organization hacks.

Also, you can score a pantry makeover with Jeremiah, thanks to Almond Breeze. Find the sweepstakes details below!

Here's what Jeremiah Brent shared with us about decor, Queer Eye, and life with Nate Berkus in an exclusive interview!

Jeremiah Brent

Your aesthetic is known for being sophisticated yet warm. What’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to make their home feel more personal?

Jeremiah: Theresa, that's my life mission with design. It’s become super-prescriptive design. The most memorable rooms and homes I've ever been in had nothing to do with how much money they spent or if it was from Architectural Digest, it just looked like them.

My biggest piece of advice would be: Really think about the moments in your day that matter most to you. Are you an early morning person who needs coffee? Are you an evening person who wants to lie down and watch TV, or are you somebody who's very ceremonial?

Do you have a spot to read a book and have a glass of wine at night? If you start creating your space for your moments instead of for other people, it just changes the way you move through your own house.

Nate & Jeremiah by Design gave viewers a glimpse into your life with Nate and your family — what was it like working so closely with your partner on screen?

Jeremiah: He's my favorite person in the world. I mean, it's not easy to work with a spouse. It can really make or break you, but my husband has always believed in my talent and my perspective creatively and we have a lot of respect for each other. What it represented was us being able to show a family like ours to the world that maybe they didn't have access to, and it was really important and I'm really proud of it. It's also this beautiful timeline of the first 10 years of our lives as a family.

Netflix

Now you’re joining Queer Eye. What’s something about working on reality TV home makeovers that people might not realize?

Jeremiah: This is going to be a weird thing to say, but I don't think people realize how real Queer Eye is. I've worked on a lot of reality television, which is aging me tremendously. [laughs] Queer Eye is different. I mean, I sat there every week watching people walk into new versions of themselves. It's an interesting thing when you see somebody the way they want to be seen and then you watch them change the way they see themselves. I got to watch my dearest friends do what they do and it was just wild. You can't produce that kind of energy.

What's one of your favorite moments on the show?

Jeremiah: There was a woman named Jen'ya who is a single mother and I was raised by a single mother, and it was particularly impactful for me because it's everything you wish you could have done for your mother growing up. To be able to have that full circle moment and say, "I know exactly what you're going through" and every chance you just can't seem to get, that felt really good.

Netflix

Let’s talk weddings. What’s one design element from Say I Do that you’d love to see more couples incorporate into their own celebrations?

Jeremiah: The people that they love, which is a weird thing to say, but I think so much about weddings becomes about the conventional, like flowers and this and that. That personalized component makes it just this really beautiful, holistic, important thing. In our wedding we tried to incorporate the people that were really part of the fabric of our lives because we wouldn't have been there without them.

What are some ways that you and Nate incorporated your closest people?

Jeremiah: My mother's recipes for our desserts, certain flowers from my grandparents, certain smells. We incorporated photos in different areas. My sister sang at our wedding, which was super special. Tons of different little things, like little nods to people we love.

What’s one design trend that makes you cringe?

Jeremiah: Acrylic furniture because of fingerprints and dust. But I support people who have it, it’s just not for me.

Enter To Win A Pantry Makeover From Jeremiah!

Jeremiah Brent

  • About Sweeps:Almond Breeze is teaming up with Jeremiah Brent to highlight the brand’s shelf-stable Almondmilk varieties as pantry staples, Unsweetened Vanilla and Unsweetened Original. The brand is offering a pantry makeover with Jeremiah for one lucky winner!
  • Entry Period: The sweepstakes kicks off on 2/18/25 and ends on 2/25/25.
  • How To Enter: You can enter the sweeps by visiting: https://enterpromo.com/almondbreeze. Simply fill out your name, email, phone, home address and DOB, and you’re in the running to win!
  • Terms & Conditions: Must be 18 or older to enter. Must be U.S.-based, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Given this sweepstakes, what are your best organizational hacks for the pantry?

Jeremiah: I think the pantry becomes kind of a catch-all for everything. And the next thing you know, half of it's expired. It kind of becomes like a pit where things go to die. In our own house, I'm constantly editing, even if it's just changing where things are spatially in the pantry, moving them around a little bit forces you to go through things and reassess them. And lighting. Buy simple, really inexpensive LED strip lighting that you can attach to the top of your pantry inside and light. It makes a world of a difference.

Netflix

Why you decided to partner with Almond Breeze. Do you have a go-to recipe or favorite beverage?

