In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie celebrates Black romance novels with 9 brand new upcoming 2025 releases that promise to make your heart skip a beat. She introduces 'Just Our Luck' by Denise Williams, 'Audra and Bash' by Tia Williams, 'Candidly Yours: Carnival Chronicles' by Reece Ryan, 'The Love Lyric' by Christina Forrest, 'Breakpoint' by Yahrah St. John, 'Losing Sight' by Tati Richardson, 'Frenemies with Benefits' by Cynthia Williams, 'A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke' by Adriana Herrera, and 'The Romance Rivalry' by Susan Lee. Octavia also shares her luxurious self-care rituals, including pairing these reads with gourmet snacks and drinks. Tune in for romance recommendations and self-love inspiration!

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.

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Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

Today's episode is a special one! Tune in for Octavia's list of Top 10 Black Romance Books of 2024! There's more than just romance. There's strong character arcs, cinnamon roll heroes, slow burns, and second chances. What's next on your TBR?

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

Join host Octavia Marie as she takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through the pages of "A Love Like the Sun" by Riss M. Nielson, a captivating romance that explores the delicate transition from friendship to love. The story centers around childhood friends Laniah Thompson and Isaac Jordan, who navigate the complexities of adulthood while rekindling their deep-seated bond amidst personal struggles. Laniah, a dedicated homebody running a natural hair care business with her mother, grapples with financial struggles and health challenges, while Isaac, now a social media sensation, faces the pressures of fame. Their decision to fake a romantic relationship sparks genuine feelings, prompting listeners to reflect on the complexities of relationships transitioning from friendship to romance. With a rich exploration of themes such as grief, resilience, and the impact of the past on present decisions, this engaging discussion resonates deeply, inviting readers to find solace and inspiration in their own love stories.

Listen in while Octavia Marie skillfully unpacks the emotional layers of the story, illustrating how Laniah’s struggles with her family business and health challenges contrast with Isaac’s glamorous yet isolating fame. The podcast dives into the significance of their shared history and how it serves as a foundation for their evolving relationship. Through poignant flashbacks, listeners gain insights into their childhood bonds, which enrich the narrative and elevate the emotional stakes. The episode encourages a deeper understanding of how personal experiences, grief, and the challenges of adulthood shape their journey toward love, making it a relatable exploration of the human condition that resonates with anyone who has navigated the complexities of love and friendship.

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Music credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PROD

A Subito Media production

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

"Culture Lit" spotlights "Curvy Girl Summer" by Danielle Allen, a novel blending humor, romance, and self-discovery. The book follows Aaliyah James, a curvy protagonist navigating love in the digital age.

This engaging episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to celebrate their individuality and approach dating with confidence and humor.

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

Sign up for our newsletter to get even more romance recs and news!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

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Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Visit my bookshop!

The Hiatus is over and I am finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my favorite Black romance authors releases a new novel? One I couldn't put down and read over two days.

Today's show features a deep dive into 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan with themes of self-love, empowerment, and resilience post-divorce.

I discuss how Soledad Barnes overcomes betrayal and divorce to rediscover her worth and power. Emphasizing the importance of self-partnering and setting boundaries, the story takes us on Soledad’s journey toward self-acceptance and her supportive friends' roles in her healing process. 'This Could Be Us' challenges traditional romance narratives by focusing on self-love as the foundation for romantic love and introduces a relatable and realistic love interest, Judah Cross, a single dad of twins with autism.

Through Soledad’s story, I encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and embrace their journey of self-discovery and growth.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Visit my bookshop!

Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there was no diversity in there. None. Zero. I’ve always been thick or curvy my whole life and because of the layers of socioeconomic dynamics, white supremacy, and unrealistic beauty standards we all grew up with, I got stuck in the idea that there’s only one body type that is deserving of love.

How do romantic narratives explore or influence our ideas of which bodies are desirable or deserving of love or romantic partners? And who decides what those desirable bodies look like? Today’s discussion goes deep into what beauty, desire, and attractiveness really is and why black love is so revolutionary. 

I have curated a list of recommendations featuring curvy bodies, chubby bodies, fat bodies, because all bodies are good bodies, and Ms. Fat Booty gets all the happy endings. Find these recommendations and others at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Visit my bookshop!

In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie delves into Tia Williams' enchanting novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. This novel blends contemporary and historical fiction, magical realism, and a captivating love story.

Follow the journey of Ricki Wilde, a free-spirited florist who moves from Atlanta to Harlem to open her dream flower shop, and her magical encounter with musician Ezra Breeze Walker. Themes of family expectations, self-discovery, and timeless love are explored, with a rich historical backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance adding depth. 

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Visit my bookshop!

Celebrating Black Cowboy Romance in Literature

In this episode of the Culture Lit podcast, Octavia Marie delves into the significance of Beyoncé's album 'Cowboy Carter' and its impact on challenging the historically white narratives of cowboy romances in literature. She highlights the importance of Black representation in the cowboy romance genre, acknowledging how the genre has largely overlooked the contributions and stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls. 

Octavia introduces listeners to celebrated Black romance authors like Beverly Jenkins, Rebecca Weatherspoon, and Brenda Jackson, who have enriched the cowboy/western romance genre with their compelling and diverse narratives. 

She recommends books that showcase Black cowboys and cowgirls in love, adventure, and resilience, offering listeners an opportunity to explore black cowboy and cowgirl romance novels that celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes. The episode is a call to action to read with intention and support Black romance authors, ensuring their stories are recognized and valued.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

In this episode I briefly discuss my journey to recovery after cancer, emphasizing ease and self-care in my life. I share how I found solace in Black romance novels during treatment, introducing you to a few more of my favorite reads from 2023.

These books range from modern retellings and essays on Black love to stories that tackle themes like gentrification, race, and second chances. My recommendations include titles like 'Pride and Protest' by Nikki Payne, 'Black Love Matters' edited by Jessica Pryde, and 'Goal' by Alexandria House, among others.

This episode celebrates Black romance literature, offering insights and recommendations to enrich your romance reading experiences

Find these books and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop, supporting independent bookstores.

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. E-mail me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

For more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter via our website www.culturelitpodcast.com!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!

Visit my bookshop!

The Hiatus is over and I finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my fave Black romance authors releases a new novel? One I couldn't put down and read over two days.

Today's show features a deep dive into 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan with themes of self-love, empowerment, and resilience post-divorce.

I discuss how Soledad Barnes overcomes betrayal and divorce to rediscover her worth and power. Emphasizing the importance of self-partnering and setting boundaries, the story takes us on Soledad’s journey toward self-acceptance and the roles her supportive friends play in her healing process. 'This Could Be Us' challenges traditional romance narratives by focusing on self-love as the foundation for romantic love and introduces a relatable and realistic love interest, Judah Cross, a single dad of twins with autism.

Through Soledad’s story, I encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and embrace their journey of self-discovery and growth.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please subscribe the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Visit my bookshop!