Join me as I dive deep into the wonderful world of self-love and empowerment with Jennifer Vassel, author and founder of the inspiring children's brand, I Am Unique! 🌟 Jennifer shares her journey from a life-changing sermon to becoming an Amazon #1 Bestselling author. We talk about how her book I Am Unique! and brand are making waves across the glo…

Tune in as I sit down with acclaimed horror author Sylvester Barzey to delve into Young Blood, the first book in the thrilling Generation Slayer series. In this captivating tale, a vaccine intended to combat a virus unleashes a nightmare, transforming individuals into Creeps, Vamps, and Slayers. We explore themes of representation, spotlighting Bla…

It's the end of another month and it's also Easter. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the latest installment of Rants & Rambles with my sister-friend, C.M. Lockhart! *** Chelsea's socials: Patreon: https://patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Books: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/ Updates: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb YouTube: https://youtube.com/@…

Introvert Leader Terrance Lee returns to Between the Reads with the second book in his Introvert series, The Calm Effect. We dive deep in this one and talk about how being your authentic self boosts your confidence, leveraging your unique strengths, and the power of ACCURATE observation. This is a power-packed episode. Grab your favorite beverage a…

This episode was a little delayed due to some technical issues but better late than never! Grab your favorite beverage and get ready to laugh as Porsha and I dig into her fatal attraction series. We talk about these messy characters, how these stories come to Porsha, and the fact that she still claims she isn't responsible for the chaos in her book…

📚🎙️ Kick back and tune in to the latest episode of 'Rants and Rambles' with Chelsea of Written in Melanin, right here on Between the Reads! 🌟 As we dive into 2024, we're not holding back! Get ready for a no-holds-barred chat about authors respecting the platforms they approach, the wild world of public schools, and a whole lot of hilarious tidbits …

📚 Dive into the heart of Georgia with Rosey Lee's The Gardins of Edin. A tale of sisterhood, legacy, and healing, this debut novel unravels the hidden struggles of the Gardin women. Will they overcome mistrust to preserve their family's legacy? 🌿✨ Join us for an insightful journey! #TheGardinsOfEdin #RoseyLee #SisterhoodStories *** Connect with Ros…

Dive into the soulful realm of Sistah Samurai with Tatiana Obey. A Black female samurai slaying demons with swords & afro picks--this heartfelt tribute to Black women is just what your reading life needs! *** Connect with Tatiana Obey at: https://twitter.com/obeytheauthor https://www.instagram.com/obeytheauthor/ https://www.tatianaobey.com/ Please …

Dive into a world of hidden kingdoms, broken promises, and epic trials with author Jessica Cage and her book, A Corruption of Gilded Ashes. 🌊👑 Join Princess Maluai as she challenges tradition, risking it all to save her dying home from the land Griffins' destructive ways. Will she succeed? Find out in this gripping fantasy tale! *** Connect with Je…

The third Blacktober Reads episode features Ashon Ruffins of Dreadful Times Press. Step into the spine-tingling world of the Uncovered Darkness series where the boundary between sanity and monstrosity blurs. In this first book in the series secrets and darkness entwine in New Orleans as one man's inner demons threaten to consume him and unleash ter…

🌒 Delve into the eerie second installment of #BlacktoberReads. Eleanora is entwined with Azazel by destiny's decree. Yet, as her succubus nature emerges and forbidden yearnings intensify, their bond might be the very spark that ignites the world's end. 🔥🖤📚 *** Learn more about Michelle at: https://michellerlane.com/ https://twitter.com/MichelleRLan…

🖤🎃 Dive into E.M. Lacey's Minor Mischief- a chilling YA anthology where innocence meets the macabre. From lingering grandmas to powerful kisses and vampires in the shadows, these tales will chill your bones and tug at your heart. A must-read this #BlacktoberReads! 🕷️📚 #HorrorBooks #blackwriters #blackhorrorauthors *** Learn more about E.M. Lacey: h…