Jeremiah: We're really aligned for a lot of different reasons. They are crafted obviously from the best Blue Diamond almonds. They're all about sustainability. The fact that it's this wholesome plant-based almondmilk. We use it in smoothies, cereals, Poppy [my daughter] just used it in her cereal this morning. You know, life is crazy and busy and I'm traveling all the time and I love that I don't have to worry in two weeks if I need to get rid of it because it’s shelf stable. It's just a matter of aligning with a company that their priorities are in the same place as mine, as a father and as a husband.

Do you like to cook?

Jeremiah: Love to cook. It's my favorite. I love the ceremony of it, preparing something and then people coming together and then watching them eat it. It's the best.

What's your go-to recipe that's not a beverage?

Jeremiah: I'll give you two. I make a weeknight bolognese, but I actually think the recipe is from Ina Garten because I'm obsessed with her. And then I do a jalapeño pomegranate glazed ham for the holidays, which sounds like a lot of flavor and very fancy, but it's really easy and it's so good.

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Spring is here and it's brought the promise of more riveting new books with it! Bookish readers will love getting lost in our most-anticipated recommendations by authors Sarah Damoff, Allison Raskin, and more! We know how much you love rom-coms, but we've also included mystery, romantasy, and self-improvement titles to give you a range of TBR picks to choose from.

Scroll to find the best swoon-worthy rom-coms, nail-biting mysteries, and helpful self-improvement books debuting in April!

The Best Fiction Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett (April 1, 2025)

Anna's perception of London was molded thanks to days spent reading books about it at the public library. She's always wanted to go there and finally gets her chance once she graduates from college. However, she's taken aback when she sees how "dull" it looks. Just when she's ready to accept that her life will never bear any excitement, Anna secures a job as a tutor for the Wilders daughter. All of a sudden, she finds herself partying and living a life of luxury in Saint-Tropez.

Somewhere along the way, she encounters two appealing men who ignite the fire of different parts of her. But, there's no telling how long Anna will be able to keep up with the new life she's been temporarily afforded.

Amazon

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner (April 8, 2025)

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were once the the greatest pop stars ever. Known to the public as The Griffin Sisters, their hits coupled with public appearances made them ultra popular. However, their personalities have always been different and it's part of what eventually drove them apart.
Between Zoe being a mom and Cassie living an obscured life, the only person who seems to have an idea of what happened to their careers is Zoe's daughter Cherry. But the only way the past can be healed is if everyone's willing to confront it and reconcile the lives they currently live.

Amazon

Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 8, 2025)

Nikki's been caught in the middle of a strange feud between her mom and grandmother, so she's shocked when the latter wants her to visit. Before long, Nikki arrives in North Carolina and hopes to discover what happened to the women she loves. Instead, her grandmother begins to tell her about a forgotten kingdom that her great-great-great grandmother Luella was queen of. Adding to Nikki's astonishment is the revelation that her grandmother is telling the truth based on the artifacts the young woman finds hidden in the hills.
Sadly, there are people who are threatening to completely erase the Kingdom of Happy Land's history which leaves Nikki in charge of saving it.

Amazon

A Proposal to Die For by Molly Harper (April 8, 2025)

Jessamine Bricker is a planner who knows how to make situations flow effortlessly. It's why she's successful at proposal plannings. However, she decides to help a former classmate named Diana and her boyfriend Trenton Tillard, IV to continue affording her office. She'd rather not, but she doesn't want to be pushed out of the space she's in. It's how Jessamine finds herself being a reluctant guest during Diana's pre-wedding trip.

Beginning with day one, one thing after the other goes wrong and it leaves Jessamine wondering why she agreed to help Diana and Trenton. But the scariest thing involves a murder that seeks to destroy everything and everyone...maybe even Jessamine.

Amazon

The Eightsby Joanna Miller (April 15, 2025)

In 1920, four young women are allowed to study at the prestigious and exclusive Oxford University. Their arrival is immediately balked at because women weren't traditionally allowed to attend before, but that doesn't completely deter Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto. For them, being on campus is fueled by individual desires that are revealed over time.
As their time on campus ebbs and flows, these young women will discover a tenacity they never knew they had. Not only that, but they'll also forge an incredible sisterhood that gets them through the toughest times of their lives.

