Check out our interview with Lauren Connolly, the author of "The Monster Hunter's Librarian."

What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?

Before becoming a full-time author I worked as a librarian and often find myself gravitating towards creating librarian characters. When I found myself in the mood to write a fantasy romance this idea started to form of a grand magical library and getting to explore it from the perspective of a newly hired witch. The story spun out from there!

What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?

I think it means reading anything that interests you, even if the world tells you that you shouldn't. Read the banned books. Read the magical smut. Show off those spicy covers, and when someone asks what you're reading tell them with your whole chest. Also challenge yourself to read things you're unsure of. Broaden your mind and worldview. Stories are powerful, and so are you when you read them.

Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books? 

The world is a vast, diverse place, and books are one of the ways we get to explore lives we'd never get a chance to live. The more we learn about others, the more empathy we'll have for our fellow humans. Read widely and find yourself becoming a kinder, more thoughtful person.

Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.

The Monster Hunter's Librarian is a creepy, cozy, magical romp through a sentient library. We get to watch two characters fall in love while also experiencing a world that I hope readers feel is comforting and yet slightly ominous. To keep my creative well full I like to go back and forth between writing contemporary and magical romances. The idea for Bells and Rhett's story came to me when I was in a magical mood, thinking about a library with rooms that constantly shift around and that exists in another dimension.

What can fans expect from your book?

Readers can look forward to a beautiful and mysterious setting, steamy and swoony moments, and a dash of adventure and mystery!

What's up next for you in the bookish world?

In March 2027 I'll have another magical romance coming out - this one has ghost cats.