🌌Move over Sanderson, Jim Wilbourne takes the throne in epic fantasy! 5 realms, dire invasion & the world's fate hang by a thread in 'The Seventh Cadence'!🐉 Magic & rebellion await! 🎙️Dive into chaos & heroism with #BetweenTheReads!🗝️#BlackFantasyWriters #EpicTales✨ *** Learn more about Jim Wilbourne at: https://twitter.com/jimwilbourne https://www…

C.M. Lockhart is back on to discuss We Are Dying Gods! New allies, dark secrets, rebellious gods, and tough choices. Who should the realm REALLY fear – time beings or the gods? And...Y'ALL. Shit ain't what it seems! SPOILERS AHEAD!! You've been WARNED! Tune in to dive DEEP! *** Find out more about Chelsea and how you can support her at: https://pat…

Brittany N. Williams is boldly--and accurately--adding some melanin to the world of Shakespeare with a healthy dose of African Orisha and Fae mixed in. It's Shakespeare's London like you've never read before! Joan Sands isn't just crafting stage blades for The King's Men. With magic coursing through her veins & the Fae stirring trouble, she's about…

I had the privilege of connecting with the remarkable Maryah Greene to discuss her children's book, Good Things. This isn't just any story—it's a powerful tool helping kids navigate through loss and grief. Tune in as we discuss defying stereotypes, talk about family and what that looks like for kids today, and the way she uses plants to meet childr…

I spoke with Christal Holliday-Firmin about her enchanting tale, You Can Have Your Cake And Grandparents Too. This beautiful children's book whirls us into the sweet predicament of a boy with 6 loving grandparents and a looming birthday choice. Christal shares how her son ended up with six grandparents, and the importance of blended-family represen…

It's the end of the month and that means it's time for Rants and Rambles with my good friend Chelsea Lockhart! This is a very special episode of R & R because it is the 150th episode!! WOOOHOOO! I had a live virtual audience to help me celebrate the occasion! It was lots of laughs and talking about how I started and where I am today. Thank you to e…

It's not Tuesday but I'm giving y'all this special episode because there's so much going on that I wanted to talk about it! My good friend Chelsea's having her book launch party tomorrow, August 29th, which is also my birthday. I've got something new going on for Blacktober Reads, and I've got some other good news to share. You'll have to listen to…

It's Tuesday! I had the honor of chatting with the amazing Gin Hammond about her book Returning the Bones. Imagine being in Jim Crow-era Texas, walking in the shoes of a fierce young black medical student, hustling to find her spot in the world. And guess what? This story is woven from Gin's own family history - her aunt, Dr. Carolyn Beatrice Monti…

It's Tuesday! Check this rhyme: If this book series was a coaster, 'Forbidden Twists' it boasts, A wild ride, no doubt, where the thrill never slows, "I survived the ride!" on my tee, it shows, With love forbidden, danger – it's the drama that grows. This episode packed, like a punch it hits, Forbidden love, danger, twists – gotta admit, I'm shouti…

You don’t wanna miss the newest episode of Between the Reads! I sit down with J.R. Mason to unravel the story behind the spine-chilling world of Stolen Pieces. And we also discuss other thangs like how she’s gonna bury her momma and her search for a soul mate. Don’t miss it! *** Learn more about J.R. Mason at https://www.jrenecreative.com/books ***…

It's the last day of the month and that means it's time for some rants and rambles! We're getting real about white supremacy and y'all, it's straight-up exhausting! 😩 But you know what? Knowledge is power, and we're breaking it down with intellect and grace. Also, for the first time this year, I had a live audience contributing to the conversation!…

Step back in time with us as we explore the incredible life of Marie-Louise Christophe, Hayti's first and only Queen! 👑💫 Join me as author Dr. Vanessa Riley takes us on a journey of resilience, political intrigue, and empowerment in her latest book, Queen of Exiles. Get ready for a tale that redefines history and showcases the power of a real-life …