Amazon

To Have and Have More by Sanibel (April 15, 2025)

Emery Hooper and Lilah Chang may be Asian students who attend Derrymore Academy, but that's where their similarities end. While the adopted Emery has perfectly assimilated into the culture around her, she finds Lilah to be a cringey representation of Asians. She's also unsure why Lilah is working so hard to be her friend.
But over time, Emery begins to see how much she's subject to covert racism despite being wealthy. It's what eventually unites her and Lilah because they begin to see how much some things can't save you from harmful rhetoric that's ingrained in society.

Amazon

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (April 22, 2025)

Ryan and Lillian Bright may have built their marriage on love, but their secrets eventually tear them apart. It's something their daughter Georgette witnesses, causing her to back away from their once close-knit family. But even her plans are changed when Lillian's secret son appears. This forces Georgette to learn more about her family so she's able to see if love can save everyone.

Amazon

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (April 22, 2025)

Margaret Ryan starts off living a life that every woman dreams of in the 1960s. She has it all — the cushy husband, kids, and comfortable life — and it seems like she's content. However, a perceptive person would be able to pinpoint how unfulfilled she is. It's something she wasn't willing to admit until her new neighbor Charlotte Gustafson moved to Concordia.

Charlotte's mysterious and intriguing, prompting Margaret to start her own book clubwith two other women. Soon, she, Charlotte, Bitsy, and Viv begin meeting to dissect The Feminine Mystique. It's a classic book that begins making them question their suburban lives which opens them up to even more books that help them challenge the status quo.

Though they didn't anticipate this, these four women's friendship becomes a sturdy foundation during the most pivotal year of their lives.

The Best Romance Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Save the Date by Allison Raskin (April 8, 2025)

Couples therapist Emma Moskowitz's life is left in shambles when the abrupt end of her engagement upends her wedding, career, and book plans. As far as her audience knows, she's skilled at matters of the heart so she feels like she's letting everyone down when she comes up short in the romance department.
Unwilling to give up her wedding date, Emma concocts an intriguing plan to find someone who's willing to marry her in the next 6 months. Call it desperate, but sharing her plans online garners a ton of attention that leaves her torn between a podcast produced named Will and the divorced Matt. But, you can't possibly find love that'll stand the test of time in such a short amount of time...right

Amazon

That's What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher (April 15, 2025)

Are you really best friends if your personalities don't differ a little bit? For Serena and Beth, it's amazing they've been able to find things in common because their outlooks aren't similar. Whereas Beth seems to be a walking shell of a person, Serena brazenly lives a full life. But some things just make sense and that sums up their friendship.
One day, Beth makes a shocking revelation that delights Serena because she's been waiting for her friend's sexual desires to be awakened. The latter gets to work helping Beth get comfortable with what she wants and it seems like things are headed in the right direction. But an old crush and a FWB situation confuses both women, leading them to wonder if their friendship will survive.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson are two writers who've been given the opportunity of a lifetime. Nestled away on Little Crescent Island is someone who says they're the great Margaret Ives and she wants to give them a shot at writing her biography. The catch is that only one will win the coveted spot which pits Alice and Hayden against each other.

Both are convinced they have what it takes to win Margaret over, but they soon realize she's sharing different information with them. There's also the realization she's seemingly leaving parts of her story out. But the most tragic part of this little "experiment" is how much electric energy sizzles between them whenever they're around each other.

Amazon

Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (April 29, 2025)

Ofosua Addo thinks she's found the love of her life when she and Cole Drake kiss for the first time, but there's two problems. One, she's an heiress to a vast empire and two, she's supposed to marry someone else her mother approves of. Being a good daughter means forging ahead with her wedding, but it comes crashing down in flames.
On her path to self-love and discovery, Ofosua and Cole cross paths again. This time, they'll have to remember why they fell for each other and if their love can cancel out tradition's strict protocol.

Amazon

Seeing Redby Bailey Hannah (April 29, 2025)

Cassidy Bowman is so serious about being a "good girl" that she has boundaries in place for herself. From refusing to date anyone in Wells Ranch to avoiding flings with strangers, she's been able to adhere to her rules. But a steamy run-in with her ex Chase "Red" Thompson raises the stakes for both of them.

Despite an agreement that they'll only have one fun romp in the sack, an unexpected pregnancy forces them to contend with their choice. For different reasons, their reputations are on the line which forces them to come to terms with the reality of becoming parents. So, Cassidy and Chase decide to be platonic co-parents...except their magnetism keeps pulling them together.

The Best Horror, Mystery & Thriller Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley (April 1, 2025)

Jimmy Baker used to be a famed hockey player, but his career ended when he made a drastic decision. Since then, he's been a Zamboni driver who doesn't make waves in Bitterfrost, Michigan. It's not the life he wanted, but he has no other choice but to atone for his mistake. His days are mostly eventful until he's suddenly accused of a double murder he doesn't remember committing.

With the odds stacked against him, Jimmy will have to figure out what happened and if he's as violent as everyone says he is.

Amazon

Follow Me by Elizabeth Rose Quinn (April 1, 2025)

Adrienne Shaw is positive something foul happened to her twin sister Chiara when the latter vanishes during an influencer trip. Never mind the fact Adrienne never understood her sister's obsession with building a social media presence. It doesn't mean something bad should've happened.

Fed up with everyone's lack of a motive, Adrienne decides to visit the same retreat her sister went to because she's sure she'll find answers to her many questions. For a few days, Adrienne finds herself surrounded by toxic positivity and eyes that tell a different story than smiles do.

Amazon

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh (April 8, 2025)

Claire and Aaron Litvak's worlds come to a halt when they learn their daughter Lindsey's been hurt in China. Not only is she in critical condition, but the unlucky parents begin realizing her life in Shangai might not have been as linear as they thought. The only person who may have an idea of what happened is Lindsey's adopted sister Grace, but can Claire and Aaron piece together the truth before it's too late?

Amazon

The California Dreamers by Amy Mason Doan (April 8, 2025)

The Merrick siblings are used to beautiful California summers because they know they're guaranteed to have fun with their parents. However, a secret picture taken of them begins circulating and it puts them in danger. Years later, the patriarch of the Merrick family is being honored when a nosy journalist finds them and begins poking around their past.
The siblings will have to decide if they're ready to deal with the truth or if they're going to continue burying things like they've always done.

Amazon

Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan (April 15, 2025)

The Evans women are solely responsible for making sure the dead are truly resting in Texas, but things don't always go as planned. For example, Lenore and her granddaughter Luna have to contend with two women in their family who aren't quite ready to go yet — Grace and Ducey. Rattled by this situation, Lenore and Luna team up with the new sheriff to stop victims' lives from being claimed. But they'll unearth even more secrets that are deadlier than the undead's decision to walk about.

Amazon

Ruth Run by Elizabeth Kaufman (April 15, 2025)

Instead of using her intelligence to better the world, Ruth makes her money as a robber who targets banks. In a just a few years, she's managed to steal over $250 million thanks to her cyber smarts. But her clever plan is halted when she triggers an alarm that puts her in danger.
Now considered a high-level threat who could possibly help a government agency, Ruth tries to evade the agents on her trail who don't care how they capture her. It's clear their obsession with her borders other feelings, but Ruth isn't waiting to find out what they are.

Amazon

Coram House by Bailey Seybolt (April 15, 2025)

Young orphan Tommy's disappearance from Coram House in the late 1960s became an unsolved mystery that's haunted Lake Champlain ever since. It's the very case that's could restore true crime journalist Alex Kelley's career, so she jumps at the chance to lend her skills to a book about the orphanage Tommy once lived at. However, the stories surrounding him are complicated. Plus, Alex gets more than she bargained for when she stumbles across a dead woman's body floating in the lake.
She's convinced there's a connection between this and Tommy's case, but officer Russell Parker doesn't take her seriously. But he'll have to because more people are dying and Alex could be next.

Amazon

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (April 29, 2025)

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is supposed to be figuring out why ships keep wrecking in Positano, but she's also curious about what her father saw the last time he dived into the beautiful water. As soon as she arrives in town, strange things begin occurring that she has no explanation for.
The more she digs into her investigation, the more she unearths the chance of something magical at work. Despite one woman's desire to save the people she loves, she could've possibly cursed the Amalfi Curse and it's up to Haven to stop it before everything's ruined.

Amazon

A Campus on Fire by Patrick O'Dowd (April 29, 2025)

Student journalist Tess Azar wants to know why someone was killed in the writing program she's been lucky to be admitted to. As she investigates, she learns that something amiss is going on and it may involve a cult. There's also a growing right-wing group of students that are threatening to create more hysteria.