It's the end of June and we are officially halfway through the YEAR, y'all! What?! Chelsea and I are talking and laughing our way through errythang including wardrobes, book mold, questionable writer's retreats, and the Resist Booksellers grand opening! *** *** Find out more about Chelsea and how you can support her at: https://patreon.com/CMLockha…

Y'all ain't ready for this one. Dr. Tahira Chloe Mahdi and I dish the dirt on her page-turning novel filled with unforgettable summer of secrets, mischief, and...redemption?? Get ready to dive into a world of thrilling adventures, tangled relationships, and explosive surprises! *** Learn more about Dr. Tahira Mahdi at https://www.tahirachloemahdi.c…

I had an incredible chat with author Nicole Glover on the latest episode of Between the Reads podcast! 🎙️ We dived into her captivating book, The Conductors, a magical blend of history and fantasy in post-Civil War Philadelphia. And guess what? Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment is teaming up with the Jim Henson Company for a film adaptation…

Get ready for suspense and unexpected turns as I chat with thriller author Bianca Sloane about her novel, And When I Die. We're breaking it down and keeping it real as we dish all the drama about these mommas and their daughters, red herrings that had me side-eyeing errybody, plot twists and...reusing dental floss?? Come and laugh with us! *** Lear…

Get ready, y'all! In the latest episode of Between the Reads, we're diving into the supernatural realm with Black vampires, witches, wolves, and more. These ain't your ordinary vampires, witches, or wolves, honey. It's all about representation as I chat with D.M. Lewry about her debut novel, The Eos Key. Tune in, subscribe, and embrace all this sup…

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant author behind the novel Conquest: Dragon Bones. Tune in as Celeste and I dive into the thrilling world of Jashi Anyua, a young woman forced into an arranged marriage with the powerful leader of her nation. Don't miss out on the fun as we share laughter, and insights and get into a little political comm…

🎧👻 Boo! Get ready for chills & chuckles as we unravel the spooky secrets of #TheSpiteHouse with author Johnny Compton! Join our ghoulishly delightful chat about haunted Masson House, mysterious pasts, & the living facing their own ghosts, while the undead just won't move on. 🏚️📚😱😂 *** Learn more about Johnny and his debut novel, The Spite House at …

Get ready for another hilariously honest installment of Rants & Rambles! Chelsea and I let loose on our low tolerance for BS! We're dishing out some hard truths, cracking jokes, and also giving you our point of view on why Black authors should self-publish. Tune in because this episode is sure to have you laughing along with us! *** Here's the link…

In the latest episode of the Between the Reads podcast, mystery author Cheryl Head discusses her book, Warn Me When It's Time, which tells the story of a hate group responsible for a series of arson fires and robberies at mosques, temples, and black churches in Detroit. When the group's latest attack results in the death of a respected imam, Charli…

In today's episode, I speak with author Jana Jones about her novel, Vivid. This unconventional coming-of-age story follows Sheri Calloway, a mother who seizes the chance to escape generational family trauma in pursuit of a new life in Baltimore. As she navigates the city's beauty and its hidden lead-poisoning crisis, Sheri finds herself battling ag…

In this episode, I speak with author Leslye Penelope about her latest novel, The Monsters We Defy, set in Washington DC during the 1920s shortly after the DC riot of 1919. People are disappearing from an all-Black community in Washington, DC and they all seem to go into a zombie-like trance right before disappearing. Clara Johnson, a woman who can …

Hold onto your hats, folks! In this episode of our podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented author Jean Nicole Rivers to talk about her latest novel, Lies On Bristol Lake. This gripping novel follows Dahlia Dixon, a woman who has been battling with PTSD since a near-death experience in college. After marrying her wealthy boss, Dahlia is tak…

Get ready to have your heart broken, your mind blown, and your jaw on the floor - we're chatting with romance author Mo Flames about all the characters we love to hate in the second book of her trilogy, One Still Ain't Enough. Suspense, murder, betrayal, love triangles, and infidelity. It's all in this episode! Put it in your ears! #HotMessRomance …

Don't miss this! Join me on this latest episode as I dive into the captivating world of In the Upper Country with debut author Kai Thomas. We uncover the lesser-known history of Black Canada, the political landscape of free settlements, and the vital role of land and stories in Black culture. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and relax as we d…

In this edition of Rants and Rambles, Chelsea and I dive into the things that bring us joy and drive us absolutely crazy. It gets pretty hilarious as we talk about needing bail money, who’s gonna get out of jail first, and the fact that one of us can’t fit in the tub. Whether it's a failed attempt at self-care or an unexpected hiccup in our daily r…

In this episode of Between the Reads, I'm thrilled to welcome back romance author D.L. White for the third time! This time, she's here to chat about her newest release, Hey Lover. D.L. White is known for her captivating characters and swoon-worthy romance, and Hey Lover is no exception. We'll be diving into the world of the book, discussing the cha…

Are you underestimating your worth? Are you making yourself small to fit a life -- or people -- that no longer serve you? Today I'm speaking with Cheri Syphax about her book, Second Act. We talk about the things and people she had to let go of and how that made room for the right career-- AND MAN-- to walk into her life. It's all about loving yours…

Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and hold onto your bonnets! We're about to embark on a journey through history with the one and only Beverly Jenkins - the queen of African American historical fiction romance. Get ready for an unforgettable ride filled with laughter, Black history, and a whole lot of love! Ms. Bev edutains with her insig…

Every Black parent has to have "the talk" with their children about how to conduct themselves when dealing with the police. But there aren't any books out there that could be good conversation starters...until now. Brian Buckmire and I talk about his book geared for grades 7-9, Come Home Safe, about two young biracial children navigating their enco…

It's Tuesday and it's also the end of the month so that means it's time for a new series called Rants and Rambles. BTR will close out each month with Chelsea Lockhart and we'll talk about whatever Black bookish things our hearts desire. *** Visit Chelsea at: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/ https://www.melaninlibrary.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@U…

Welcome to season four of Between the Reads! Our first show of the season highlights the work of author A.E. Rooks. We talk about The Black Joke, the most famous member of the British Royal Navy's anti-slavery squadron, and the complexities and politics behind putting an end to the slave trade (which is not to be confused with the end of slavery!).…

Two cousins who have never met in person decided to write some children's books to pass down the stories their grandfather told. In this episode, I speak with Akindele and Nadine about how they met, the history of their ancestors, and how Sierra Leon Folktales came to be. *** Find out more about their children's books at https://sierraleonefolktale…

Supporting Black-owned bookstores is important. Today I'm speaking with Tia Hamilton, owner of Urban Reads bookstore in Baltimore. But she's so much more than just a bookstore owner. Give this episode a listen to see how she's making real change in her community. *** To find out more about Tia, visit her at https://www.oururbanreads.com/ and https:…

Asha The Princess of Matana is a beautiful story about a magical kingdom in Africa and a young princess who must choose between marrying who her parents think she should marry or the young boy who just might be her true prince and help her save the kingdom from a curse. And Disney stole it. Yup. Lenny and I dish the dirt in this episode! * Learn mo…

B.D. Hendrix and I discuss her novel, Heaven Can Wait and the three women who need to figure out what they want from men and life before they push the men who love them away. Extramarital affairs, toxic attachment, and murder. It's all in this episode! *** Grab Bria's book here: https://amzn.to/3GfuI40 Please support this independent podcast. Every…

Happy Halloween! It's the last day of Blacktober Reads and that means you getting this episode a day early! WOOT! Author Candace Nola and I discuss werebears, wendigos, and murder, which are all in this spooky, heartstopping novella, Bishop. This book is the perfect way to wrap up October! * To learn more about Candace, visit her website at https:/…