The Best Fantasy & Romantasy Books Debuting In April

Amazon

The Never List by Jade Presley (April 8, 2025)

The kingdom of Lumathyst may be destroyed soon unless the four immortal god-princes can secure their mate. Unfortunately, none of the women who have come before them have been suitable and they're running out of time. The issue is that the woman they choose will need to become immortal like them, but the process is brutal and doesn't guarantee survival. But Rylee Gray may be their saving grace if they don't uncover what she's hiding.

Amazon

The Raven Scholarby Antonia Hodgson (April 15, 2025)

Orrun has been peaceful ever since Bersun the Brusque ruled over it, but it's time for someone else to ascend the throne. So, everyone who considers themselves worthy begins to compete for the #1 spot because they think they have what it takes. But an untimely murder leaves High Scholar Neema Kraa scrambling to discover the murderer. What she doesn't know is that there are forces who are more than willing to help her and keep her out of harm's way at all costs.

Amazon

Awakenedby A.E. Osworth (April 29, 2025)

Wilder awakes to the realization they're able to decipher all languages. Dealing with confusion, they find safe haven with other witches who have also "awakened" to their hidden abilities. There's:
  • Quibble, a portal traveler
  • Artemis, a caretaker and seer
  • Mary Margaret, a powerful telekinetic individual
As soon as Wilder gets comfortable, something evil in the form of AI threatens everything they and their coven's come to know. Before long, their group has to contend with how much is too much when it comes to magic and artificial intelligence.

The Best Parenting Books Debuting In April

Amazon

Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthoodby Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood (April 1, 2025)

Autors Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood have on thing in common: they're parents of children who have autism. This has united them in more ways than one, leading them to write Autism Out Loud with the goal of sharing their firsthand insights. Readers will learn about everything from the diagnosis process to what it looks like to raise a child who has autism.

Amazon

Three Minutes for Mom: 365 Days of Empowerment, Encouragement, and Growth for a More Connected Motherhood by Erin Morrison (April 8, 2025)

Sometimes moms need a reminder they can have a few minutes to themselves which is why Erin Morrison's compiled Three Minutes for Mom. Each day will feature an opportunity to look at strengths and areas of growth, but readers will also discover boundless encouragement for one of the toughest jobs in the world.

The Best Self-Improvement Books & Inspirational Books Debuting In April 

Amazon

Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedomby Morgan DeBaun (April 1, 2025)

Blavity's founder Morgan DeBaun is here to share her success secrets with you. She built a powerful platform that aims to empower the Black community and knows that it helps to abide by certain principles that'll help propel you towards the career you want to have. Whether it's challenging certain rules or encouraging you to think outside of the box, readers will learn how to live the lives they want.
Be sure to visit Rewrite Your Rules for a robust look at how you can be living your best life!

Amazon

A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Dr. Morgan Cutlip (April 8, 2025)

This one's for all the couples who are still dealing with burnout. Dr. Morgan Cutlip knows there's no such thing as 50/50 in relationships, but that doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. In A Better Share, Dr. Cutlip explores things that affect partners like the mental and emotional load of everyday life. There's also great insight about how libidos are impact when people feel things aren't balanced or "fair." So, buckle up and get ready to transform your relationship.

Amazon

How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously by Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo (April 15, 2025)

Featured in our best podcasts article, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo are back with their first book How to Giggle. Instead of listening to them, readers will have a written account of how these two friends navigate life. From awkward moments to realizing men don't have to be the center of everything, you'll get a kick out of the joyous way they tackle real moments.

Amazon

Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Livesby Jessica Zucker, PhD (April 22, 2025)

After writing the groundbreaking I Had a Miscarriage,Jessica Zucker decided to take things a step further to expound on the many ways girls and women are taught to carry shame. Whether it's navigating body image, sexual harm, or menopause, certain topics are still considered taboo. But in Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives, Zucker's saying the quiet parts out loud.

Without missing a beat, she explains the many ways shame can show up in young girls and women's lives while also sharing helpful insight about how to explore a liberated life. It's empowering no matter what season of life you're in and one that I absolutely recommend!

The Best Cookbooks Debuting In April

Amazon

A Feast of Thorns and Rosesby Chelsea Cole (April 1, 2025)

Can't get enough of ACOTAR? Now you'll get a chance to cook meals inspired by the famous BookTok series! You'll find over 50 recipes that the creatures of Prythian eat (aside from carnivorous moments), that'll make you feel like you have a seat at one of the High Lord's table. Better yet, you'll become a pro at cooking meals that would make them pay you a visit!

Amazon

Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impressby Alix Traeger (April 22, 2025)

Alix Traeger doesn't expect you to be 5-star chef because life's too short for that. However, she does know you're interested in cooking meals that impress your family and friends. Inside of Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress are recipes that even the most hazard-prone cook will find easy to follow. From girl dinner-esque appetizers to evening meals, anyone can have fun with Alix's cookbook!

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This post has been updated.

Many fans believe that Mike White, the mastermind behind the dark comedy-drama The White Lotus, is a genius. He created the gripping TV series, which follows privileged guests as they visit a new luxurious resort location each season and wind up caught in shocking (or even deadly) antics as their picture-perfect lives begin to unravel.

Season 3 is currently underway, but while seven episodes have been released thus far, it remains to be seen what characters will perish by the finale. Plenty of viewers have taken to social media to share their own theories, but some fans are calling attention to possible "Easter eggs," or hidden secret references, that have been right under our noses the whole time.

We're talking about the different books that numerous characters, from Victoria Ratliff to Chelsea and even Laurie, have been reading in the show. Perhaps the plots of each title are telling clues about their fates.

Scroll to see which books The White Lotusseason 3 characters are reading — and what that could mean!

HBO & Amazon

Victoria Ratliff

We simply must begin with Victoria, played by Parker Posey, who couldn't have picked a more fitting book to read: The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The 1922 novel tells the story of a privileged couple named Patch and Gloria who revel in their extravagant 1920s New York lifestyle. However, as their fortune begins to fade, they struggle to adapt, and Patch is led down a path of depression and alcoholism.

In Season 3 of The White Lotus, the Ratliffs start as a wealthy Durham, North Carolina, family, but then Timothy finds out that he's facing financial ruin and possible jail time, which begins to undo his character. The parallels are uncanny.

Amazon & HBO

Belinda

As one of the only two returning characters from Season 2, viewers have been on the edge of their seats watching Belinda grapple with the whole Greg/Gary situation. Still, you might not have noticed that her character was reading the self-help book Surrounded by Narcissists: Or, How to Stop Other People's Egos Ruining Your Life by Thomas Erikson.

You can probably gather from the title that it delves into what drives narcissists and how to deal with them. Given Season 3's themes of spirituality, as well as Belinda's moral struggle over what to do about Greg/Gary, some speculate that perhaps her reading choice is foreshadowing a final showdown where she takes control.

HBO & Amazon

Lochlan Ratliff

Compared to his arguably obnoxious brother, Saxon Ratliff, Lochlan Ratliff, played by Sam Nivola, is a more subdued character. Even so, he was actually seen reading Hunger by Knut Hamsun, which has been called one of the most unsettling novels ever written.

This book follows a young man who wanders the world and is subjected to the silent judgment of others. Still, he continues exposing himself to the outside world, and his own thoughts become a form of self-inflicted torment.

The link between Lochlan and Hunger seems pretty straightforward. He and the protagonist are both searching for their identity, and since Lochlan is part of such a chaotic and critical family, it's understandable why he's struggling.

Amazon & HBO

Laurie

Laurie, played by Carrie Coon, also picked up an extremely appropriate title: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub. It mirrors Laurie's getaway with Jaclyn and Kate, following three lifelong friends as they navigate a summer of change.

In the book, the children of friends Elizabeth, Andrew, and Zoe come of age and entangle themselves in new relationships, which causes long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions to surface.

If Modern Lovers is any indication of what's to come in The White Lotus, it's safe to say that Laurie, Jaclyn, and Kate's bond won't be repaired by the season's end.

HBO & Amazon

Chelsea

Chelsea, played by Aimee Lou Wood, has actually been caught reading two different books this season, including Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron and The Essential Rumi by Jalal Al-Din Rumi.

Both books revolve around themes of spirituality, self-reflection, and inner peace. The former offers self-help advice based on traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings, while the latter is a collection of spiritual short stories.

The real question is, who is Chelsea seeking wisdom for? Is she on her own self-discovery journey, or is she trying to help her boyfriend, Rick? Only time will tell.

Amazon & HBO

Jaclyn Lemon

Last but not least, Jaclyn, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, was spotted reading My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand. In her memoir, Barbra reflects on the defining moments of her career and personal life.

This makes sense because Jaclyn is also an actress who's balancing a high-profile marriage to a fellow actor and confronting the realities of aging in the public eye. Still, it's unclear what My Name Is Barbra is hinting about Jaclyn's fate on The White Lotus, if anything.

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